Have you ever felt your shoulder scream after a long jam session? The right guitar strap can make all the difference! We know how tricky it can be to find the best guitar straps, with so many options available.
When choosing a strap, guitarists run into a few common problems. Some straps just aren’t comfortable if you’re playing for a long time and can leave your shoulder sore. Plus, there's the issue of limited visual appeal, with some straps just not matching your vibe.
But don’t worry, there’s definitely a perfect guitar strap out there for everyone! A strap that combines comfort, security, and style is waiting for you. We're here to guide you through all the options, no matter your budget or style. Let’s find the ideal guitar strap for you!
Best Guitar Straps
We've compiled a list of the best guitar straps for you below. Stay comfortable and stylish on stage!
- Ernie Ball Polypro Guitar Strap
- Jim Dunlop Festival Strap
- Levy's Leathers 3" Amped Leather Strap
- Fender Broken-In Leather Guitar Strap
- KLIQ AirCell Guitar Strap
- Fender Monogrammed Guitar Strap Black Leather
- D'Addario Auto Lock Guitar Strap
- Fender Road Worn Leather Strap
- Fender Super Deluxe Vintage-style Strap
- Gibson Lightning Bolt Guitar Strap
Ernie Ball Polypro Guitar Strap
This strap is a solid choice due to its durability, comfort, and iconic design.
Pros
- Durable 2" wide polypropylene material
- Adjustable length (41" to 72")
- Quality black leather ends
Cons
- Basic design may feel plain for some
- Might be tight to attach initially
- Not ideal for heavier instruments
If you're looking for a guitar strap that's comfortable and durable, the Ernie Ball Polypro strap is a solid pick. It's made from 2-inch wide polypropylene webbing, which feels sturdy without digging into your shoulder. The black leather ends add an extra touch, making it look sharp and last longer.
It’s pretty adjustable too, stretching from 41 inches to 72 inches. So it fits most guitarists, regardless of height or preferred playing position. It even has the classic Ernie Ball logo in gold, giving it a classic rockstar vibe.
However, if you're looking for a more unique or flashy design, this basic strap might not be your cup of tea. Additionally, the strap holes can be quite tight at first, so attaching it to your guitar may require some effort. If you have a particularly heavy instrument, you might want to explore other options. But overall, the Ernie Ball Polypro Guitar Strap is a reliable, functional, and iconic choice for any musician.
Jim Dunlop Festival Strap
You'll love this strap for its eye-catching design and high-quality materials.
Pros
- Authentic Hendrix-approved design
- Comfortable and well-made
- Unique artwork
Cons
- May not suit everyone's taste
- Not machine-washable
- Origins in China and USA
We're impressed by the Jim Dunlop Festival Strap due to its beautiful design that channels the spirit of Jimi Hendrix. It's got this authentic artwork inspired by Hendrix himself, with patterns and stitching just like the ones he used to wear. We trust its quality, as it is approved by Authentic Hendrix LLC.
Wearing this strap, expect comfort and convenience. The high-quality fabrics ensure durability and usability during long jam sessions. However, bear in mind that it may not appeal to everyone's taste, and the care instructions indicate hand wash only.
All things considered, the Jim Dunlop Festival Strap combines style, comfort, and history, making it a brilliant addition to any guitar. Get ready to rock out in style with this legendary strap!
Levy's Leathers 3" Amped Leather Strap
This guitar strap is a reliable and comfortable choice for any musician.
Pros
- High-quality leather
- Comfortable padding
- Universal compatibility
Cons
- Slightly thin
- Limited length adjustments
- Pricey for some budgets
We recently tried the Levy's Leathers 3" Wide Amped Leather Series Guitar Strap and we're impressed by its quality and comfort. The strap showcases the finest artistry and is designed to last through countless performances.
The foam padding and garment leather backing make it exceptionally comfortable to wear, even with heavier guitars. Additionally, this strap is universally compatible with all types of guitars, including electric, acoustic, and bass.
However, some users have mentioned that the strap may be a bit thinner than expected. Length adjustments seem limited too, especially if you're taller or prefer the guitar to hang lower. Nonetheless, we believe the comfort and quality outweigh these minor drawbacks.
Overall, if you're looking for a high-quality, comfortable, and stylish guitar strap, the Levy's Leathers 3" Amped Leather Series is a fantastic option. Just be prepared to spend a bit more for this premium product.
Fender Broken-In Leather Guitar Strap
You won't go wrong with this comfortable and stylish guitar strap, perfect for any guitarist.
Pros
- Soft, high-quality leather
- Stylish oil finish
- Adjustable length to fit your needs
Cons
- Might be too wide for some
- Limited color options
- Requires some break-in time
We absolutely love the Fender Broken-In Leather Guitar Strap. It's designed with luxurious, high-quality leather that feels soft and supple. This 2.5-inch wide strap supports your guitar comfortably, making it easy on your shoulder during long practice sessions.
Not only is it comfortable, but the strap also has an elegant oil finish that adds a touch of style to your performance. You'll appreciate the adjustable length, which ranges from 46 inches to 54.5 inches – ideal for guitarists of any height.
However, not everything is perfect. Some might find the strap's width too wide for their liking. Additionally, it's only available in brown, limiting your color options. Lastly, you may need to give it some time to break in, but trust us, it's worth the effort.
Overall, the Fender Broken-In Leather Guitar Strap offers a fantastic combination of quality, appearance, and comfort. It's definitely a worthwhile investment for any guitarist, whether a seasoned pro or a beginner looking for an excellent strap.
KLIQ AirCell Guitar Strap
Rock on comfortably with the KLIQ AirCell Guitar Strap—combining style, functionality, and comfort!
Pros
- AirCell technology for amazing comfort
- Adjustable length for versatile fit
- Moisture-wicking design
Cons
- Limited color and design options
- No pick holder included
- Might not fit all height preferences
We recently tried the KLIQ AirCell Guitar Strap, and let us tell you, our shoulders have never been happier. The patented air cell core technology provides cushioning and shock absorption, making those long gigs more bearable.
The strap's 3" wide neoprene shoulder pad evenly distributes the weight of your instrument. Plus, it's adjustable from 46" to 56", so it can fit most players and instruments. Just make sure to measure your current strap length before ordering.
While we loved how comfortable this strap is, we noticed the limited design options. We also missed having a pick holder. But overall, the KLIQ AirCell Guitar Strap is a worthy investment for any musician looking to improve their playing experience.
Fender Monogrammed Guitar Strap Black Leather
This strap is a solid choice for Fender enthusiasts seeking style and quality.
Pros
- Genuine Fender Strap
- Tooled Leather
- High Quality
Cons
- Not suitable for tall guitarists
- Limited design variations
- Slightly thinner leather
We recently picked up the Fender Monogrammed Guitar Strap in Black Leather and were pleasantly surprised. The genuine Fender strap is made of high-quality tooled leather, giving it a premium feel and durability. It's comfortable to wear, and the Fender logo etched into the leather adds a nice touch to its overall look.
However, we did notice that the strap may not be ideal for taller guitarists or those who like to sling their guitar lower. The leather is a bit thinner than previous versions, but it doesn't impact the overall quality significantly. One thing we wish Fender would improve is the variety of designs – this strap features a Stratocaster headstock design, which doesn't necessarily match all guitar styles.
Overall, the Fender Monogrammed Guitar Strap Black Leather offers excellent quality, style, and comfort. If you're a Fender fan and have a guitar that fits well with the design, we highly recommend this strap!
D'Addario Auto Lock Guitar Strap
Get this strap for its auto-locking feature and solid comfort.
Pros
- Auto-locking system
- Fits most guitar pins
- Adjustable and comfortable
Cons
- Plastic locking parts
- Might not fit all pin types
- Limited design variety
We tried the D'Addario Auto Lock Guitar Strap and found it perfect for securing our guitars during performances. The auto-locking system is a life-saver, eliminating the need to change the hardware on your guitar. Just attach it to the existing end pins; no extra parts required!
The strap is adjustable from 35" to 55", making it a good fit for most players. Plus, the cotton material feels soft and comfortable throughout even the longest gigs. We also appreciate how it works with the majority of strap buttons on the market.
However, the locking parts are made of plastic, raising some concerns about long-term durability. Additionally, it might not fit all pin types, especially those on acoustic-electric guitars. And, though it comes in various materials, you might find the design options somewhat limited. Still, for the auto-locking convenience and solid comfort, the D'Addario Auto Lock Guitar Strap is a worthwhile investment.
Fender Road Worn Leather Strap
We highly recommend this strap for its comfortable wear and vintage-inspired style.
Pros
- Easily adjustable (42"-55")
- Comfortable suede backing
- Cool Road Worn logo
Cons
- Might be too soft for some
- Limited length adjustment
- Pricey compared to others
Nothing beats playing guitar with a comfy strap. The Fender Road Worn Leather Strap offers more than that; its vintage style with the Road Worn logo gives your guitar an old-school vibe. Plus, it's adjustable from 42"-55", which means most players will find it suitable.
This strap feels like your favorite worn-in jacket, making it super comfortable to wear while playing. However, its softness might not appeal to everyone. For those used to firmer straps, this one could feel too soft. That aside, it's still a great strap to invest in.
Be ready to spend a bit more on this Fender Road Worn strap compared to other brands. But trust us, it's worth every penny with its high-quality leather and style. So if you're on the market for an uber-cool and cozy strap for your guitar, this might just be the perfect one for you.
Fender Super Deluxe Vintage-style Strap
This strap is worth buying for its vintage style, comfort, and quality.
Pros
- Comfortable, thick shoulder pad
- Classic, vintage look
- Durable leather construction
Cons
- Rather long for some players
- Limited adjustability
- May require hole punching
We recently tried out the Fender Super Deluxe Vintage-style Guitar Strap. As soon as we put it on, it felt great. The thick shoulder pad provided comfort for extended jam sessions. Plus, the vintage design adds a classic touch to your stage presence.
The strap's length, however, might be a minor issue for some players. It runs on the longer side, which might not suit everyone's style or body type. Even though the strap is adjustable, it could have benefited from more holes for further customization. If need be, you can grab a leather hole punch to make it perfect for your fit.
Overall, the Fender Super Deluxe Vintage-style Strap in black is a good investment for both its looks and functionality. The quality materials and comfortable padding make it a reliable, stylish option for any guitarist.
Gibson Lightning Bolt Guitar Strap
A stylish and sturdy strap for your guitar with some cons to consider.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Cool lightning bolt design
- Jet black color
Cons
- Can be slippery
- May need modifications
- Not for the budget-conscious
This Gibson Lightning Bolt guitar strap in jet black is not only eye-catching, but also made in the USA. With its unique design, it’s a great pick for any aspiring musician who wants to make a statement on stage.
However, some users have mentioned its slipperiness. You might need to add some fabric or make other modifications to ensure it stays put while you’re rocking out.
Despite its cool design, this strap may not be for everyone. If you’re on a tight budget, there are other more affordable options out there. But if you’re looking for a strap with style and quality, the Gibson Lightning Bolt guitar strap is worth considering.
What to Consider When Buying a Guitar Strap
Material
Various materials get used for guitar straps, such as leather, nylon, cotton, and synthetic fabrics. The material affects the strap’s durability, flexibility, and comfort. For example, leather is durable and stylish but can be heavy and stiff until broken in, whereas nylon is lightweight and washable but might not offer the same premium feel. We believe that the choice of material should reflect the musician’s style and the aesthetics of the guitar itself.
Width
The width of the strap can influence comfort, especially for players who use heavier guitars. Wider straps distribute the weight more evenly across the shoulder, reducing strain during long playing sessions. We advise choosing the width based on the type of guitar and personal comfort preferences. For instance, bass players or those with heavy electric guitars might prefer a wider strap.
Padding
Padding plays a crucial role in providing additional comfort and preventing shoulder or neck pain. Different padding materials exist, such as foam, neoprene, or even specialized gel inserts, and they offer various benefits. We recommend considering extra padding for gigging musicians who play for long periods or players who have heavier instruments.
Security Features
Security features are essential to prevent the guitar from slipping off the strap, which can lead to damage. There are various security features like standard strap locks, dual-design locks, or built-in locking mechanisms. We suggest choosing straps with appropriate security features based on your activity level (e.g., home use vs. live performance) and the value of your instrument.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right guitar strap is vital. It greatly affects your comfort, security, and playing experience.
Remember, key factors include material, width, padding, and security. Use this knowledge to find a strap that suits your needs and budget.
So, why not share your favorite guitar straps with us in the comments? We’d love to hear from you!
And if you’re looking for more gear, check out our articles on the best guitar cases and best guitar stands. Your gear collection will be top-notch in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size guitar strap should I buy?
Finding the right size is key. Measure from one endpin to the other, across your shoulder. Adjust straps for comfort.
Is there a difference between acoustic and electric guitar strap?
Not really. Both types serve the same purpose. However, they might have design differences for visual appeal.
What is the most comfortable material for a guitar strap?
Leather provides great comfort and durability. However, soft fabrics like cotton or polyester can work well too.
Do guitar straps fit all guitars?
Most straps are universal. If your guitar has strap buttons, you can attach the strap with ease.
Do padded straps make a big difference?
Yes, they can. Padded straps help to reduce shoulder pain during long practice sessions or performances.
Do you store guitar with strap on?
We recommend removing the strap when storing your guitar. It prevents accidental dents or scratches.