Whether you’re practicing at home, jamming with friends, or hitting the stage for a live gig, a high-quality guitar strap is an essential accessory for any guitar player. While it might not be the most glamorous piece of gear, the Best Guitar Straps are crucial for ensuring comfort, security, and even style while you play. A reliable strap will distribute the weight of your instrument evenly, prevent accidental drops, and allow you to focus solely on your performance.
A guitar strap allows you to comfortably suspend your guitar from your shoulder, promoting an ergonomic playing posture whether you’re standing or sitting. The ideal strap is adjustable to accommodate different playing styles and preferences, from players who prefer a low-slung guitar like Slash to those who position their instrument higher for technical playing, similar to Tom Morello. With a vast selection of materials, widths, and designs available, finding a guitar strap that perfectly matches your needs and personal style is easier than ever.
Choosing from the sheer variety of guitar straps on the market can be overwhelming. If you’re new to guitar straps or simply looking to upgrade, our comprehensive buying guide below provides essential advice and answers frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision. For those ready to explore the top guitar straps available today, continue scrolling to discover our curated product guide.
Best Guitar Straps: Product Guide
Fender Broken-In Leather guitar strap
Best strap overall
1. Fender Broken-In Leather Strap
Material: Cowhide Leather
Width: 2.5 inches
Adjustability: 46” to 54.5” length
Pros:
- Exceptionally Durable
- Ages Beautifully Over Time
- Timeless Style and Comfortable Feel
Cons:
- Not suitable for vegans
For some musicians, a guitar strap is a subtle extension of their instrument – a functional tool that allows them to focus entirely on their music. However, functionality doesn’t preclude elegance. The Fender Broken-In Leather guitar strap embodies this philosophy perfectly, blending understated style with robust performance.
Available in four sophisticated colors—green, brown, black, and tan—this strap exudes a classic aesthetic while promising long-lasting durability. Our hands-on experience reveals that the oiled cowhide leather offers a remarkable softness and comfort right from the start, eliminating the typical break-in period associated with leather straps. The generous adjustability ensures a perfect fit for guitarists of all sizes and playing preferences. For its blend of quality, comfort, and timeless design, the Fender Broken-In Leather strap stands out as the best overall guitar strap on the market today.
Ernie Ball Neoprene Polylock
Best with locks
2. Ernie Ball Neoprene Polylock Strap
Material: Neoprene
Width: 2” or 3”
Adjustability: 46” to 54” length
Pros:
- Supreme Comfort for Long Sessions
- Excellent Value for Money
- Integrated Strap Lock System
Cons:
- Design is purely functional, lacks visual flair
As many musicians can attest, physical comfort becomes increasingly important as playing hours accumulate. While passion may fuel endless practice, neck and shoulder strain can quickly intervene. Ernie Ball addresses this concern head-on with the Neoprene Polylock guitar strap, designed with paramount comfort in mind.
Offered in both 2” and 3” widths, this strap feels akin to playing with a cushioned support. The wide neoprene material evenly distributes the weight of your guitar, minimizing pressure points and maximizing comfort during extended playing sessions. Furthermore, Ernie Ball’s innovative Polylock system provides a secure and hassle-free attachment to your guitar’s strap buttons, eliminating the need for separate strap locks or guitar modifications. For guitarists prioritizing comfort and security, the Ernie Ball Neoprene Polylock strap is an outstanding choice.
Fender Monogrammed guitar strap
Best on a budget
3. Fender Monogrammed Strap
Material: Polyester with Leather Ends
Width: 2”
Adjustability: 44” to 52.5” length
Pros:
- Iconic, Timeless Fender Look
- Unbeatable Affordability
Cons:
- Not the most unique or personalized style
For decades, the Fender Monogrammed guitar strap has been a ubiquitous sight in music stores and on stages worldwide. Its enduring popularity stems from its classic Fender aesthetic and exceptional value. If you’re seeking a reliable and recognizable guitar strap without breaking the bank, the Fender Monogrammed is an excellent option.
Despite its budget-friendly price point, this strap doesn’t compromise on quality where it counts. Fender’s commitment to quality extends to even their most affordable accessories, ensuring durability and dependable performance. While it may not offer the personalized style of boutique straps, the Fender Monogrammed strap provides a touch of ‘90s nostalgia and reliable functionality at a price that’s hard to beat. It’s a solid, no-nonsense choice for any guitarist looking for an affordable and dependable strap.
KLIQ AirCell guitar strap
Best for comfort
4. KLIQ AirCell Guitar Strap
Material: Neoprene
Width: 3”
Adjustability: 46” to 56” length
Pros:
- Unmatched Comfort with AirCell Technology
- Breathable Design for Long Gigs
- Excellent Value for its Comfort Features
Cons:
- Bulky profile might not appeal to all players
The KLIQ AirCell guitar strap distinguishes itself with its innovative AirCell technology. This unique design incorporates air-filled cells on the underside of the strap, creating a cushioning effect that elevates comfort to a new level. If comfort is your top priority, especially when playing heavier guitars for extended periods, the KLIQ AirCell is a standout choice.
The 3” width of the strap works in tandem with the AirCell padding to distribute the weight of your guitar evenly across your shoulder, significantly reducing strain. Beyond weight distribution, the AirCell system also promotes breathability, wicking away moisture and preventing your shoulder from overheating during long practice sessions or performances. The KLIQ AirCell strap offers exceptional comfort and practical features at a competitive price, making it ideal for players who demand the best in ergonomic support.
Coffin Case
Best for extroverts
5. Coffin Case ‘The Count’ Velvet Strap
Material: Red Quilted Velvet, Seatbelt-Quality Webbing
Width: 2”
Adjustability: 40” to 70” length
Pros:
- Bold, Statement-Making Design
- Extravagant “Dracula” Aesthetic
- Extra-Long Adjustability
Cons:
- 2″ width may be less comfortable for heavier guitars
For guitarists who view their strap as an extension of their stage persona, the Coffin Case ‘The Count’ Velvet strap makes an unforgettable statement. Inspired by the opulent interiors of coffins, this strap eschews subtlety in favor of dramatic, macabre flair. If you want to command attention and express a darkly theatrical style, this strap is your perfect accessory.
The quilted red velvet and deep black webbing evoke a luxurious yet gothic aesthetic. While its visual impact is undeniable, the Coffin Case strap is also surprisingly practical. Constructed with durable seatbelt-quality webbing, it provides reliable support, and its generous adjustability, extending up to 70 inches, caters to players who prefer to wear their guitars exceptionally low. This strap is a perfect match for genres like goth, metal, or any musician aiming for a visually arresting stage presence.
Levy
Best for durability
6. Levy’s MS17AIF Suede Guitar Strap
Material: Suede with Leather Applique
Width: 2.5”
Adjustability: 41” to 54” length
Pros:
- Premium Aesthetics and Style
- Built to Last a Lifetime
- Comfortable Suede Feel
Cons:
- Higher price point reflects premium quality
While a guitar strap serves a functional purpose, it can also be an opportunity to add a touch of personal style to your gear. Levy’s MS17AIF Suede guitar strap excels in this regard, blending exceptional durability and comfort with eye-catching design. If you value both longevity and aesthetics in your accessories, Levy’s straps are a worthwhile investment.
Levy’s straps are renowned for their high-quality materials and craftsmanship. The MS17AIF features supple suede and detailed leather applique, creating a strap that is both visually appealing and incredibly durable. While positioned at a higher price point than basic straps, Levy’s straps are built to withstand years of use and will likely outlast many guitars. They represent a commitment to quality and style, ensuring you look as good as you sound for years to come.
Taylor Element Guitar Strap
Best leather strap
7. Taylor Element Guitar Strap
Material: Distressed Leather
Width: 2.5” or 3”
Adjustability: 42.5” to 58.5” length
Pros:
- Exquisite Distressed Leather Appearance
- Comfortable and Supple
- Taylor Quality Assurance
Cons:
- Premium leather comes at a higher cost
Taylor Guitars has earned a stellar reputation in the acoustic guitar world for their exceptional instruments and accessories. The Taylor Element Guitar Strap upholds this standard of quality, offering a premium leather option that combines style, comfort, and durability. If you’re seeking the best in leather guitar straps, particularly to complement a high-end acoustic guitar, the Taylor Element is an excellent choice.
Crafted from multi-layer distressed leather with a tasteful dark brown finish, the Element strap exudes a refined and vintage-inspired aesthetic. Available in 2.5” or 3” widths, these straps are designed for comfort and long-lasting wear. Inspired by Taylor’s acclaimed 800 series guitars, the Element strap features subtle branding details, making it a perfect pairing for Taylor instruments or any guitar where you want to add a touch of sophisticated style.
Levy
Best for amp lovers
8. Levy’s Deluxe Amped Grill Cloth Strap
Material: Leather, Foam Insert, Grill Cloth
Width: 2.5”
Adjustability: 43” to 56” length
Pros:
- Unique Amp-Inspired Design
- Extra Padded Comfort
- Robust Construction
Cons:
- Niche design may not appeal to all guitarists
The Levy’s Deluxe Amped Grill Cloth guitar strap is a nod to classic amplifier aesthetics, making it a standout choice for guitarists who appreciate vintage amp design. If you’re an amp enthusiast or simply want a strap with a distinctive, retro-industrial vibe, this Levy’s strap is worth considering.
The defining feature of this strap is the incorporation of classic grill cloth, reminiscent of iconic amplifiers from a famous brand starting with “F”. This unique design element gives the strap a distinctive, almost industrial feel. Beyond its visual appeal, the strap is well-constructed with a three-piece cut-out design and a foam-padded back, ensuring both comfort and durability. It’s a perfect strap for players who want their accessories to reflect their passion for guitar amps and vintage gear.
Harley Benton Padded Guitar Strap
Best for extra padding
9. Harley Benton Padded Guitar Strap
Material: Leather
Width: 6-8cm
Adjustability: Up to 150cm length
Pros:
- Exceptional Comfort from Extra Padding
- Extremely Affordable
- High-Quality Leather Construction
Cons:
- Exclusively available at Thomann
The Harley Benton Padded Guitar Strap prioritizes comfort above all else. As its name suggests, the key selling point of this strap is its generous padding, designed to alleviate shoulder strain and enhance playing comfort, particularly with heavier guitars. If you’re looking for maximum padding at an affordable price, this Harley Benton strap is a compelling option.
The combination of padding and a wider width (6-8cm) effectively distributes the weight of the guitar, making even heavy instruments feel significantly lighter. Despite its budget-friendly price, the strap is crafted from premium leather, reflecting Harley Benton’s reputation for delivering high-quality gear at accessible prices. While exclusively available through Thomann, the strap’s affordability and comfort make it a worthwhile purchase, even with international shipping considered.
Buying Advice
Cream Gibson Les Paul SG with a brown leather guitar strap
(Image credit: Future)
How to Choose the Best Guitar Strap for You
Selecting the ideal guitar strap is a personal process, as the best choice varies depending on individual needs and preferences. Factors such as player height, preferred guitar position, and guitar weight all play a crucial role in finding the perfect strap. Understanding these elements will guide you towards a strap that enhances your playing experience.
While slinging a guitar low might project a certain image, it can compromise playability, especially for intricate passages, and potentially lead to long-term hand and wrist strain. Longer straps aren’t inherently detrimental, but it’s important to consider the ergonomic implications.
Conversely, shorter guitarists or those who prefer a higher guitar position won’t require excessively long straps. The majority of top-rated guitar straps offer adjustability, allowing you to experiment and discover your optimal playing height. Take the time to adjust your strap and find the setting that feels most comfortable and conducive to your playing style.
If you own a heavier guitar, prioritize straps that are wider or feature substantial padding. Wider straps distribute the instrument’s weight across a larger area, minimizing digging and pressure points. Padded straps further enhance comfort by providing cushioning and shock absorption. Consider the weight of your primary guitar when selecting a strap to ensure optimal comfort during extended playing sessions.
FAQs
Ernie Ball Kashmir collection
(Image credit: Ernie Ball)
Is There a Difference in Guitar Straps?
Yes, significant differences exist between guitar straps, catering to diverse player needs and preferences. Your preferred guitar height while playing is a primary factor influencing strap choice. Taller and larger individuals typically require longer straps, while smaller players can comfortably use shorter ones.
Another critical consideration is the weight of your guitar. A lightweight guitar, like a Squier Stratocaster, can be paired with a thinner strap. However, heavier guitars, such as a Gibson Les Paul, demand wider straps to distribute weight effectively and prevent discomfort or potential shoulder and back issues over time. Selecting the right strap based on your guitar’s weight and your playing style is essential for comfort and long-term playing health.
What is the Best Material for Guitar Straps?
The material composition of a guitar strap significantly impacts its durability, comfort, and performance. Entry-level straps are often crafted from polyester or nylon and may incorporate plastic buckles. While functional, these materials may lack longevity and can be prone to slipping, particularly when playing live and wearing materials like leather jackets, a common choice in rock music.
Higher-end guitar straps utilize materials like leather and neoprene, known for their durability and longevity. Metal buckles are also prevalent in premium straps, enhancing their robustness. Straps in higher price brackets often feature increased padding for enhanced comfort. The best material for your guitar strap depends on your budget, playing environment, and desired balance of durability, comfort, and style.
How Much Should You Spend on a Guitar Strap?
Investing in a quality guitar strap is a wise long-term decision. A well-made strap will endure years of use, providing reliable support and comfort. For gigging musicians, a dependable strap is indispensable, ensuring instrument security and playing comfort during performances. Even for home practice, a quality strap enhances the playing experience and provides better support.
While budget constraints are always a factor, consider a guitar strap as an investment in your playing comfort and instrument safety. If budget is limited, more affordable options like the Ernie Ball PolyPro range offer decent performance. However, if possible, allocating more budget towards leather or wider padded straps will significantly improve your playing experience and provide greater long-term value.
A guitar strap lying on an electric guitar
(Image credit: Future)
How Do I Attach My Strap to My Guitar?
Attaching a guitar strap is a straightforward process. Simply fit the strap ends over the strap buttons located on your guitar’s body. Note that some acoustic guitars may only have one strap button; in such cases, you’ll need to use a piece of thick string or thin rope to secure the strap to the guitar’s headstock, just above the nut. Leather strap ends may require some initial effort to fit over the strap buttons due to their snug fit, which ultimately contributes to a more secure connection.
Many guitarists opt for strap locks for added security, especially for live performances. Strap locks are available in various designs but generally function by attaching to your strap and locking onto specialized strap buttons on your guitar, preventing accidental strap detachment. If you move around actively while playing, strap locks are a worthwhile investment for instrument security.
For deeper insights into our product selection process, explore how we test products in our buyer’s guides.
Are Guitar Straps Adjustable?
Yes, adjustability is a standard feature of virtually all guitar straps. Guitarists have diverse body types and playing preferences regarding guitar height. Regardless of the material—leather, polyester, suede, or others—most guitar straps offer a degree of length adjustment. However, before purchasing, ensure the strap’s length range will accommodate your height and preferred guitar position.
Adjusting strap length is typically simple. Most straps utilize a plastic or metal buckle mechanism that allows you to easily lengthen or shorten the strap by sliding the material through the buckle. Once adjusted, the strap should maintain its set length securely.
Leather and suede straps often employ a different adjustment method, similar to a belt. One strap section features notches, and the other section loops through the desired notch to achieve the preferred length. While slightly more intricate than buckle-based adjustments, it remains a straightforward process.
Safety Tip: When adjusting your guitar strap length, it’s always advisable to do so while seated. This precaution minimizes the risk of accidental drops should the guitar and strap detach during adjustment.
Does Guitar Strap Quality Matter?
Absolutely, the quality of your chosen guitar strap is paramount. Your strap is responsible for both comfort and securely supporting your instrument. Entrusting your valuable guitar to a low-quality strap is risky, as it could fail unexpectedly, potentially resulting in damage to your instrument. Investing in a quality strap provides peace of mind and protects your guitar.
How We Choose the Best Guitar Straps for This Guide
White Fender Telecaster on a carpet next to a colourful guitar strap
(Image credit: Future)
At Guitar World, our team comprises seasoned guitar experts with extensive years of playing and product testing experience. We are deeply immersed in the guitar world, drawing upon our collective knowledge and hands-on experience in live, recording, and rehearsal scenarios to curate our buyer’s guides.
Our selection process for the best guitar straps involves a comprehensive approach. We combine our firsthand product experience with user reviews and testimonials, engaging in thorough discussions with our editorial team to reach a consensus on the top products in each category.
As guitarists ourselves, our primary goal is to assist fellow players in finding the perfect gear to meet their needs. We meticulously consider factors ranging from budget and features to ease of use and durability to compile lists of products that we confidently recommend as the best available in the market.
Learn more about our rating system, our gear selection process, and our detailed testing methodologies.
Why Trust Guitar World?
Beginner playing a Martin acoustic guitar standing up
(Image credit: Future)
☑️ A global audience of 3.8 million guitarists monthly
☑️ 1,200+ reviews on GuitarWorld.com
☑️ 30+ years of product testing at Guitar World
Guitar World has been the leading voice in guitar journalism for over 44 years, establishing itself as the ultimate authority on all things guitar-related. Our magazine and website feature expertly crafted gear round-ups and authoritative, in-depth reviews authored by a team of highly experienced industry professionals.
Since our inaugural print issue in July 1980, Guitar World has captivated guitarists and enthusiasts with engaging lessons, insightful interviews with iconic guitar heroes, and invaluable buying advice for players of all levels.
GuitarWorld.com extends this legacy online, serving as the digital hub for the world’s foremost guitar authorities. The site aggregates content from Guitar World and other respected publications, including Guitarist, Total Guitar, Guitar Techniques, and Bass Player. Reaching over 3.8 million guitarists monthly, GuitarWorld.com is the definitive online destination for guitar aficionados worldwide.
Learn more about the expert authors behind this guide below.
Chris Corfield
Chris Corfield is a seasoned journalist with over 12 years of experience writing for prominent music industry brands, including Orange Amplification, MusicRadar, Guitar World, Total Guitar, and Dawsons Music. Chris is passionate about exploring all facets of music gear, from guitars and synthesizers to microphones and music production hardware.
Chris Barnes
I’m Guitar World’s eCommerce Editor. Beyond testing the latest music gear, my role involves managing over 200 buyer’s guides on the site and assisting guitarists in finding the right gear at the best prices. I’ve been a guitarist for 30 years and a drummer for nearly 20. My 20-year career in the music gear industry includes 7 years as Editor of the UK’s best-selling drum magazine, Rhythm, and 5 years as a freelance music writer, collaborating with leading instrument brands like Boss, Laney, and Roland.
Matt McCracken
Matt is a Junior Deals Writer at Guitar World. He regularly tests and reviews music gear, specializing in guitars, amps, pedals, modelers, and all guitar-related equipment. Responsible for over 60 buying guides, a significant part of his role is helping guitarists discover the best gear deals. Matt’s background includes 5 years in music retail at Dawsons Music and Northwest Guitars and writing for various music publications, including MusicRadar, Guitar Player, Guitar.com, Ultimate Guitar, and Thomann’s t.blog.
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