18 Best Guitar Straps in 2024 (All Price Ranges)

If you have recently bought a new guitar, you will want to get a great guitar strap to go with it. Guitar straps are necessary for playing guitar while standing and they also provide an attractive look that is important to many guitarists.

As soon as you start looking for guitar straps, you will see there is a wide variety to choose from and they range greatly in price. You may be tempted to go for an inexpensive strap, but will you be skimping on quality?

Our team at Guitar Lobby has owned and tested dozens of guitar straps over the years, and in this article, we’ll be jumping right into reviews of our favorite straps at each price point. If you want to learn more about straps before seeing the list, this link will take you to the guitar strap information guide at the bottom of the page.

Here Are the Best Guitar Straps on the Market Right Now

1. Fender Broken in Leather Guitar Strap (Best Value)

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Estimated Price	$35
Material	Leather
Width	2 ½”
Length	Adjustable from 46-54.5”

My Review: Fender is known for making one of the best guitars around so it should come as no surprise that they also make a terrific guitar strap. This strap’s great classic style, durability, high build quality, and comfort make it one of our top choices.

The strap is made of an oil slick cowhide leather that gives it a glossy finish and a super-soft feel. It is available in black, green brown, and tan. At 2.5” inches wide, it is neither too thick nor too thin. It adjusts from 46” to 54.5” so it is sure to accommodate most guitarists. It has a three-piece cut out design and ladder pull through that makes for easy adjustment. Its stand-out feature is its material because this is what makes it so comfortable and it also provides a classic look. Surprisingly, a guitar strap made of such high-end material is available at such a low price. The strap is made in Canada.

The Fender Broken-in Leather Strap has the comfort and durability that makes it perfect for any guitarist. However, because it has a toned-down look, those that want to be super stylish onstage may want to go for something flashier.

This guitar strap may not have the most unique look, but it’s certainly comfortable and dependable. And at that price point, you really can’t go wrong. I personally used this strap for years and I highly recommend it.

2. KLIQ Air Cell Guitar Strap (Most Comfortable)

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Estimated Price	$45
Material	Neoprene
Width	3”
Length	Adjustable from 46-54”

My Review: The KLIQ Air Cell Guitar Strap is without a doubt one of the most comfortable guitar straps I’ve ever owned. The Air Cell is so named because the strap features air-filled cells embedded in the neoprene fabric, which is a major reason why it’s so comfortable.

It adjusts from 46 to 54” making it the perfect size for any guitarist. It has a sliding adjuster, however, the adjuster runs over only the smooth narrow backside of the strap making it easy to use. It is 3” wide making it the perfect width for distributing the weight of your guitar without being overly bulky. The neoprene is also moisture-wicking so it wicks away sweat and allows the skin to breathe. The air cells give the strap a unique look that somewhat resembles studs so it is fashionable and its durable design makes it built to last.

The strap has a stylish look, is comfortable, and it’s built to last. The strap is really ideal for any guitarist, especially those playing a heavy guitar and want some extra comfort. The only real downside is that the strap is a little bulkier than some of the others on this list.

The KLIQ Air Cell’s comfort and moisture-wicking properties set it apart as a sensible choice for any guitar player. Although it’s not the most glamourous, it’s affordable, has terrific features, and durability makes it a smart purchase. Due to its padding and comfort, I’d also say this is one of the best bass guitar straps you can buy. Of all of the guitar straps I’ve tested, this one was the most comfortable.

3. Levy’s Deluxe Amped Grill Cloth Guitar Strap (Best Overall)

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Estimated Price	$55
Material	Leather
Width	2 ½”
Length	Adjustable from 43-56”

My Review: This strap is perfect for most guitarists. It has a terrific unisex look and an attractive appearance that is not overly flashy. Its classic style means it will be perfect for guitarists who play any kind of music. The fact that it is comfortable and easy to adjust also puts it over the top.

It’s surprising that a strap like this, which is attractive, durable, and made of high-quality material is available for such a low price point. It’s a great all-around Canadian-made strap that any guitarist can appreciate. There is no doubt, Levy’s makes some of the very best leather guitar straps available.

This strap has the Levy’s name so there’s no doubt it will be stylish and well-constructed. It’s made of high-quality leather and has a foam insert at the shoulder for added comfort. It’s available in several colors including red, white, and black and it has a silver face cloth embedded which gives it a terrific industrial look.

The strap is 2 ½ inches in width, not too thick or too thin. You can adjust it from 43” to 56” making it the perfect size for most guitarists. It is 2-ply and it has reinforced stitching to provide extra durability so it can last so years. It has a 3-piece cut out design and a ladder style feedthrough that makes it easy to adjust. It is available in the following color combinations:

• Black on black
• Black silver and gold
• Black and gold
• Burgundy and silver
• Red and silver
• White and blue

4. Ernie Ball Neoprene Poly-lock Guitar Strap (Best Under $40)

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Estimated Price	$35
Material	Neoprene
Width	2 and 3”
Length	Adjustable from 46-54”

My Review: This strap is another one that’s nothing flashing but great looking nonetheless. It has strap locks and is made of comfortable neoprene material and it comes in a variety of widths. Some say it’s like playing with a pillow under the strap. This is enough to make it a favorite for many guitarists.

The guitar strap is easy to install and there is no need for modification. Just put the knob on the guitar in the wide part of the lock and slide it into place. It locks in securely so you feel confident your guitar is not going anywhere. It is made of a soft, neoprene material that makes it exceptionally comfortable. It adjusts from 46 – 54” making it the perfect length for most guitarists. It comes in 2” and 3” widths so guitarists can choose which option is most suited to their needs. It is recommended for guitarists who suffer from chronic pain, aches, and ailments.

The fact that this strap is comfortable and durable makes it a smart choice for most guitarists. Overall, this guitar is a sensible choice and it’s reasonably priced, especially considering you don’t need to invest in strap locks. Few guitarists will be disappointed with this purchase.

5. DiMarzio John Petrucci Clip Lock Guitar Strap (Best Under $30)

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Estimated Price	$30
Material	Nylon
Width	2 ½”
Length	Adjustable from 38.75-58.5”

My Review: This strap has been voted a favorite by legendary guitar players such as John Petrucci and Steve Vai so that alone tells you that you really can’t go wrong when you invest in this baby. It is conveniently designed to make guitar switching easy. Its quick-release clips make it so you can take off your guitar in one swift motion and change it with another while on stage. However, in order to use it, you will have to replace the guitar buttons on your guitars with Clip lock fasteners that screw in place. These fasteners double as guitar locks to keep your guitar in place. If you do not have these fasteners on your guitar, you will not be able to use the guitar with the strap. I switched a couple of my guitars over to this strap when I was testing strap locks on other guitars and never took it off. I absolutely fell in love with it. The width is comfortable and all of the parts and materials its made of look and feel very high quality.

The strap’s innovative design makes it a favorite for professional guitarists, but more than that, it is also made of a durable and comfortable nylon seat belt material. It adjusts from 38.75” to 58.5” assuring it is the perfect length for any guitarist. It is 2” wide so it provides the right amount of support without added bulk. It comes in a wide variety of colors including red and black and it features the John Petrucci logo on the front strap end.

Although the guitar has a convenient design, I wouldn’t recommend it for amateur guitar players who don’t switch guitars often during their sets. In order to use the straps, guitarists will need to outfit all their guitars with Clip lock fasteners. This will take a lot of effort and it can get expensive. It also will make it difficult for you to use the guitars you alter with other straps.

But don’t get me wrong. These straps did make our ‘best of’ list for a reason. Their ‘easy transition’ design makes them one to watch. However, if you are not a professional guitarist, it may not be worth your time and effort to add the cliplocks to every guitar.

6. Fender Monogrammed Guitar Strap (Best Cheap)

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Estimated Price	$10
Material	Polyester
Width	2”
Length	Adjustable from 36-70”

My Review: This is a great guitar strap for those on a lower budget. I guess it’s almost like Fender is paying you for advertising their product (ha, ha) but in return, you get a pretty high-quality strap for not a lot of money. It’s designed with the Fender logo and it will run you only about $10 although some might feel better knowing that its original list price was closer to $20.

The strap is made of a durable polyester material with faux leather ends. It has a 2” width so it provides a standard amount of support without being overly bulky. Since the strap first came out, Fender has added improvements increasing the strap length so it is now adjustable from 36 – 70” inches. (It was previously 42 – 55”). They also added padding for additional comfort. The strap is available in a variety of colors including red, white and blue, black, yellow brown and black, light gray and blue combinations. It’s likely that if you have hung around on the music scene long enough, you’ve seen other players wearing this one. It’s a pretty popular model!

Even though the strap features the Fender logo and is available in a variety of colors, it is not overly flashy. It is perfect for the serious guitarist who’s really into the Fender brand. In fact, I wouldn’t recommend wearing it if you play a Gibson, Jackson, or really any guitar that is not a Fender!

This certainly isn’t the ultimate guitar strap but it’s good for those on a low budget or those looking for a backup strap. It’s kind of like one of those ‘oh shoot, I forgot my guitar strap and I’m on my way to a gig so I’m running through a guitar store kind of strap, but then you realize it’s actually better than you expected it would be! After testing dozens of guitar straps, I can say its going to be tough to beat the value of a strap like this if you’re looking for something that’s cheap yet still comfortable. This is easily one of the best cheap guitar straps you’ll find.

7. Levy’s MS17AIF Suede Guitar Strap

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Estimated Price	$150
Material	Suede
Width	2 ½”
Length	Adjustable from 41-54”

My Review: This is the most expensive guitar strap on the list yet and that’s partly due to its stand-out looks. It has a Native American style, fringes and it’s made of high-end suede material. But does this strap also have the practicality and durability that makes it worth its price tag?

The strap is 2 ½ inches in thickness which is an excellent compromise when it comes to providing style and support. It is adjustable from 41” to 54” so guitarists won’t have trouble finding the perfect length. It has a ladder feedthrough that makes adjustment easy and its suede backing will keep the strap from sliding around when you’re wearing it onstage. The reinforced stitching and bolstered core prevents stretching in the pinholes and adjustment points and ensures durability. Now let’s talk about those stunning looks… it is suede with leather appliques featuring a dream catcher embroidered design and it is adorned with fringes.

This strap is terrific for guitarists who like to look flashy onstage. However, it’s muted look makes it more suitable for country and folk singers than over the top rock stars… in my opinion anyway! Despite its terrific look, it also has plenty of features that make it durable and high quality. However, because it is made of suede and has embellishments you must be prepared to take extra care of this one. In other words, don’t put it anywhere near the drummer!

If you have the money to spend and are ready to devote some time to maintaining this strap, go for it. It’s a beautiful piece of art.

8. Taylor Wings Guitar Strap

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Estimated Price	$150
Material	Leather
Width	2 ½ and 3”
Length	Adjustable from 42.5 – 58.5”

My Review: Taylor is one of the top names in acoustic guitars so it should come as no surprise that they make one of the finest guitar straps around. This one has the tell-tale string running through one side of the end holes so you know it’s made for an acoustic. It also prices at the higher end of the spectrum. Let’s find out if it’s worth the money!

The strap has a classic look that will look perfect around the neck of any acoustic guitar player. It’s made of a dark brown distressed leather that is sure to withstand the test of time. And the fact that it is already distressed means it will only get better looking with age. It has a ladder pull through for easy adjustment and it also has three eyelets on the bottom so you can adjust the size that way as well. It adjusts from 42.5 to 58.5” and it comes in two widths, 2.5” and 3”. It is double stitched for extra durability and padded for comfort. It has the Taylor logo embossed into one of the ends.

Acoustic guitar players tend to have a more toned-down look and this strap complements that style perfectly. It’s priced higher than most guitar straps but it’s a good investment for guitarists looking for their ‘forever straps’. It has the durability and versatile features that mean it will stand up to the test of time. If you’re an acoustic guitar player who’s ready to get serious about a guitar strap, this is one of the best acoustic guitar straps you’ll see.

9. BestSounds Checkerboard Guitar Strap

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Estimated Price	$15
Material	Polyester
Width	2”
Length	Adjustable from 41-67”

My Review: This is a perfect beginner guitar strap but there’s no reason why more advanced players can’t use it as well. It’s got a fun design and its soft material makes it super comfortable. It’s a popular strap that you are bound to see a lot if you hang around the music scene and rock schools in particular.

It’s made of a soft polyester material that has a bit of stretch to it and it has faux leather ends. It’s very breathable so it feels good on the skin. It’s also easy to clean. It’s adjustable from 41” to 67” so it will fit most players and it has a 2” width. It has a pull-through adjustment that is easy to use considering the material is soft and slippery. It comes in a variety of colors paired with black. Black and white, black and pink, black and red, and black and green checkerboard are just some of the combinations you can choose from. It is embossed with the ‘Best Sounds’ logo on the front end.

This strap is perfect for any guitarist and it has a unisex look that makes it suitable for men, women, and children. It is comfortable and affordable and its design is unique yet not overly flashy. Just beware that this is a popular choice for younger guitarists so hopefully you won’t be too disappointed to find your ten-year-old cousin who just started playing has the same strap! Other than that, it’s reasonably priced and highly recommended.

10. LM Products Odin Series Viking Leather Guitar Strap

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Estimated Price	$45
Material	Leather
Width	2 ½”
Length	Adjustable from 47-61”

My Review: They don’t call this strap a Viking leather strap for no reason. This strap is made to endure the test of time and its Nordic looks put it over the top. Made in the USA, this is another example of one of the best leather guitar straps money can buy.

The strap is made by LM Products, a company that prides itself on craftsmanship. Every product they make is created by talented leatherworkers in Anderson, Indiana. The material it is made of is described as ‘indestructible belt weight’ leather. It is adorned with antiqued brass rivets and solid brass rings that give it a rugged yet classic look. It is available in black and brown. It is adjustable from 47” to 61” and has a strap width of 2.5”. It has a pull-through adjusting buckle. It is easy to imagine this strap being worn by the Norse god himself, you know, if he played guitar.

This strap is described as an Odin Viking Leather Strap so you might imagine it to be best suited to beefy guitarists who play Viking metal. And while it might be the perfect strap for those who fit that description, it has a toned-down, elegant design that gives it a classic look that works well for most guitarists. It is even suitable for women.

This guitar strap has a great classic look, it’s durable, comfortable and it ticks off all the boxes when it comes to length and width. It is reasonably priced and it comes with the promise of being indestructible. With that in mind, it could be the best investment you’ll ever make.

11. Gibson Lightning Bolt Guitar Strap

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Estimated Price	$20
Material	Nylon
Width	2”
Length	Adjustable from 37-57”

My Review: This guitar strap has a flashy look that gives it a great onstage style. And with the Gibson brand name, you really can’t go wrong. It’s a best seller you will want to grab if you’re lucky enough to find one on the market.

The strap is made of a comfortable nylon material and it has faux leather ends with double-stitched reinforcement. It has a plastic slide through adjustment and it can be adjusted from 37” to 57”. It has a width of 2”. The strap comes in red and black and features a white lightning bolt going down the front. The front end is embossed with the Gibson logo.

This strap definitely has a glamorous look so it is recommended for players who have an over the top style. It is very reminiscent of the rock band Kiss so be prepared for people to compare you to Ace Frehley if you wear it on stage. It may not last forever, but it will provide you with a few years of life making it well worth the price.

Put this strap on and get ready to head off in your space ship.

12. Fender Deluxe Vintage Strap

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Estimated Price	$20
Material	Leather
Width	1/4”
Length	Adjustable from 41-70”

My Review: At ¼” in width, this is by far the thinnest strap we have featured in the article so far. Most guitarists might think such a thin strap will dig into their shoulder, but this one has a piece that widens around the shoulder area to prevent it from doing so. Let’s see what else this snazzy strap offers.

The strap has been updated from Fender’s original Deluxe Vintage Strap but an extra thick shoulder pad was added to provide additional comfort. The padding slides around on the thin strap so you can put it exactly where you need it. It then holds in place with a classic Fender buckle. Although the strap is only ¼” thick, the shoulder padding has a width of 2”. It is extra-long adjusting from 41” to 70” and it comes in both black and neutral colors. And with the Fender name, you know you are buying a quality product.

The fact that the strap is so thin gives it a classic look that makes it suitable for guitarists of all styles. In fact, even the most glam guitarists may appreciate how it does not interfere with the line of their outfits. However, the skinny design makes it perfect for those who play new wave or rockabilly.

If you are looking for a guitar strap you can count on that goes with just about any style of clothes or music, this is one to watch. It is affordably priced and comes with the Fender name so you really can’t go wrong.

13. Dunlop Jimi Hendrix Festival Strap

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Estimated Price	$20
Material	Woven Fabric with Leather Ends
Width	2”
Length	Adjustable from 37-61”

My Review: With all the festivals going on, the spirit of Woodstock has definitely returned. And what better way to honor that memory than with this Hendrix inspired strap? The strap features a brightly colored woven print but there is more to it than looks alone.

The strap is part of the Dunlop strap collection. The fabrics, patterns and stitching on the straps in this series pay tribute to Jimi Hendrix who is celebrated as being one of the most influential guitarists in the world. They are inspired by the clothing he wore and the artwork used on his posters and albums. The line is approved by the Authentic Hendrix corporation. This strap, in particular, is a direct recreation of the strap Hendrix wore onstage for his 1969 Woodstock appearance. It’s made of a Jacquard woven fabric and it has genuine leather ends. It adjusts from 37” to 61” and it is 2” wide.

This strap is a tribute to Hendrix, a guitar player who influenced just about everyone from metal players to jazz players and so on. However, the strap itself has a somewhat hippie-chic appearance that makes it suitable for those who play folk or psychedelic music. Beyond that, it is well made, affordable durable and it adjusts to various lengths making it a great find to anyone with a grassroots aesthetic. Buy this strap to look like Hendrix, then work on playing like him!

14. PU Leather Western Vintage Guitar Strap

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Estimated Price	$15
Material	PU Leather
Width	2”
Length	Adjustable from 37-62”

My Review: This guitar strap is one that is suited for the Man in Black himself, yet the subtle and versatile design makes it one that just about anyone can wear. It’s attractive, affordably priced, and well made. Here are some other reasons to consider buying it.

The strap features a black on black, floral, engraved pattern. It is made of PU leather throughout but its ends are made of authentic leather. The PU leather is soft to provide comfort in the shoulder area while the authentic leather provides the durability you need to keep your guitar from falling off. The PU also helps to keep the price point down. The strap adjusts from 37” to 62” ensuring it will fit most guitar players and it has a reasonable width of 2”. It has a slide through an adjuster that provides ease of use. The end is equipped with a string so it will work with both acoustic and electric guitars as well as basses.

The strap is described as having a vintage western look so it is recommended for country players. However, the design is so subtle, and with the black on black color, I can see this on guitarists of any genre. It is attractive and fashionable without being overly flashy and its pattern makes it suitable for men and women alike.

If you are looking for a reasonably priced strap that is good looking and of decent quality, this is definitely one to consider. It might not last forever, but it will provide a few years of solid playmaking it well worth the money.

15. TimbreGear Woven Acoustic Guitar Strap

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Estimated Price	$20
Material	Leather
Width	2”
Length	Adjustable from 40-62”

My Review: Acoustic guitar players may have found their dream strap in this one. It has a gorgeous design and features that make it well worth the money. Read on to find out about all its bells and whistles.

The first thing guitar players will want to note is the genuine leather strap button that fastens under the strings on top of the fretboard. This lets the wearer adjust their guitar perfectly. It also has a conveniently located and easy to access pocket for picks and best of all, it comes with strap locks. That alone makes it worth the price of admission. The strap is made of a soft cotton and it has genuine leather ends that are guaranteed to keep your guitar secure. It adjusts from 40” to 62” and it has a 2” width. Its stitching is highly detailed providing a colorful floral pattern.

This guitar is a great choice for acoustic guitar players. However, it does have a folksy print that does not make it suitable for those that play heavier music. So, if your whipping out an acoustic for the beginning of that metal ballad, you might want to opt for something a bit more glamorous!

However, if you’re looking for a comfortable, durable strap that is reasonably priced, this one is well worth the money. Unlike many straps with comparable price tags, I see the potential for this one to withstand the test of time.

16. Fender Vintage Tweed Guitar Strap

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Estimated Price	$15
Material	Polyester and Spandex
Width	2”
Length	Adjustable from 44-49.5”

My Review: I love the slightly nerdy vintage look of this guitar strap. I definitely see this as a great choice for Rivers Cuomo (Weezer) fans. But believe me when I say that is not the only reason why this strap made our list.

The tweed has a great cream and yellow color combination. It is made of a polyester spandex blend that makes it lightweight and durable. It has an unnoticeable webbing on the back that works as a barrier between the strap and the skin to prevent sliding. It has genuine leather ends that will keep your guitar in place. The ends also feature the classic Fender ‘F’; however, this strap is not a Fender product, it is only Fender inspired. Therefore, you should not expect the Fender level of quality. In spite of that, the strap holds its own as being a recommended product. One drawback is that it adjusts only from 44” to 49.5” which may be problematic for some guitarists. It is 2” in width and it is made in Canada.

This guitar strap is terrific for anyone who loves the vintage look such as rockabilly players and some punk rockers. It is comfortable and attractive and its genuine leather ends attest to its durability. However, its limited adjustable range means it will not be suited to very short or very tall guitarists.

This one still makes our list for its comfort, durability, great looks, and affordable price.

17. Levi’s Leathers M17-DBR Guitar Strap

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Estimated Price	$35
Material	Leather
Width	2 ½”
Length	Adjustable from 41-55”

My Review: This strap has an effortless look that makes it a great choice for just about any guitarist. It is high quality and comfortable and durable. Made by the Levi’s jeans company, it provides a fashionable look and unquestionable reliability.

The strap is made of a genuine distressed vegetable-tanned leather. Its pre-distressed state means you don’t have to worry too much about wear and tear. The leather material provides some grip to keep the strap in place while on stage. The leather is stiff but it is extremely durable and will become broken in time. The strap has feed-through ladder style adjustability that ranges from 14” to 55” and with a 2 ½” width, it provides support without any unwanted bulkiness. It has a classic look with an engraved Levi’s ‘L’ on the front end. It is made in Canada.

This strap has a timeless appearance that makes it perfect for any guitar player. However, those who prefer a flashier style may want something with more of a unique look. Another drawback for some could be the fact that the leather is stiff at first. Although it will break in over time, those with sensitive skin may experience short term discomfort that will make them unhappy with the purchase.

The strap has its drawbacks but, overall, it’s a durable and attractive product that will endure the test of time. Its reasonable price makes it a purchase worth making.

18. The Count Velvet Guitar Strap

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Estimated Price	$25
Material	Velvet
Width	2”
Length	Adjustable from 40-70”

My Review: Coffin Case is a brand known for making coffin-shaped guitar cases and other accessories. This strap is clearly inspired by their cases as it is made of a red velvet reminiscent of the interior of a coffin. The brand appeals to musicians who play a darker style of music.

Although the strap has an attractive appearance and is made of velvet, it is surprisingly durable. The high-quality velvet features criss-cross stitching and is accompanied by a seatbelt quality webbing that makes it sturdy enough to take a beating. The tips are made of a faux leather material. This may make it a bit difficult to get guitar knobs through and it also may wear down over time. The strap adjusts from 40” to 70” and it is 2” thick. The fact that it adjusts to 70” makes it ideal for those tall players who like to play their guitars low, another commonality among musicians with a dark image. Unlike the other brands that have a ladder adjustment, this one has a slide through clip that may be a little hard to deal with. It could also wear on the velvet after a few adjustments.

The strap is quite attractive and the fact that it has a distinctly goth look makes it perfect for those who play music like goth, industrial, and metal. However, it is not as suited to those who play more mainstream music. It also might not appeal to musicians who do not enjoy frivolity in their onstage looks.

This strap is not perfect but it’s an attractive and comfortable strap that you will probably get many years of use out of it. Considering the price, I’d say that’s a hell of a bargain!

What to Look for in a Guitar Strap (Buying Guide)

There are many things to consider when you are shopping for a guitar strap. Here are some things you will want to look out for.

Use: Guitar straps can be used on three types of guitars; bass guitars, acoustic guitars and electric guitars.

Bass guitars and electric guitars use the exact same type of strap. These straps have ends that attach to a knob at the tail of your guitar as well as another knob that is located where the neck of the guitar meets the body.

Acoustic guitar straps will only attach to the tail of your guitar. You will need a string to attach it to the place where the neck meets the body. It can also be strung to the top of the guitar neck.

Note, acoustic guitar straps can also be used for ukuleles. However, many find guitar straps too thick for ukuleles. Those people may be more interested in purchasing thinner straps that are specially made for ukuleles.

In any case, it’s important to buy a strap that is designed for your guitar.

Material: For the most part, guitar straps can be made of four different materials which are as follows:

• Nylon
• Cotton
• Leather
• Neoprene and/or memory foam

Material is important on so many levels. For one, some materials will be more comfortable than others. This is very important because if you are standing with your guitar for long periods of time, the strap will start to cut into your shoulder area. Therefore, you will want to opt for a material that is as comfortable as possible.

There is no hard and fast rule as to which of these materials will be the most comfortable as they all vary depending on the types they are and the blends they are made of. For instance, a soft leather may be instantly comfortable while a harder leather may take a while to break in.

Nylon tends to be stretchy and soft but it can also be overly stretchy and bend out of shape.

Cotton is also unpredictable as some blends are softer than others.

Memory foam, on the other hand, seems to be a pretty safe bet although it tends to be more expensive than some other materials.

Note, some guitar straps have padding or fur under the strap which increases the comfort level.

The material will also play a part in the durability of the strap. I’ve seen straps made of all of these materials hold up for a long time and I’ve seen others fall apart instantly. Again, it all depends on the quality of the material it is made out of.

Genuine leather and neoprene and/or memory foam are safe bets when it comes to durability but one thing to be aware of in all models is embellishments. If your strap has studs, gems, sequins, or any type of similar decoration, it might fall off ruining the look of your strap.

The material you use will also affect the look of your guitar strap, but let’s leave that for another section.

Adjustable: Guitarists are different shapes and sizes and some like to wear their guitars higher or lower than others. It is for this reason that guitar straps are adjustable.

Most guitar straps adjust between 40 to 60 inches making them the perfect length for just about anyone. However, there are also extra-long straps that are perfect for tall guitarists who like to wear their guitars extra low.

In any case, before buying a guitar strap, it’s important to make sure it will adjust to a length that is comfortable for you.

You will also want to double-check how it adjusts. For the most part, adjusting a guitar strap will require you to manipulate the material through slots to make it shorter or longer. This is easier to do with some straps than with others so be sure they strap you choose has easy adjustment.

Width: The thickness of the strap is another thing to look for. In general, straps usually range from 2-4” in width but there are thicker and thinner ones available.

Most people prefer thick straps because they help distribute the weight of the guitar more evenly. They also don’t pinch into the skin as much as a thinner strap might.

However, some people find thick straps overly bulky and they also do not like the way they affect their appearance on stage. For these individuals, a thinner strap will be a better option.

Locking Mechanism: Guitar straps connect to guitars with little knobs called strap buttons that are located on either side of the guitar’s body. The straps have little holes in them that go over these knobs to put the strap on the guitar.

Over time, the holes become stretched out and the knobs can slip out. If this happens when you are playing guitar, not only can it interrupt your performance, it can cause severe damage to your guitar.

The first thing you will want to do is look at the material surrounding the hole that connects the strap onto your guitar. If it doesn’t seem durable and strong, it will be more likely to cause your guitar to slip out or it may disintegrate completely. This will also be extremely bad news if it happens while you are on stage.

To avoid having to worry about guitars falling out of their strap holes while they are on stage, many players play with strap locks. Strap locks go over the button after the strap is in place to keep it from falling off.

Some guitar straps come with their own strap locks. Although this tends to bring the price of the strap up, it also saves you money on having to buy strap locks somewhere down the line.

It is for this reason that guitar straps with strap locks built-in are good to have. However, you will also want to make sure the strap locks that are included with the strap are durable and high quality.

Look: Some people might not care too much about the look of their guitar strap but music and fashion have always been tied together. When you’re on stage, your guitar strap will be a big part of your appearance so many people will opt for a strap that is as attractive as possible.

When it comes to the look of the strap, the possibilities are endless. There are looks that are suited to every style of music. Straps also come in wide variety of colors and materials, shapes, and sizes all of which will contribute to the overall look of the strap.

There are even places that will customize straps that are suited to your style.

The look of the strap you choose will be a matter of personal preference. Just look around and see which ones appeal to you. However, it is important not to go on looks alone. Comfort and quality are also key factors.

Price: Everyone likes to save money. However, when it comes to guitar straps, you really do get what you pay for.

Now, that isn’t to say you can’t occasionally find a bargain on a great strap. But remember, a guitar strap is something that should be with you for a long time so this isn’t the best item to try and cut corners on.

Furthermore, if you end up buying a cheap strap and need to buy another in a few months, it will probably cost you more than it would if you had just invested in a good strap in the first place.

In general, straps fall into three price categories. Low-price straps are generally under $30. While you can find good models within this price range, it’s likely they won’t last forever.

The next step up is the $30 – $70 price range. These are a pretty safe bet for most guitarists. They tend to be comfortable and cool looking and they’ll give you a fair amount of bang for your buck.

Finally, there is the $70 plus range. These will look and feel great and they should withstand the test of time.

While most guitar straps won’t cost more than $150, boutique items can be as much as $300 or $400. Of course, these will be dream straps, but they will cost a pretty penny.

Reviews: If you are confused about what guitar strap you should be playing with, it’s a good idea to look at customer reviews. Fortunately, most stores provide a review section for their items which can give you a good idea of what to expect when you buy the product.

When looking at reviews, most buyers are satisfied if they see a product that earned four or five stars. However, it’s also a good idea to read the reviews before making a purchase.

First of all, five stars is great, but you should also look at how many people reviewed the item. If only one person reviewed the item and gave it five stars, it doesn’t mean much.

You should also look at what people are saying about the item. They might like the strap for reasons that don’t appeal to you. For instance, they may love the look of a strap when you are really looking for comfort. Or they may love the thinness of the strap, meanwhile, you are looking for a thicker strap.

Therefore, it’s important not to take five stars at face value. Do a bit of research to find out if this is the right strap for you.

Of course, store reviews are not the only thing to reference when trying to determine if a guitar strap is suitable for you. You can also talk to friends and relatives or look at articles that recommend the best guitar straps (much like this one!)

Straps for Injuries: If you’re not a guitar player, you may not realize how difficult it can be to play guitar if you are injured.

When you play guitar standing up, your body weight shifts to one side which can irritate injuries.

Furthermore, guitarists are susceptible to injuries that come from playing the guitar and one of the most common of these is scoliosis or curvature of the spine. The guitar throws your weight so that after a while it’s likely that your spine will automatically curve to favor one side of your body.

Wider straps will distribute weight more evenly, but more recently, Trivium lead singer and guitarist Matt Heafy created a strap to help him deal with his scoliosis. The strap can best be compared to a harness at it goes over both shoulders. It’s a great find for guitarists dealing with injuries.

Pick Pockets: Another thing that can really suck for guitarists when they are on stage is losing a pick. Picture it, a guitarist is on stage strumming a song when suddenly the pick falls out of their fingers. They are unable to strum the guitar correctly and, even though they can rely on their fingers for strumming, it’s most likely this will make their playing sloppy.

There are many things a player can do to keep this from happening. Some players keep picks taped their mike stands. Still, others keep them tucked into their pickguard.

But some straps come with their own pick pockets. These are pockets that hold picks so guitarists can easily access a new pick if they drop one while they are onstage.

A pick pocket is a convenient feature but, if you are really counting on being able to use yours for its intended purpose while you are on stage, you must make sure it is easily accessible. It should be in a position that allows you to comfortably dig in while you are playing and it should provide easy access. After all, you don’t want to have to struggle having to get a pick out of your pick pocket while you are in the middle of a song.

Name Brand: When it comes to guitar straps, there are plenty of boutique brands. In fact, sometimes it seems as if there is a new one coming out each day!

Many of these brands do beautiful high-quality work and they should definitely be considered if you are looking to buy a high-end strap.

However, in general, you can’t go wrong when you buy from a name you trust. Not only are these brands more likely to make a quality product, but it’s also likely that their return policies will be easy to deal with and that they will have customer service available to answer your questions and help you if anything goes wrong.

The brands mentioned in this article will be ones you can trust but, once you start doing a bit of research, you will start seeing the same few names mentioned more and more often. You will realize that these are the brands you can rely on.