About guitar straps

A guitar strap has two main qualities which tend to be important to guitar players. First, of course, there is the functional side of a strap. Unless you are someone who is always sitting down when playing, then a guitar strap is an important accessory to have. It ensures that your guitar stays securely in place while you are playing, and also helps alleviate the stress on your shoulder and arm muscles which results from holding the weight of your instrument.

Then there are the aesthetic qualities, which can help complete an aspirational look you are going for, whether it’s influenced by jazz, blues, psych rock, or punk, to name a few. Finding the right guitar strap will help you complete your on-stage persona, which some guitarists claim, helps them play better. You feel good, you play good. Makes sense.

How to choose the right guitar strap for YOU

There are several things to consider when choosing your guitar strap. Building on the qualities outlined above, there are three factors which are most likely to influence your decision; material, length and style. But at the end of the day, your decision will ultimately come down to personal preference. Are you looking for more of a vintage rock look? Then we suggest you look at tweed or cotton options, as they seem to be quite popular for this type of look. More into a look sported by country or folk musicians? Then a class leather guitar strap is probably the right choice for you.

If you’re unphased by the way your guitar strap looks, and are more after functional benefits such as light weight and flexibility, then straps made from nylon or polyester are a safe bet. The length of a guitar strap is another important thing to consider. For example, if you prefer to play your guitar at arms length then you will want to get a longer strap which can accommodate your reach and playing style. If you prefer to hold and play your guitar nice and high, near your shoulder, then a shorter strap will do the trick. If your preference lies in between long and short, or you like to switch things up based on where and what you’re playing, then there are adjustable guitar straps that would be perfect for you, as they allow you to customise their length. If you play a really heavy guitar, and comfort is your main concern, then consider getting a padded, wider guitar strap which will allow you to play for long periods of time without the strap cutting your arm off. Other materials out there are velvet, suede, or even more experimental materials such as vinyl, each with their own benefits when it comes to functionality and style, so it really comes down to what YOU like.