All the Best Guitar Straps of 2023 - Acoustic, Electric & Classical

The Highest Rated Guitar Straps

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Guitar straps are a type of accessory that demand quality. Not so much because of the strap itself, but the because of the cost of dropping a guitar while playing.

The best guitar straps inspire confidence and make performing comfortable. Some straps incorporate special designs like locking mechanisms, air cushioning, and high quality materials.

This guide will help you select the best guitar strap for your needs.

Featured below are top-rated guitar straps that work for acoustic and electric guitars with two strap buttons. We also present straps that work with single strap button guitars with the help of a string (similar to a shoelace) - the string is tied around the headstock near the nut. A better-looking alternative to laces is the use of strap button adapters, the best of which is also featured here. To round it off, we also present the top-rated classical guitar strap for use with traditional guitars and ukuleles with no strap buttons.

The Best Guitar Straps

Author & Contributors

Raphael PulgarRaphael Pulgar

I've been an audio engineer for 20 years specializing in rock and metal recordings. I also play guitar and produce original music for my band and other content creators.

Electric & Acoustic Guitar Straps - For Guitars with Two Strap Buttons

Levy's M12

94
GEARANK

94 out of 100. Incorporating 30+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: 

$15
Levy's M12 Chrome-Tan Leather Guitar Strap - Brown

Cons

  • No quick length adjustments
  • Feels stiff initially, but will loosen up with use

Pros

  • Elegant appearance and feel
  • Simple yet secure attachment to guitars
  • No solid parts that can damage the guitar
  • Classic style compatible with different guitars
  • Durable and Reliable
This Levy's M12 review was written by Alexander Briones - you can read a more detailed M12 review here.

I didn't really set out to get a Levy's strap, it just caught my attention as I was passing a local store. At first I thought that the price is quite exorbitant (the price was much higher when I bought it), but upon closer inspection, it made more sense. I ended up getting the Levy's M12, and after almost a decade of use, it still is my favorite.

Levy's M12 Guitar Strap
Here's a grainy old photo of my Levy's M12, taken almost ten years ago in November of 2012

Compared to nylon, the look and feel of leather in this strap is as different as night and day. It's just a pleasure to touch and look at, similar to the feel of smooth leather belts and bags. The Levy's M12 features "chrome tanned" leather, which meant that the leather material was first dyed in chromium sulfate and other chemicals, before having the intended color applied, which in my case is brown. This is a common method of leather tanning used in upholstery and fashion, it is preferred because the resulting leather can be thin and soft without compromising durability.

While the top side has a smooth feel, the underside is rough yet soft, and this helps the strap stay in position while I play. It allows me to move as I play without worrying about my strap moving out of place. Note that I don't do extreme motions like high jumping or running on the stage - you'll need a more secure strap for that. The common downside to leather is that it's prone to scratches and damage, but surprisingly, my M12 strap is still mostly unscathed, even after almost 10 years of use. My main complaint is that the leather material was initially stiff, but it eventually adapted to how I wear my guitars.

At first the 52" length seemed too long, but since it has a ladder adjustment, it became a non-issue. Ladder adjustment is an old school style of adjusting the length of a strap - by running the bottom part of the strap through a "ladder" of loop holes. This lets me adjust the overall length without the need for guides or buckles that may inadvertently damage my guitar. The downside is that there's no way to make quick adjustments as I play, the strap has to be dislodged if I need to change its length. This is not a deal breaker for me because I want my strap in a fixed position, but for some who play in different positions, this can be an issue.

Even though I could get cheaper alternatives, I got more than my money's worth with the M12 - especially if I consider the possible damages to my guitars that were avoided because of how reliable this strap is. Note that I paid substantially more for the M12 compared to its current price, which is quite cheap for its superb quality.

I have nothing but good words for the Levy's M12, and with its superb reliability and durability, I can't recommend it enough.

Specifications

  • Width: 2"
  • Length: 52"
  • Material: Chrome-Tanned Leather
  • Design: Classic Style with Ladder Adjustment

Rating Source Highlight

Website Source *Rating Value
Gearank Alexander Briones 95/100
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm's adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Dimarzio ClipLock DD2200

98
GEARANK

98 out of 100. Incorporating 1300+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: 

$24
Dimarzio DD2200BK ClipLock Guitar Strap
At publication time this was the Highest Rated Guitar Strap - for the third edition in a row!

Cons

  • Requires installation of special strap buttons
  • Not for those who prefer old school strap designs

Pros

  • Secure locking mechanism
  • Fast lock and dislodge function
  • Allows quick and convenient guitar switching
  • Strong design capable of handling heavy guitars and even basses

Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani and John Petrucci are just a few of the many professionals who have entrusted their precious guitars to the DiMarzio Cliplock Guitar Strap system.

Its trustworthiness is due to its special quick release "Cliplock" design, which makes switching guitars more convenient without sacrificing stability and reliability. If you're familiar with how Yngwie swings his guitar around his body while performing, then you know that this strap is reliable, if not you can check out some of his older performance videos.

Note that initial setup requires you to permanently replace the strap buttons on your guitar with Cliplock ends, which may be daunting to beginners and guitarists who do not want to modify their instruments, but the result is worth it.

Once compatible buttons are installed on your guitars, you get to enjoy the benefit of this strap, which is stable "locked" attachment to your guitars, and a locking mechanism that opens and locks up quickly. The convenience of fast switching between guitars without having to remove your strap is a big deal for many guitarists, and being able to do so without compromising the stability of your instrument makes the button modifications truly worth it.

Cliplock is available in various configurations, and the most popular version features smooth nylon material that is strong enough to handle over 150 lbs of weight, more than enough for the heaviest electric and acoustic guitars, and even bass guitars.

Get the DiMarzio ClipLock Guitar Strap if you want virtuoso approved professional-grade reliability and convenience.

Specifications

  • Width: 2"
  • Length: 43.5" - 63.5"
  • Material: Nylon
  • Design: Cliplock System, Available in Different Colors

Rating Source Highlights

Website Source *Rating Value
Audiofanzine Hatsubai 100/100
YouTube Robin Flink 95/100
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm's adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Here is a demo of how this strap is installed on a guitar:

KLIQ AirCell

94
GEARANK

94 out of 100. Incorporating 1700+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: 

$40
KLIQ AirCell Regular Length Guitar Strap

Cons

  • Short padded section
  • Aircell pads can feel a bit weird until you get used to them

Pros

  • Comfortable Air-filled Pads
  • Provides good ventilation for long sessions
  • Ideal for heavy instruments
  • Good quality build

The KLIQ AIrCell strap was designed to be as comfortable as possible, even when used with hefty and neck-heavy guitars. To achieve this, it utilizes "AirCell" pads, which use trapped air as cushion.

This gives this strap a more comfortable feel compared to regular padded ones, it helps distribute weight better while still providing enough friction to prevent neck-heavy guitars from diving down. Another important advantage of its AirCell design is that it allows for air ventilation, which makes the strap ideal for long sessions.

Other parts of the strap are well built and stitched, including the attachments, the only downside is the use of plastic buckles.

AirCell is applied to only a portion of the strap, and this limits the strap positioning. Also note that the feel of the air-filled pads may take some time to get used to.

If you have a heavy guitar or one that has neck dive, check out the KLIQ AirCell. Your shoulders will thank you.

Specifications

  • Width: 3"
  • Length: Short 38" - 44", Regular 46" - 56" (Most common size), Long 49" - 61"
  • Material: Neoprene, Lycra, Leather
  • Design: AirCell pads for cushioning

Rating Source Highlight

Website Source *Rating Value
Lefty Guitarist Chris 92/100
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm's adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

LM Products Odin Viking Series Leather Strap

97
GEARANK

97 out of 100. Incorporating 70+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: 

$45
LM Products Odin Viking Series Leather Guitar Strap

Cons

  • Metal buckles and rivets can damage your guitar if not careful
  • A bit on the heavy side
  • Initially stiff but will gradually fit better

Pros

  • Antique style aesthetics
  • Sturdy brass buckles and rivets
  • Solid build and material quality
  • Durable

The LM Products Odin Viking Series Leather Strap brings to mind the strong, seafaring folk that come from the land of ice and snow.

It mimics the antiquated look of Viking belts and straps by combining leather with metal buckles and rivets, resulting in a stylish and sturdy guitar strap.

Longevity is also an important factor in this strap's design, and to achieve this, LM only uses high-grade thick leather and solid brass parts as they make each strap by hand in the US.

The look of old leather may not be everyone's cup of tea, and expect this strap to feel a bit heavier than others with its thick leather and brass parts.

If you want a tough, long-lasting strap that looks as sturdy as it looks, channel your inner rock god with the Odin Viking Series Leather Strap.

Specifications

  • Width: 2.5"
  • Length: 47" - 61"
  • Material: Leather
  • Design: Rugged belt-weight leather, Antiqued Brass Rivets, Solid Brass Rings

Vox Python Guitar Strap

97
GEARANK

97 out of 100. Incorporating 80+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: 

$150
Vox Python Guitar Strap

Cons

  • Commands quite the price
  • Has more parts to take care of

Pros

  • Stand out aesthetics with its metal plates
  • Stays true to the original design
  • Great for Nostalgia
  • Great build quality

Iconic guitarists can turn ordinary guitars into something legendary, and it is not just limited to instruments. After John Lennon used the Vox Python Guitar Strap in the mid-'60s, it went from being a mere strap, into a sought after accessory and memorabilia.

The current production Vox Python strap is a modern recreation of Lennon's original strap, which was auctioned off for around 15 grand. It stays true to the original design, down to the small details, making it this a great nostalgia inducing strap for fans of John Lennon.

It is a 2" wide leather strap with riveted chrome plates that make it visually stand out from regular straps.

If money is not an issue, the Vox Python Guitar Strap has enough John Lennon vibe for fans and non-fans alike.

Specifications

  • Width: 2"
  • Length: 52"
  • Material: Leather
  • Design: 25 Chrome Riveted Armor Plates

Rating Source Highlight

Website Source *Rating Value
YouTube alex 90/100
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm's adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Acoustic Guitar Strap - For Guitars With One Strap Button

guitar strap with lace
These are designed so that you can tie a cord or lace through the hole on the strap (as pictured) and then tie the lace to the headstock. Alternatively, instead of a lace you can use a Strap Button Adapter.

Levy's Leathers M4GF

92
GEARANK

92 out of 100. Incorporating 475+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: 

$50
Levy's Leathers M4GF Leather Bass Guitar Strap

Cons

  • Can be too wide for some
  • No quick length adjustments

Pros

  • Wide 3.5" foam padded strap
  • Classic leather design
  • Length adjustment without hard parts
  • High quality build and material

Featuring a 3.5" wide strap width, the Levy's Leathers M4GF is a stylish and functional leather strap that offers great support for heavier guitars and basses.

The extra width allows instrument weight to be distributed across your shoulder evenly instead of digging in at a smaller area.

The strap is made with high quality leather with a foam pad for comfort and suede lining to keep slippage to a minimum. The leather used has an unmistakably premium smoothness and feel, as expected from Levy.

It's all-leather design means that there are no buckles used, so you won't accidentally scratch your guitar.

If you need a stylish and premium leather strap for heavier instruments, thee 3.5" wide M4GF is a great pick.

Specifications

  • Width: 3.5"
  • Length: 36" - 52"
  • Material:Garment Leather
  • Design: Leather strap, Foam pad, Suede back

Taylor 2.5" Embroidered Suede

93
GEARANK

93 out of 100. Incorporating 425+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: 

$60
Taylor 2.5" Embroidered Suede Guitar Strap

Cons

  • No quick adjustments
  • Quite expensive for a leather strap

Pros

  • Luxurious look and feel
  • High quality materials and stitching
  • No hard parts that can cause scuffing
  • Durable

The Taylor 2.5" Embroidered Suede strap is a luxurious looking and feeling strap made by renowned acoustic guitar brand, Taylor.

It features a soft suede leather strap, made from high quality materials as expected from Taylor. Embroidery and stitching are also up to the same high standards.

It has stepped adjustments and no hard plastic or metal parts, to ensure that nothing on the strap could scratch or scuff your instruments.

If you want a luxurious strap to pair with your acoustic guitar's aesthetics, the Taylor 2.5" Embroidered Suede strap is an eye catching and comfortable choice.

Specifications

  • Width: 2.5"
  • Length: 51.5" - 58"
  • Material:Suede
  • Design: Brown Embroidered Suede strap with stepped length adjustment

Strap Button Adapter - For Guitars With One Strap Button

Guitar Strap Adapter
These can be used to give you a quick release option instead of having to tie and untie a lace - click on the image for a closer view.

D'Addario DGS15 Guitar Strap Adapter

95
GEARANK

95 out of 100. Incorporating 1400+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: 

$7
D'Addario DGS15 Quick Release Acoustic Guitar Strap
At publication time this was the Highest Rated Guitar Strap Adapter.

Cons

  • String ties can damage the headstock if not careful
  • Adds length to the strap

Pros

  • Quick release buckle
  • Easy to install and remove
  • No permanent modifications needed

The D'Addario DGS15 (formerly known as the Planet Waves DGS15) is a guitar strap adapter for use with acoustic guitars that have only one strap button.

What makes it different from regular string ties is its use of a quick release buckle, with one side looping around the headstock (under the strings beside the nut), and another looping into the strap hole.

This configuration allows for quick attachment and detachment of the strap, and lets you use regular straps with acoustic guitars more efficiently. More importantly it does all this without needing to do any permanent modifications to your guitar.

Caution that the string ties can damage the headstock finish if used without care.

If you're looking for a secure and convenient way to strap acoustic guitars with one strap button, then get the D'Addario DGS15 Strap Adapter.

Specifications

  • Loops on the headstock
  • Quick-release connection
  • Works on regular guitar straps without modification
  • Works on single strap button acoustic guitars without modification

Demo

Classical Guitar Strap - For Guitars Without Strap Buttons

Neotech Simple Sling 8001912

89
GEARANK

89 out of 100. Incorporating 350+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: 

$11
Neotech 8001912 Simple Sling Guitar Strap
At publication time this was the Highest Rated Guitar Strap for Guitars Without Strap Buttons.

Cons

  • Hook is larger than conventional sling straps
  • Not as stable as regular straps

Pros

  • Works without the need for strap buttons
  • Hook is felt lined and round edged
  • Adjustable strap
  • No modification required

The Neotech Simple Sling is aptly labeled, it is an easy to use sling strap for acoustic instruments with no strap buttons, including classical guitars, mandolins, ukuleles and more.

It features a cross-chest design with a 3/4" wide strap that makes it easier to balance your guitar on your body.

The hook is felt-lined and rounded at the edges to protect your instrument's finish, while the strap is designed so it doesn't catch on clothing. The strap also allows for adjustment.

The Neotech Simple Sling is a great solution for stringed instruments without strap buttons. Make sure that your instrument's soundhole is large enough to accommodate the hook.

Specifications

  • Width: 3/4"
  • Length: 36"–46"
  • Material: Nylon
  • Design: Cross-chest design, Multiple points of adjustment

Things to Consider when Buying Guitar Straps

Guitar Straps are essential for guitarists who regularly perform. Here you'll see important information that can help you in choosing the right guitar strap to buy.

Number of Strap Buttons

  • Guitars with two strap buttons work with standard guitar straps. They are the easiest to work with and provide the most stable, reliable, and convenient way of strapping on your instrument.
  • Guitars with one strap button require strings or straps that can be used to tie the strap to the headstock. To work, one end of the string is tied securely on the strap hole, while the other side is wrapped around the headstock, under the guitar strings beside the nut.

    Note that if the strap you prefer is not bundled with a string tie, or you prefer a string in a different color, you can get your preferred shoelace and use them as ties - just make sure that they are not using rough materials that can damage the finish of your guitar.

    Strap Button Adapters are specialized alternatives to string ties, used to allow regular straps to securely attach to the headstock. They make any regular guitar strap compatible with one strap button instruments and do so with extra visual flair and features.

  • Guitars without strap buttons are harder to strap because they require you to drill at least one strap button into the body for use with standard options. Thankfully, there are specialized Classical Guitar Straps that utilize a soundhole hook to help keep your guitar in position. These straps wrap around the waist of the guitar body, and hook onto the bottom of the soundhole. Note they are not as stable as regular straps, so make sure that one hand is always holding the guitar.

Length

Straps come with different lengths and while most are adjustable, you don't want to end up with one that is either too long or too short. The general idea is that longer straps are for taller players, or for those who prefer their guitars positioned lower. Shorter straps allow for higher positions and are meant for younger or shorter players.

Width

Wider straps spread the weight of the instrument better, which improves comfort and stability. This is especially useful when carrying heavy guitars and basses. However, some players find wide straps to be distracting and limiting, so it's not always the case that wider is better.

Material

Most affordable straps feature Nylon because of its strength and affordability. Nylon also serves as a good canvass for colorful and artistic designs. Leather is another popular material used on guitar straps. Be it faux or an animal product, the natural look and comfortable feel have made it the go-to strap for most professionals. Cotton and fabric are also popular for their comfort but tend to get dirtied. Other materials often used on straps include memory foam, which is used as pads in some straps, and suede, which many prefer for its smoother look and feel.

Design and Color

You may want your strap to be visually appealing. Be it a strap that matches your favorite instrument, a strap that's commonly used in your preferred musical style, or a reproduction of the strap used by your favorite guitarist, get one that makes you want to pick up your guitar with pride. Remember to remove the strap when displaying your guitar in a Wall Hanger.

Further Reading

Levy's Leathers have an informative article where you can learn more about guitar strap height adjustment. You may also want to have a look at our guitar parts diagram to familiarize yourself with all the components of the guitar.

Best Guitar Strap Selection Methodology

The first Edition was published in 2017.

We first scoured the market for the most popular and highly rated guitar straps, including guitar strap button adapters and classical guitar straps that utilize soundhole hooks. As usual, we filtered our initial list to those that are readily available in the USA. For this edition, we ended up gathering over 23,300 ratings and reviews, which we then fed into the Gearank Algorithm. This process gave us the rating scores our of 100 that we used to narrow down our original shortlist to the recommendations you can see above. For more information about our methods see How Gearank Works.

About the Author and Contributors

Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide's production - click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.

Lead Author & Researcher

Raphael PulgarRaphael Pulgar

I've been an audio engineer for 20 years specializing in rock and metal recordings. I also play guitar and produce original music for my band and other content creators.

I mostly use Dimarzio Cliplock straps on my guitars that I use on stage. I move around a lot so they feel the most secure for me.

Contributors

Alden Acosta: Product research.
Alexander Briones: Levy's M12 Review.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.

Media

Main/Top Image: Created by Gearank.com using a public domain photograph.

The videos have been embedded in accordance with YouTube's Terms of Service.

The individual product images were sourced from their respective manufacturers' websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation.

Comments

For higher end straps not

For higher end straps not available from big box stores, I've had good luck with Italia Leather Straps.
They are a direct to customer manufacturer and have great reviews.

I was surprised the ESO Strap

I was surprised the ESO Strap was not on this list. The best I have or ever used...

The ESO Strap didn't make it

The ESO Strap didn't make it onto our short-list at the time we published this guide because we didn't find sufficient numbers of independent reviews to rate it properly - maybe that will change by the time we update this guide.