How to Choose an Electric Guitar Strap

Are you in the market for a strap for your electric guitar? Which one should you choose? Read on to learn how to choose an electric guitar strap. 

If you play the guitar or know someone that does, you need to read up on how to pick the right guitar strap ASAP! Lucky for you, we are talking about this guitar accessory in today’s blog.  

A guitar strap is a musical accessory that attaches to a guitar to stay securely on the guitar player’s body while he or she is performing. When purchasing an electric guitar strap, it is imperative that you pick the right one.

If you don't, you will likely end up being uncomfortable while playing your guitar. Choosing the wrong strap can also cause you to accidentally drop the guitar.

To help you choose the right electric guitar strap for you, we are providing you with a list of factors you should consider prior to buying a guitar strap.

Get ready to have the most functional guitar you’ve ever had!

Electric Guitar Strap Factor #1: The Type of Guitar You Are Using

Three major guitars that you can buy include an acoustic, electric, and bass guitar. An acoustic guitar is a basic guitar that plays music by manually vibrating the strings of the guitar through the air. An electric guitar is a guitar that utilizes technology to convert regular stringing vibrations of a guitar into electrical signals.

Many people use electric guitars to make the sounds of the guitar louder when performing.

A bass guitar is a larger and longer guitar with 4 to 6 strings on it. Bass guitars are much lower in sound than other types.

Bass guitars are also much heavier than the average guitar. Thus, it is best to choose guitar straps that are hefty, thick, and probably leather if you plan to use the straps for a bass.

If you plan to use your guitar strap on an acoustic or electric guitar, you can wear the same size strap. You just need to be aware that electric guitar straps always have two strap buttons on the body of the guitar while acoustic guitars only have one. This means that if you are putting guitar straps on an acoustic guitar, you will have to manually attach the other side of the guitar strap to the neck of the guitar using a string.

The length of a standard guitar strap is between 40 - 60 inches. If you play bass, people suggest that you should wear a strap that is around 70 inches.

When it comes to width, the typical guitar straps are 2 inches on a guitar’s thin side and 4 inches on a guitar’s thick side.

Factor #2: Strap Locks

Like previously stated, acoustic guitars tend to have one lock strap with a leather string that can be tied around the neck of the guitar to make a second lock. This string often falls while one is out and playing his or her guitar. As a result, many guitar players only use guitar button locks or slide in locks.

Button locks are bulky metal strap locks that pop on and off a guitar. Slide-in locks are similar to button locks except they slide into place rather than pop on and off into place.

Factor #3: Money

A budget guitar strap is worth under $30.00. A midrange guitar strap costs between $30 - $70. Premium guitar straps cost $70 plus.

We suggest that you get a midrange guitar strap because it is strong while not being as costly as a premium guitar strap. If you are really on a budget, feel free to get a lower-priced strap, but be aware that it may not last as long.

Factor #4: Material

There are numerous materials that people make guitar straps out of. These materials include leather, nylon, cotton, polypropylene, plastic, hemp, and others. The most common materials used for guitar straps include nylon, cotton, leather, and neoprene and/or memory foam. 

Budget guitar straps tend to be made from nylon, cotton, or cheap leather. Because they are a little more expensive than budget guitar straps, midrange guitar straps have much more long-term value.

Midrange budget straps are also longer, safer, cooler, and more comfortable than their budget-friendly counterparts. Premium guitar straps give you optimal style and comfort.

Factor #5: Customization

To make a guitar strap more personal and distinct, customize it in colors and designs that speak to you. For example, if you play rock music, you may want to wear a black leather guitar strap. If you tend to play love songs, you may want your guitar strap to be red or pink.

Factor #6: Comfort

Like with clothing, it is important to test a guitar strap prior to buying it. That way you will know if you truly are comfortable playing the guitar while wearing the strap or not.

Factor #7: Reviews 

Online reviews are always a great way to see what people think about different guitar straps. If you notice that people think the type of guitar strap you are about to buy is gorgeous and comfortable, buy it. On the flip side, if you notice that everyone says that a guitar strap that you are about to buy is horrible, buy a different one.

Factor #8: Spare Guitar Straps

If you own numerous quality guitar straps, there is no need to buy many more. The number of guitar straps you decide to get is dependent on how often you will be performing.

If you are performing regularly in different styles of clothing, then it may be worth it to buy more guitar straps in different styles and designs. On the other hand, if you rarely perform and you tend to wear the same style of clothes when you do, stick to the straps you have and consider buying one for special occasions.

How Much Are You Willing to Invest in Guitar Straps?

Now that you understand the value of an electric guitar strap, the question becomes how much are you willing to invest in them?

If you are willing to invest as much as possible, there are a plethora of premium budget straps and quality custom boutique straps that you can purchase. If you do not want to spend much money on guitar straps, there are also countless budget-friendly strap options you can buy. 

To learn more about guitar strap graphics and designs, contact us here.