Top Guitar Straps – Guide & Comparison
If you’re the kind of person that doesn’t have all the time in the world to read all the guitar strap reviews, this guide is here to help you in a quick manner. You should be able to find the best guitar straps in the following several lines, but make sure to read the whole article. Our team put in the effort for you and we found out that the Ernie Ball Black Polypro Guitar Strap (P04037) is the one that you should pay a closer look at. Its length is adjustable from 41 to 72 inches, which means it will be of good use for every kind of player no matter the height. Furthermore, it features premium leather and that makes it durable over time. The 3 guitar pick holders at the end will help you while on stage. If you can’t find it, look for the Mr.Power Guitar Strap With 3 Pick Holders For Electric/Acoustic Guitar.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
Adjustable from 41 to 72 inches, the length of this strap makes sure every person, no matter the height, can use it. It comes with premium leather ends that are created to endure the stress of playing over prolonged time, while the pick holders help you in live shows.
The design is not so impressive and some people may feel it’s lackluster.
Known for its quality straps, Ernie Ball did a great job with this strap. It’s the kind of item that can serve you well in any situation, no matter the kind of player you are. It shows off smooth retro vibes.
2nd Best
The strap has the advantage of 3 pick holders, each of them not too deep, to allow you to quickly find your pick. It’s a versatile strap that can be used for many instruments. The shoelace at the end serves you well when your guitar doesn’t have a strap button.
Thinner than some people would like, this strap can leave marks on you.
Made using nylon, this strap is more solid than it may appear to be. It is lightweight and good for those that find themselves at the start of their musical journey. Plus, it’s fun to use and beautiful.
Also To Consider
The strap locks included in the package will help you make everything safer and to tie down your guitar better. The used material is of high quality, while the design makes sure you will have no shoulder or back pain. In addition, it’s highly breathable.
Bigger guitars won’t fit this strap too well as the strap ends will rub against them.
This is a full set that comes with everything you need to make your guitar fully functional. It also has an awesome design that will showcase your style. It makes a great gift for the loved ones.
10 Best Guitar Straps (Updated Reviews) in 2021
If you’re looking for the best guitar strap you need to know that our team of experts did everything to make sure that we provide a fair description of all the models on the list. In the following guitar strap review, in which we analyze the most popular models, we’ll showcase our top-chosen straps.
- 1. Ernie Ball Black Polypro Guitar Strap (P04037)
- 2. Mr.Power Guitar Strap With 3 Pick Holders For Electric/Acoustic Guitar
- 3. Art-Tribute Guitar Strap Embroidered Red Vintage Woven
- 4. Ernie Ball Regal Black Jacquard Guitar Strap
- 5. KLIQ AirCell Guitar Strap for Bass & Electric Guitar
- 6. BestSounds Guitar Strap 100% Soft Cotton & Genuine Leather
- 7. TIMBREGEAR extreme comfort acoustic guitar strap
- 8. Art-Tribute Van Gogh “Starry Night” Guitar Strap
- 9. Levy’s Leathers MSSC8-BLK Signature Series Cotton Guitar Strap
- 10. Couch Original Recycled Seatbelt Guitar Strap
- Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Ernie Ball Black Polypro Guitar Strap (P04037)
Being part of an extremely wide range of Ernie Ball straps, this one is the jack of all trades, being a great starter strap for any kind of player. You get a wide selection of solid colors to choose from, and you can dwell in the retro vibes that the strap gives you. Being extra long to make sure every player can use them on any kind of guitar-like instrument, this strap is also adjustable.
It measures 2 inches wide, and it comes with leather ends to make sure that the strap will help you play for a long time. These long guitar straps are made from comfortable yet durable Polypropylene webbed material. This means that the colors don’t change if you wash them intensely, and the material won’t stretch.
Being machine-stitched, to increase the quality and resistance, the black leather ends are designed for maximum strength and longevity.
Pros
The length of this strap is adjustable from 41 to 72 inches, which means every player, no matter the size, can use it with great success.
This strap comes with premium leather ends that are meant to endure the stress of intense usage over a prolonged time.
The premium ends also come with 3 guitar picks holders to make your life easier while playing.
With the help of the PolyLock Strap End technology, you can safely attach the strap to an electric guitar or bass without having to change the hardware.
It’s one of the easiest straps out there when it comes to installation, and this helps beginners.
You get a wide range of colors to choose from, 11 to be more precise.
Cons
Despite having so many choices in terms of color, the basic design isn’t that amazing, and it may feel lackluster for some people.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($5.68)
2. Mr.Power Guitar Strap With 3 Pick Holders For Electric/Acoustic Guitar
With a maximum length of 65 inches and a minimum of 36.6 inches, you can be sure that this strap fits you no matter how big you are. 65 inches will be enough to fit any adult or instrument type. The strapping head comes with an extra attachment string, and while the tie string is good for some acoustic guitars with 1 connection point only, you can use the extra string to tie it to different connection points in different models.
Towards the part of the strap that connects to the bottom of the guitar, you have 3 pick holders. The main material used in making this product is nylon. In terms of colors, the design is a simple one, using a nice combination of black and grey. The width of this strap is 1.8 inches, which should be wide enough to offer you the comfort you need.
Pros
There are 3 pick holders placed on this strap, and they are each not very deep, to facilitate quick removal during live performances.
Great for all kinds of guitars from electric to bass or acoustic, this strap is a versatile one, and that’s why it’s a must-have in any musician’s arsenal.
If you own an acoustic or classic guitar that doesn’t come with a button for the strap you can use the shoelace at the end of the strap to secure it in place.
Being adjustable in length from 36.6 inches to 65 inches, it’s the ideal strap for a wide variety of player sizes.
Cons
The strap is thinner than some would want and because it’s made of nylon it will change its shape on your shoulder and that will cause skin irritation if you’re using a heavy instrument.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($5.99)
3. Art-Tribute Guitar Strap Embroidered Red Vintage Woven
With this complete set for any guitarist, you won’t need to spend extra money on a new headstock strap button, guitar picks, or safety locks, as they are all included in the pack. For that reason, it’s a great gift, as it includes everything a guitarist needs. You also get strap locks and a neck strap button for classic or acoustic guitars that don’t come with a button.
The strap is fully adjustable from a length of 37 inches to one of 64 inches, and you could say that it is universally compatible with any kind of player. It looks and feels great, as it’s made with the highest quality materials, in order to offer you the comfort you need while playing. The vintage design will please those that like an older look.
Being a crucial accessory for all guitarists, the strap must meet the highest demands and this strap does that.
Pros
To make things extra safe for you and your guitar you have some strap locks included in the package, so you can tie everything down better.
The material used here is of high quality, and the design ensures the weight of the guitar is evenly distributed, which will prevent shoulder and back pains in the long run.
When you buy this strap you won’t have to look for other guitar accessories as it comes with picks, safety locks, and a neck strap button.
It’s one of the most original gifts you could make for a family member or a friend, and it includes everything a beginner needs.
Thanks to the material and the lightweight design, the strap won’t make you feel sweaty as it is highly breathable.
Cons
The guitar is great for most applications, but for some fatter electric guitars, the strap ends aren’t long enough so they rub against the surface of the instrument.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($16.95)
4. Ernie Ball Regal Black Jacquard Guitar Strap
As the marketing department from Ernie Ball suggests, this is the number one polypro guitar strap and it now comes with a variety of new stylish designs. When buying this strap you now get embroidered leather ends, and the webbing is comfortable and made of polypropylene. The extra-long design should make this strap suitable for any application, as it measures 42 inches and can be extended to 72 inches.
Most people buy their straps to match the style of their guitars, and this one does that if you’re looking to attach it to a while instrument. Some acoustic guitar straps feel stiff and lose their comfortable feel when you wear them, but this one doesn’t.
Furthermore, the button holes are tight enough so you don’t have to fear that the instrument slips away, and they’re also flexible enough to let you attach the strap to the guitar without heavy work.
Pros
While made of thin leather, the ends are of great quality and they put up a good fight, staying strong for a long time.
This strap is surprisingly long, and that is why it can be used with acoustic guitars that don’t have an upper strap button.
It can also be shortened for electric guitars, providing a nice fit on your shoulder.
If you own a white instrument this strap will look awesome on it, but it can also work for other guitar styles too.
While other straps will feel stiff and will lose their comfortable feel over time, this one doesn’t.
Coming with a variety of new stylish design, this is a flagship of Ernie Ball’s nylon straps.
Cons
While the design is great, it’s just a fancy cover that has been sewed to the face of the nylon strap.
You will have to punch in bigger holes for some larger button shapes.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($14.39)
5. KLIQ AirCell Guitar Strap for Bass & Electric Guitar
Being 3 inches wide, the shoulder pad of this strap will keep things perfectly balanced for you and will disperse the weight nicely over your body. With this strap, you will be able to play for longer periods of time, which is great news for live shows. The strap combines great style with comfort, with the help of the AirCell technology.
The unique design contains air cells placed on the underside of the strap, and that offers increased flexibility and a cushion to help you maintain increased comfort. While the strap is adjustable from 46 to 56 inches, it fits most players, although there are other classic guitar straps out there that can do a better job at that. However, you can order the extra short, or extra long versions if you need something to fit you better.
The strap ends come with high-quality stitched leather that ensures increased durability, and a great fit onto the strap buttons.
Pros
Thanks to the air cell design, this strap will let air pass between it and your skin and will also lie smoothly on your shoulder and back, feeling more comfortable.
It will be easy to adjust on the fly and will let your shoulder and back breathe better, preventing sweat from appearing.
Featuring a modern look, this strap is more than that, as the stylish design is also made to last and prove a worthwhile investment in the long run.
The quality of the craftsmanship is great, and you can see that a lot of passion has been put into creating this strap.
Cons
The slick material over the air bubbles sometimes works against itself – this is because it’s so adjustable that it moves by itself when you don’t want it to.
This is not the most adjustable strap, and if you want your fit you might have to buy the extra-long or extra short versions.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($39.99)
6. BestSounds Guitar Strap 100% Soft Cotton & Genuine Leather
There are many straps made of poor materials and they all fail to deliver you the comfort you need when you play the guitar, but not this one. Made of 100% woven cotton, this strap will provide you with utmost comfort, while the genuine leather ends that come with a great strap lock and a button headstock adaptor can fit any guitar.
In terms of adjustability, the strap can change its length from 41 inches to 66.5, which means it can suit most body types and most kinds of guitars. It’s 2 inches wide, which means it will also be comfortable to wear, while not being too wide. Being made of soft woven cotton, the strap will not slide down your shoulder while you are using it.
Thicker and heavier than most other straps, this strap is more solid while the fine stitching makes it comfortable to wear.
Pros
The leather ends are capable of providing a good lock on the button, while the button headstock adaptor will allow it to fit other kinds of guitars.
Being adjustable from 41 to 66.5 inches, the strap is suitable in length for most sizes and types of guitars.
It is 2 inches wide and this provides the most comfort, given that you don’t want the strap to bee too thin to cut into your skin, or too wide to hamper your movements.
Because it is made of soft woven cotton, this strap will stay on your shoulder and won’t roll down your body.
Cons
The main problem that you might have with this strap is the thin leather that is used for making the sling piece, as it doesn’t appear to be too strong.
The material used is thick and cotton is known for making you warm, so you will probably sweat.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($13.99)
7. TIMBREGEAR extreme comfort acoustic guitar strap
Timbregear prides itself with this strap and it says this model is capable of outperforming any other similar guitar straps thanks to the 100% cotton soft backing, and the genuine leather ends. The wide 2-inch comfortable cotton strap will help you play gigs without feeling your shoulder aching after long hours of play.
It can prove as an efficient purchase from a monetary point of view as well because it comes with free strap locks and a guitar strap button. Adjustable to a maximum length of 62 inches, you could say that this strap fits the tallest people. Thanks to the pick slot at the end of the strap, you will be able to keep track of your picks and quickly change the mid-song.
This vintage collection from Timbregear will please the eyes of those loving classic designs, while the high-quality high-grade leather and woven cotton will make things more durable.
Pros
Coming with everything you need to make your playing life more comfortable, this strap has its own strap buttons and free strap locks with it.
The genuine leather ends and the cotton fabric will ensure that this strap stays strong for years to come.
Given that the strap is 2 inches wide, it will help you feel comfortable during gigs, and won’t slide off your shoulder.
The maximum length of this strap is 62 inches, which means it is suitable for really tall players.
Cons
The slit for the button is too long, which will result in the guitar to sometimes slip out of the strap hole. You won’t be able to make fancy moves with this strap.
The pick holder is a bit too big and you will find yourself losing the picks in there, or taking too much time to find them.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($14.95)
8. Art-Tribute Van Gogh “Starry Night” Guitar Strap
This guitar strap includes everything needed by a new player, and if you are looking for a super value bundle, this is the one for you. Of course, the main point of interest for this guitar strap is the artistic pattern representing the famous Van Gogh painting, the Starry Night. Thanks to this pattern, this is a great gift for a musician no matter if the gift is for a birthday party, Christmas, or just for no particular reason.
It’s a practical strap that has a width of 2 inches, and a length adjustable from 42 to 68 inches. This makes it suitable for a wide variety of players and will fit you perfectly. It also comes with a practical pocket that you can use to store your picks.
One of the main selling points of this strap is the fact that it is compatible with all guitar types.
Pros
You wil rarely find a strap that is more adjustable in length than this model – a 68-inchlong strap is something that the bigger players have always dreamt of.
This is not only a tribute to one of the most prolific visual artists of all time, but it is also made to catch the eye and add some character and flair to your style.
No matter if you have an acoustic, electric, bass, or classic guitar, this strap will still do well for you.
Being made of polyester, it is soft and provides you with the comfort needed for intense hours of play.
Polyester straps are considered to be some of the most suitable models when it comes to reducing back strain and safety.
Cons
It’s a pity that this strap can’t really be seen from the front, as the connectors are too long. This will mean the beautiful design will only be visible from the back.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($13.95)
9. Levy’s Leathers MSSC8-BLK Signature Series Cotton Guitar Strap
Providing excellent support and comfort, this strap will not feel bulky when you wear it. This model is handcrafted, and it comes with genuine suede leather ends. Furthermore, the pinholes have been stitched and that’s why they are anti-stretch – you won’t have problems with them getting loose.
The Tri-Glide length adjustment system is used by Levy’s Leathers to make this signature strap easily extend to a length of 65 inches to let you achieve an ideal playing height and a comfortable wrist position if you are a taller individual.
For those that prefer a more solid feel, the woven cotton material will be great, as it also allows for freedom of movement while playing. The manufacturers made sure this strap was created using the highest quality sustainable cotton. It comes with a simple black design, but the Levy’s guitar straps logo should catch the eye.
Pros
Thanks to the quality materials used in making this product, you won’t feel that the strap is too bulky, and it will still offer you the support needed.
It’s a handcrafted guitar strap and it comes with genuine suede leather ends, which should prove resistant in the long run.
Thanks to the quality craftsmanship, the pinholes will not stretch, and this means they will keep the guitar hold tightly against your body.
Using the Tri-Glide length adjustment system you can quickly make this strap 65 inches long, which is ideal for achieving a comfortable wrist position if you are a tall individual.
The woven cotton material gives a solid feel and allows for increased movement range.
Cons
One disadvantage of the strong strap leather ends is the fact that they are so thick that it’s hard to pull a button through them, making this a potential slipping problem for shorter buttons.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($19.99)
10. Couch Original Recycled Seatbelt Guitar Strap
Always a top seller for the brand, this recycled seatbelt guitar strap will stand out in the Couch guitar straps range, will be eco-friendly, and will also make you look awesome. The company portrays this as a “vegan” product, and although that is an ambiguous description, as you are not eating it, the main idea here is that it’s made of 100% recycled materials and it’s cruelty-free.
Made in Los Angeles, California, the strap comes with the finest industrial design and it also proves a fast aesthetic solution for that musician that wants to break the norm. This will make a great gift for a guitar player, especially if you’re trying to tell him or her to stay safe.
The good thing about using automobile parts is that you know they are made to last. Because it was once a seatbelt, you know that this strap will last in the long term. It has an interesting look and it’s easy to adjust.
Pros
The whole strap can be considered a belt, that is how strong it is – from the main woven material to the end-tabs that are die-cut, this is a beast when it comes to strength.
It has a special interesting look that is completed with hand-tooled stainless steel rivets on its back, while the front features an x-box stitch for a better look.
The holes where the buttons connect are sewn to give the strap even more strength and to ensure the guitar doesn’t slip off.
Available in a variety of colors from army green to red, or royal blue, this is not the simple seatbelt that you might expect to get.
Cons
It’s a bit on the long side, and although it can be adjusted, smaller individuals will hardly be able to use it.
It feels a bit uncomfortable, especially if you are using it on hot summer days.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($22)
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
You can nowadays find affordable guitar straps that can be made of quality materials and provide good support. Those won’t be as easy to find, but that’s why we are here – to help you with that. Take note of the suggestions below to find awesome and unique guitar straps.
Check the guitar size
The first thing you have to look at when buying a strap is the dimensions of your guitar and its weight. While some guitar and basses can weigh up to 8,9 pounds, others will be lighter. Check that you don’t buy a cheap guitar strap that breaks quickly if you are going to put it on a heavy instrument. A bass strap will work best for a heavy chorded instrument.
All-mahogany constructions will be really heavy, especially if the instrument we are talking about is a large bass. But let’s not forget about the width of the strap either, as it has significant importance in reducing the pressure placed on your shoulder. If you are using an instrument that is heavier, you will need a wider strap to distribute the weight across your body more evenly.
This will help you feel less straining on your shoulder and will allow you to play for longer periods. A thin strap will dig into your skin and cause pain. However, you would want a thinner strap if you have a lightweight instrument and want to feel lighter on feet and have more freedom of movement.
A strap with a padded section placed on the shoulder could be the best of the two worlds, cushioning your body to relieve stress.
Strength
Speaking about stress, your body is not the only one that has to endure that. The strap also needs to be strong to hold the weight of the instrument for long periods. An affordable guitar strap can do that if it’s made using the right materials. While some cool guitar straps can hold you for several years, they tend to lose their flexibility and become less comfortable.
Of course, we all have our own preferences in terms of feel and design, but you need to know that most electric guitar straps are made using cotton, nylon, cotton, or suede. There is no best material, as it all depends on your taste. However, there are some things that can be said about each of them.
Leather is a material used in high-end guitar straps and some mid-tier ones. Being made of a luxury and natural material, the best leather guitar straps have a high price but they are strong and will withstand wear and tear. The downside of leather acoustic guitar straps is that they make your skin sweat if they’re in direct contact with it.
Probably the most common material used to make guitar straps are nylon, and that is mainly because it’s inexpensive. Cheap guitar straps are usually made of this, they are easy to dye, and you can always find a wide variety of options in terms of designs for these straps. It’s a smooth material that lets the skin breathe, but it tends to stretch a bit if it isn’t thick enough.
While providing enough durability, polyester straps are also at the lower end of the price list. They are similar to nylon straps, and they are easy to dye or print onto. This is why they are the usual candidates for patterns or stylized designs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How to attach guitar straps?
Most guitars come with a strap button at the end. This is why the ends of the strap have a slit in them, to put them over those strap buttons. The process is a simple one if the guitar comes with such a button, and it’s a similar thing when it comes to both acoustic and electric guitars.
Most electric guitars come with a second strap button positioned on the upper side. Use the other part of the strap to attach it there. The same thing needs to be done with acoustic guitars that have a similar strap button.
However, there are acoustic models that don’t come with the second button and for those, you will need to tie the end of the strap to the end of the neck, where the strings get attached. You will have to slide the strap between the neck and the strings, tying it in a secure knot.
Q: Do guitar straps fit all guitars?
While an acoustic guitar looks different from an electric guitar, their straps are usually the same, although beginners may be tempted to believe otherwise. There is essentially nothing to differentiate one guitar from the other apart from the size. The same guitar strap can work equally well for acoustic guitars, electric models, classic guitars, and even serve as bass guitar straps.
It’s important that the method of attachment to be the same so that the same strap works for everything. There are, however, some features that make a guitar strap more suitable for some kind of guitar than another. Length is one of those features, and in most cases, you want a strap that is adjustable in length.
Width is also important, as you want the strap to be comfortable enough but not encumbering. Lighter guitars will require lighter straps and this implies less width – this can also provide more comfort and freedom of movement.
Q: How high should your guitar strap be?
Strap height should be based on how it affects your technique, helping you improve your playing, but sometimes artists get carried away and they focus too much on the aesthetic aspect. A lower guitar looks cooler and makes you feel more like a rock star, but it usually doesn’t provide the most comfortable playing posture.
When you are a beginner you need to hold the guitar in such a way that it promotes future learning, and it reduces pain and stress on your hand. Notes should be easy to reach, and if you think that playing bad but looking good is worth it, it’s really not in the long term.
It’s more important to learn how to play from an upright position first and then get to the aesthetic details. Let the guitar hang at a height that you feel most comfortable with when playing. Adjustments can be made after that.