Where there are guitars, there are guitar straps. Any musician who expects to play a guitar while standing needs a strap, and that utility is only the beginning of what a guitar strap can do for you. Since they're as visible onstage as you and your guitar, they're also the perfect opportunity to customize your look. So when you set out to choose a guitar strap, there are two things to keep in mind: how comfortable it will be supporting your axe, and what it's going to contribute to your stage aesthetic. Find a guitar strap that hits the mark in both areas, and you'll have found a great candidate to become the next addition to your strap collection.
Some of the most practical straps on the market are the ones made of textiles, like fabrics, nylon, polypropylene and other synthetics. These straps tend to be very strong and lightweight, with a thin cross-section that makes them easy to bundle up for transport. These kinds of straps can also be incredibly affordable, so if you're a beginner trying to manage your startup costs, something like the Ernie Ball 2" Poly Strap can deliver great quality while going easy on the pocketbook. For the more experienced musician, a full-featured strap like the MONO M80 Betty Guitar Strap could be the way to go - it layers neoprene and memory foam for top-tier comfort, and even has a hidden pocket that's perfect for picks.
Would you prefer a strap with a more classic look? If so, a leather strap might be the answer. These can be simple and plain like the D'Addario Planet Waves Traditional Leather Guitar Strap, or dressed up in fancier materials such as the Levy's Soft Suede Guitar Strap. Some leather straps use buckles for adjustment, while others take a more classic approach with a tailpiece that weaves through slots to set the length. A couple things to consider when choosing leather straps are whether you'd like a shoulder bolster (good for heavy instruments and long gigs), or a strap with embossed artwork for added visual flair.
No matter which strap in this section "speaks" to you, it's safe to call it the right choice as long as it meets your personal criteria. And although the best guitar straps are the ones that are tailored to our individual tastes, that doesn't mean other musicians' opinions can't help you make a decision. So if you're stuck between a few different straps, don't hesitate to check out their reviews to see what other guitarists have to say about them! That's just one more step to making sure the straps you pick out are the right ones for you.
