How to Put a Strap Button on an Acoustic Guitar
Updated Nov 12, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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To put a strap button on an acoustic guitar, fit a button at the tail end and a button at the heel of the neck. Each button screws into the wood, so mark the spot and drill a pilot hole. If you do not want to drill, use a neck strap button that ties around the neck.
Pick the button spots
An acoustic guitar takes a strap button at the tail end of the body, where the endpin sits, and another button at the heel of the neck. The tail button carries the weight, and the neck button keeps the guitar from tipping forward. Some players put the neck button on the side of the heel, and some put it on the back, so hold the guitar with the strap on and see which spot keeps it level. Mark each spot with a pencil before you drill anything.
Drill a pilot hole and fit the button
Drill a pilot hole at each marked spot with the bit size the button maker states, then screw the button in by hand until it sits tight against the wood. Do not force the screw, and stop if the wood starts to split. If the guitar is valuable or you are unsure about drilling into it, ask a repair shop to fit the buttons.
Use a neck strap button instead
If you do not want to drill into the neck, use a neck strap button that ties around the neck below the headstock. The Nefelibata and YIKOKO straps in the gear list below include an acoustic guitar neck strap button, and the Nefelibata strap also includes strap locks. Loop the button around the neck, tie it off, and hook the strap end over it. The strap then hangs from the neck without a screw in the wood.
Attach the strap and check the fit
Hook the strap ends over the tail button and the neck button, then put the strap locks on if the strap comes with them. Adjust the strap to length: the Nefelibata and YIKOKO straps adjust from 38 to 64 inches, and the Perri's strap adjusts from 41 to 56 inches. Hold the guitar and check that it hangs level and the strap ends sit flat on the buttons. If a strap end slips off a button, refit it before you play.
What you need
Perri's Leathers Wide Deluxe Italian Leather Guitar
A wide deluxe Italian leather guitar strap that adjusts from 41 to 56 inches, with a reinforced keyhole and slots, for electric, bass and acoustic guitars.
- Material: Leather
Nefelibata Guitar Strap
A 2 inch brown flower embroidery guitar strap with full grain leather ends, adjustable from 38 to 64 inches, with strap locks, a neck strap button and a hidden pocket.
- Neck lock / strap
- Material: Leather
YIKOKO Guitar Strap Stars 2 Inches
A 2 inch guitar strap with a star pattern and cowhide leather ends, adjustable from 38 to 64 inches, with a free strap button, strap locks and guitar picks.
- Neck lock / strap
- Material: Leather
Nefelibata Guitar Strap 2" Embroidery Full Grain
A 2 inch green embroidery guitar strap with full grain leather ends and a hidden pocket, adjustable from 38 to 64 inches, with strap locks and a neck strap button.
- Neck lock / strap
- Material: Leather
These come from our ranked list Best Acoustic Guitar Straps, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to drill to fit a strap button?
Only for a screw-in button. A tail button and a neck heel button screw into the wood, so each needs a pilot hole. A neck strap button ties around the neck instead, and the Nefelibata and YIKOKO straps include a neck strap button, so no drilling is needed for that end.
Where does the neck strap button go?
At the heel of the neck, on the side or the back where it keeps the guitar level when the strap is on. A neck strap button that ties around the neck sits below the headstock instead. Hold the guitar with the strap on and check the balance before you mark the spot.
Will a strap button damage my guitar?
A screw-in button leaves a hole in the wood, so mark the spot with care and drill a pilot hole with the bit size the button maker states. If the guitar is valuable or you are unsure about drilling into it, ask a repair shop to fit the buttons. A neck strap button that ties on leaves no hole.
Ranked guitar straps lists
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