Regardless of whether you play at home sitting down or you're ready to go out and get gigging, if you want comfort and to protect your price and joy, then you'll need one of the best guitar straps in my guide. Admittedly, getting a new strap isn't the most exciting purchase in the world, but it is an essential one.
A guitar strap lets you hang your guitar from your shoulder, and even if you only play at home, it can make playing a much more ergonomic experience. A good strap will be adjustable for each player and playing style, whether you want to wear it slung low like Slash or prefer a more technical position with your guitar up high like Tom Morello. They’re available in a huge array of styles and materials too, so you’re bound to find one that matches your style.
Helping players pick the best guitar strap is part of my day job. Working in a guitar store, straps are my bread and butter. I’ve merchandised them, gotten lost in endless product codes, and most importantly, helped guitarists find the most comfortable and best-looking strap for their style for the last 10 years.
If you’re after the best all-round strap that balances quality with comfort, check out the Fender Broken-In Leather Strap. With a 2.5-inch width and a slick oiled finish, it won’t dig into your shoulder and is fully height-adjustable. Or, if you’d rather make a statement, the Coffin Case ‘The Count’ Velvet Strap is perfect for any shadow-dwelling goths out there.
If you’re new to guitar straps, I’ve put together a how to choose section to help narrow down your options. There’s also a handy FAQ section that covers the most commonly-asked questions. Finally, my glossary will clear up any jargon you might come across while shopping. But if you just want to check out the best guitar straps available right now, keep on scrolling...
Quick list
This leather guitar strap from Fender is an excellent all-round choice. The finish gives the leather a wonderful softness to make playing for longer more comfortable - and it comes in four finishes: green, brown, black and tan.
Another entry from Fender, this time the ultra-affordable monogrammed guitar strap. It's a well-known design and has above average durability. This is a great wall-friendly strap that's ideal for those just starting out.
If you like playing your guitar for chunks of time, choosing a comfortable strap is paramount. This particular strap is my choice thanks to its air-filled cells which cushion and distribute weight beautifully.
Best overall
While for some a guitar strap is another way to express themselves, for others a strap is merely a tool to allow you to concentrate on playing. That's not to say there can't be a quiet elegance to a strap though. That's exactly where the Fender Broken-In leather guitar strap comes in.
Coming in four tasteful finishes – green, brown, black and tan – this classy strap gives you the confidence that it will last the distance.
When using it, I found that the oiled finish gave the cowhide leather a softness, while the generously adjustable length makes it ideal for guitarists of any height.
Hands-down the best guitar strap available right now.
Best budget
If you're a guitar player, the chances are high that you've either seen or owned one of these Fender straps over the years.
The Fender Monogrammed guitar strap has been ubiquitous in guitar stores across the planet for decades now. Because style never goes out of fashion, of course and it's also available to buy in a variety of color variations.
Jokes aside, if you're looking at the lower end of the price scale, you really can't go far wrong here. Fender doesn't generally put its name on bad gear so, even though this is a shade over ten dollars, I feel it still comes with a certain level of quality, durability and ‘90s charm.
It's also a great pick-up for those just starting their guitar journey and would also make an idea gift for a new player.
Best comfort
The KLIQ AirCell guitar strap boasts unique technology which packs a host of air-filled cells (you can see where they got the name from) onto its underside, making it one of the best guitar straps for comfort, in my opinion.
These distribute weight more evenly, aided by the 3” strap width, while also giving a cushion to ensure heavier guitars don't take their toll on the player's neck and shoulders.
As well as comfort, the cells also provide the dual benefit of taking moisture away from the skin or clothing, allowing your shoulder to breathe over long playing sessions.
If you're looking for the ultimate in comfortable guitar straps, this comes highly recommended.
Best strap lock system
A sad fact of life, for many of us, is that the body starts to give up long before the mind does. So, while in our heads we could play for hours and hours every night of the week, often our neck and shoulders have other ideas. Thankfully, the good folk at Ernie Ball have a solution.
The Ernie Ball Neoprene Polylock guitar strap is designed, first and foremost, with comfort in mind. Coming in both 2” and 3” widths, this strap is the equivalent of playing with a pillow tucked under the strap.
Not only that, Ernie Ball’s patented Polylock system securely attaches to your strap buttons for a safe connection without the need for modification.
Best design
As far as statement guitar straps go, Coffin Case’s velvet guitar straps are difficult to beat. Clearly modeled on the inside of a rather luxurious casket, what this strap lacks in subtlety it more than makes up for in dark, macabre vibes.
While I wouldn't want to typecast, it's easy to see how this strap would appeal to a certain type of player. It could be the colorway, it could be the name, or it could be the fact it's adjustable to a whopping 70”, making it ideal for players whose riffs are low, slow and full of foreboding.
If you're looking to make a statement in your latest goth project, this could be the guitar strap you've been searching for.
Best durability
While it's true a guitar strap is merely a tool, an enabler, there's no harm in adding a bit of cool to the proceedings. Enter the Levy's guitar strap range.
Where the other straps on this list focus heavily on function, comfort and durability, the Levy's MS17ASF range has all those things but then isn't shy of incorporating a dash of style too.
While it's not a cheap strap, as such, it is built with the highest quality suede and features a range of glorious leather and embroidered designs. These add a touch of class, meaning you'll look as good as you sound.
Best leather
As one of the acoustic world's best-respected names, you can be assured that the accompanying straps offered by Taylor will be of a superior level.
The Taylor Element guitar strap does not disappoint, offering multi-layer distressed leather in a tasteful dark brown finish.
The Element straps come in either 2.5” or 3” widths and take inspiration from their flagship 800 range of guitars with the unique Element branding, as seen on their fret markers. This one would look rather dashing around the neck of any folk or country player, if we do say so ourselves.
Best acoustic
Gibson is known for its iconic single-cut guitars, era-defining bird-inspired acoustics and now, guitar straps. In fact, Gibson has been making accessories for decades, and the Troubadour strap is one of the best choices for acoustics.
Made from top-grain leather, this 2-inch-wide guitar strap feels premium and looks it, too. The antique brass buckles add a vintage charm that looks great on any Hummingbird, while you also get the choice of either black or brown leather. It’s the inclusion of the headstock string that makes this particularly great for acoustics, especially older or vintage models that don’t have a second strap button.
Although the Troubadour is perfect for any lonesome acoustic singer-songwriter out on the prairie, you can easily take the string off and use it on your electrics too, making this a versatile choice for any Gibson aficionado.
Best padding
As the name suggests, this Harley Benton strap is padded for extra comfort – and this is the main selling point of this strap.
It immediately lightens any guitar, which is down to the padding and width of the strap in equal measure. The build quality is impressive for what you pay – but not too surprising when you consider the quality of all other Harley Benton gear.
It has a great reputation for being budget friendly and of great quality – and this strap lives up to that reputation.
It is only available at Thomann, which is a bit of a downside – but with pretty affordable worldwide shipping, I would say you're still saving money.
How to choose the best guitar strap for you
If you've never purchased a guitar strap before, or perhaps you're on a run of selecting a few stinkers in a row, this section is for you. Assisting people in choosing a guitar strap is something I do daily while working in a guitar store, and after 10 years, I have realized these three considerations are the most important.
1. Material
First up, think about what material will work best for you. The two most common are leather or woven plastic, usually made from neoprene or polyester. A good-quality leather strap will feel soft, look classy, and offer great stability. However, leather tends to cost more, can dry out and crack if stored incorrectly, and isn’t exactly ethical.
Plastic woven straps, on the other hand, tend to be more affordable, are unlikely to ever deteriorate, and often feature much more elaborate patterns and designs. These straps can look a little less classy, though, and if they're on the thinner side, they can become a bit uncomfortable on your shoulder.
2. Length & width
Although this sounds obvious, determining the right length of strap to go for is an important decision. If you're a beginner or have never played with a strap before, choosing an option that offers plenty of adjustment is a wise choice. Being able to experiment with different lengths is an important part of learning. The good thing is most straps are adjustable, but some have more range than others. So, if this is your first strap, pick one that has plenty of room for adjustment. Width is also important. A wider strap will help spread the guitar’s load, while a thinner strap will dig into your shoulder more.
3. Strap ends
Lastly, you should pay attention to the strap ends. Although the simple loophole is the most commonly found, there are other designs that might either benefit or hinder you and your guitar. Strap-locking designs are becoming increasingly popular, and they're a great option for keeping things secure. However, some hard plastic locking strap ends may sit awkwardly on a guitar body or neck heel, as the material isn’t malleable. Also, if you are playing an acoustic with only one strap button, you’ll have to either use a headstock string or a similar device to wrap around the headstock.
FAQs
Is there a difference in guitar straps?
Guitar straps are different for every player. Depending on how you prefer to have your guitar can make a huge difference in the strap you choose. Your height and body shape play a part too, as taller and larger players will need a longer strap whereas those of more diminutive proportions can get away with something shorter.
Another thing to take into account is the weight of your guitar. A Squier Strat for example is pretty lightweight so you can rock a thinner strap, but if you have a Gibson Les Paul you’re going to want to get a wider strap that spreads the weight out more to prevent you from getting shoulder or back issues.
What is the best material for guitar straps?
The material that the strap is made from is something to consider too. Straps at the more budget end are likely to be made from polyester or nylon, and will probably have plastic buckles. This isn’t always a bad thing, but they’re probably not going to last forever, and they can be slippy. If you’re after a guitar strap for live use, and you know you’re going to be wearing something like a leather jacket on stage (the unofficial rockstar uniform), then some of these cheaper straps might not provide the friction you need.
As you go up in price, you’ll start to see materials such as leather and neoprene which are likely going to last for longer, as will metal buckles - another feature on many of the best guitar straps further up in the price bracket. You might also see more padding the more you pay.
How much should you spend on a guitar strap?
We’d argue that a good-quality strap will last you years and years, so spending as much as you can on one is a sound investment. If you’re a gigging player then it goes without saying that a good quality strap is worth its weight in gold and if you’re playing at home then you can probably get away with something less extravagant until you’re ready to take a step up.
Of course, you can only buy what you have budget for so there’s nothing wrong with getting something cheaper like the Ernie Ball PolyPro range if that’s what you have. If you can spend more though on a leather strap or something wider then you will find you have a more comfortable experience playing your guitar.
How do I attach my strap to my guitar?
Guitar straps are easy to attach to your guitar - simply fit the ends over the strap pins on your guitar (some beginner acoustic guitars may only have one strap pin, so you’ll need a piece of thick string or thin rope for the neck end). Straps with leather ends may take a bit of working with your fingers to get on to your guitar, but it will fit eventually - plus, it’ll likely be more secure when it’s on.
Many players use strap locks too. There are different types available, but they are usually placed over the strap and locked in place so that your strap doesn’t accidentally come loose - a must-have if you’re fairly active on stage!
Find out more about how we make our recommendations and how we test each of the products in our buyer's guides.
Are guitar straps adjustable?
In a word, yes. Guitarists come in all shapes and sizes and every player has their own preference in terms of the height they set their guitar. Almost all guitar straps, whether they're made of leather, polyester, suede or any other material, can be adjusted to some degree. But before you get to that, when purchasing your next strap it's important to buy one that is going to be long enough for your height and your preferred hanging length for your guitar.
Once you've decided on the right strap, adjusting the length is actually super easy. Mostly commonly a strap will come with a plastic or metal buckle that allowed you to shorten or lengthen the strap with ease, pulling through as much additional material as you need for your required length. Once you're done, your strap length should remain firmly in place at the length you set.
Leather and suede straps will require a different approach. They come in two parts: one part will feature notches - kind of like a belt you'd wear to hold up your pants - with a second part that loops through the desired notch for the height you require. It's sightly more fiddly than non-leather straps, but it's still a simple process.
And a quick tip: when adjusting the length of your strap, we would always recommend making adjustments sitting down to avoid any potential accidents if your guitar and strap decide to part company.
Does guitar strap quality matter?
It’s definitely important that the quality of your chosen strap is good. Think of it this way, your strap not only needs to be comfortable but it also needs to securely hold your guitar. You wouldn’t want to entrust your guitar to a low-quality strap, as one day it might decide to drop your guitar when you’re least expecting it.
Is playing with a guitar strap harder?
This depends on whether you are standing up or sitting down with the strap. For most beginners, transitioning from playing while sitting to standing can be a bit awkward. Not only are you having to adjust to the angle of your left hand when fretting notes, but you’re also dealing with the weight of the guitar hanging from your shoulder. Your muscle memory will be slightly off-kilter as you get used to standing and playing with a strap.
The key to getting it right is practice, of course, but also experimenting with different strap lengths until you find what’s comfortable will help in the long run. Sure, hanging your guitar as low as Billie Joe Armstrong looks killer, but going for the Beatles-style and having it higher up may be more comfortable for you.
However, if you’re using a strap while sitting down, the extra support may actually make things a bit more comfortable and help make playing easier.
Where should the guitar sit when using a strap?
A good rule of thumb is to have the guitar sit in a similar position with your strap when standing as it does when sitting down. When sitting, if your guitar’s body rests against your midriff, adjusting the strap so the guitar sits in a similar position when standing will make the transition less awkward. Your hands will also feel more at home, as the angle will be similar. After that, you can try repositioning to suit your taste, but this is a good starting point.
Do I need strap locks?
Strap locks can be a good idea for a few different reasons. If you’re a fairly boisterous player, strap locks will prevent your guitar from slipping out of your strap and clattering to the ground. Having that extra bit of security means you can move around and play with confidence without anything going drastically wrong.
Also, if your strap is getting old and the strap ends have loosened over time, strap locks will keep it securely in place. There’s no worse feeling than watching your guitar hit the floor, we’ve all been there, and strap locks help make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Glossary
Headstock string
A piece of string used to tie the strap to the headstock, typically for acoustic guitars that have only one strap button at the base of the guitar.
Length adjustment
Each strap includes a length adjustment feature, allowing players to set the strap to their preferred playing height and comfort level.
Locking mechanism
A type of strap end that locks the strap to the guitar for maximum security and stability.
Neoprene strap
A strap made from synthetic rubber that offers excellent durability, stretch, and comfort.
Padding
Guitar straps can either have padding built in or added externally for extra comfort and to help your shoulder bear the weight.
Polyester strap
Polyester is a synthetic fabric used for guitar straps because it’s durable, lightweight, and affordable. It’s also common on straps with printed designs or patterns.
Quick-release system
A piece of hardware that allows you to detach the guitar strap from the guitar quickly with the push of a button.
Shoulder fatigue
When playing guitar while standing with a strap for long periods, your shoulder can tire, causing shoulder fatigue, especially if you’re using an inadequate strap.
Strap button
Also known as a strap pin, this is the metal screw attached to your guitar that allows you to secure a strap. They’re usually found at the base, neck heel, or horn of the guitar.
Strap lock
An accessory that locks your strap securely onto the strap button so your guitar doesn’t detach while you’re playing.
Weight distribution
Refers to how a guitar strap spreads the weight of the guitar across your shoulder and body. Better weight distribution reduces the chance of shoulder fatigue.
How we tested the best guitar straps
Here at Guitar World, we are experts in our field, with many years of playing and product testing between us. We live and breathe everything guitar related, and we draw on this knowledge and experience of using products in live, recording and rehearsal scenarios when selecting the products for our guides.
When choosing what we believe to be the best guitar straps available right now, we combine our hands-on experience, user reviews and testimonies and engage in lengthy discussions with our editorial colleagues to reach a consensus about the top products in any given category.
First and foremost, we are guitarists, and we want other players to find the right product for them. So we take into careful consideration everything from budget to feature set, ease of use and durability to come up with a list of what we can safely say are the best guitar straps on the market right now.
Read more about our rating system, how we choose the gear we feature, and exactly how we test each product.
Why trust Guitar World?
☑️ 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 boasts over 44 years of expertise and stands as the ultimate authority on all things related to guitars. The magazine and website feature expertly written gear round-ups and top-quality, authoritative reviews penned by a team of highly experienced industry professionals.
Guitar World's inaugural print issue hit the shelves in July 1980, and ever since, it has been captivating players and enthusiasts with engaging lessons, insightful interviews with the biggest guitar heroes, and priceless buying advice for newbie players.
Furthermore, GuitarWorld.com continues this legacy online and serves as the hub of the world's foremost authorities on guitar playing. The site not only hosts content from Guitar World but also showcases articles from respected publications such as Guitarist, Total Guitar, Guitar Techniques, and Bass Player. With a reach extending to 3.8 million players each month, GuitarWorld.com is a go-to destination for guitar fanatics globally.
Meet the experts
Ross has been a music lover and guitar player since the age of 8. He has spent the five years since graduating from university working in music retail, selling guitars, amps and more. Ross is particularly interested in electric guitars, pedals and amplifiers and his current rig includes a trusty 2009 American Standard Stratocaster and Vox AC30S1 with a few Walrus Audio and Way Huge pedals in between.
Chris Corfield is a journalist with over 12 years of experience writing for some of the music world's biggest brands including Orange Amplification, MusicRadar, Guitar World, Total Guitar and Dawsons Music. Chris loves getting nerdy about everything from guitar gear and synths, to microphones and music production hardware.
Matt is a Junior Deals Writer here at Guitar World. He regularly tests and reviews music gear with a focus on guitars, amps, pedals, modelers, and pretty much anything else guitar-related. Responsible for over 60 buying guides, a large part of his role is helping guitarists find the best deals on gear. Matt worked in music retail for 5 years at Dawsons Music and Northwest Guitars and has written for various music sites including MusicRadar, Guitar Player, Guitar.com, Ultimate Guitar, and Thomann’s t.blog.
Latest updates
23/10/25: The guide now has extensive product blocks for each of the 9 guitar straps featured and includes a new entry: The Gibson Troubadour acoustic strap. We've also expanded the FAQ section, added quick links to the top of the guide and included a glossary highlighting key terms. A section on how best to choose a guitar strap has also been added.
Read more:
You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
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