Guitar straps & essential accessories: play comfortably and keep your instrument safe

Your guitar sounds great, your amp is dialled in… then you play your first full gig standing up with a bad strap and end up with shoulder pain and a guitar that won’t stay where you want it.
A strap might look like a small detail, but it has a huge impact on comfort, posture and safety.

In this guide we’ll look at:

• how to choose the right guitar or bass strap,
• the differences between leather, fabric and synthetic materials,
• when to use strap locks and other safety accessories,
• which essential accessories every guitar or bass player should have,
• ready-made Muviber searches to find straps and accessories new and used.

To start browsing, you can go straight to guitar straps on Muviber.

Why your strap is more than a piece of decoration

A good strap will:

• distribute the weight of the instrument across your shoulder,
• help you maintain a more natural playing posture,
• keep the guitar at a consistent height,
• reduce the risk of the instrument slipping or coming off.

For heavy instruments (some Les Pauls, 5-string basses, big solid bodies), a proper strap is almost a health requirement.

Materials: leather, fabric, nylon… what’s the difference?

Nylon / fabric straps

• Affordable and lightweight,
• available in countless colours and designs,
• can feel a bit slippery on some clothes.

Great if you need a budget-friendly strap or if your instrument is relatively light.
You can get an idea by looking at nylon guitar straps.

Leather (or faux leather) straps

• Generally more robust and comfortable,
• tend to “break in” and mould to your shoulder,
• classic or premium look.

They are ideal for:

• heavier guitars and basses,
• players who gig a lot,
• anyone who wants an accessory that will last for years.

Try searching for leather guitar straps and compare width and padding.

Width and padding

Beyond material, width and padding matter a lot:

• Narrow straps (4–5 cm) → fine for light instruments and short sessions;
• Wide straps (7–10 cm) → better for heavy instruments or longer gigs;
• soft padding → spreads weight and reduces pressure on your shoulder and neck.

If you play a 5-string bass or a particularly heavy guitar, look at padded options such as padded bass straps.

Length and adjustment: setting the right instrument height

A good strap should allow you to set the instrument height that fits your playing style:

• higher → more control, ideal for technical playing and precision;
• lower → rock look, but watch out for wrist and posture.

When choosing a strap:

• check the adjustment range (min/max length),
• look at the adjustment system (holes, buckle, sliding adjustment).

If you’re particularly tall or short, look for mentions of “extra long” or “short strap” in the descriptions.
On Muviber you can filter descriptions and photos in searches like adjustable guitar strap.

Strap locks: securing your instrument properly

One of the most underrated accessories is the strap lock: a system that locks the strap to the strap buttons.

Why they matter:

• prevent the strap from accidentally slipping off,
• protect your instrument from sudden drops,
• are essential if you move a lot on stage.

You’ll find:

• mechanical systems (Schaller, Dunlop-style),
• rubber-style locks that fit over standard strap buttons.

Start by checking guitar and bass strap locks.

Other essential accessories for guitar and bass

Alongside straps and strap locks, most players rely on a few must-have accessories:

• Picks in different gauges → always have plenty around:
  guitar picks
• Tuner (clip-on or pedal) → always be in tune:
  guitar tuners
• Capo for acoustic and electric guitars:
  guitar capo
• Stand to safely park your instrument at home or in the rehearsal room:
  guitar stands
• Good cables → less noise, fewer surprises on stage:
  guitar jack cable

They might not be as exciting as buying a new guitar, but these are the things that save your gigs, rehearsals and recording sessions.

New or used straps and accessories?

The used market also makes sense for straps and accessories, especially for:

• branded or handmade straps,
• strap locks and hardware,
• stands, cables, pedalboards.

Always check:

• the condition of the strap holes (not too stretched or torn),
• seams and stress points,
• any wear that might compromise safety.

You can, for example, search used guitar straps and compare the condition described by each seller.

A simple rule for choosing the right strap

If you want a quick rule of thumb:

1. Light instruments / short sets → nylon or fabric strap, at least medium width.
2. Heavy instruments / long gigs → leather or padded strap, 7–10 cm wide.
3. If you move a lot on stage → add a set of strap locks to your setup.

Just like a good case, a good strap isn’t a luxury: it’s part of how you play and how you take care of your instrument.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about straps and essential accessories

How wide should a good guitar or bass strap be?

For light instruments, a 4–5 cm wide strap can be enough. For heavy guitars or 4/5-string basses, a strap at least 7–8 cm wide, preferably padded, will distribute the weight better across your shoulder.

Is a leather strap better than a fabric one?

Leather (or good faux leather) usually offers greater comfort and durability over time, especially with heavier instruments and frequent gigs. Fabric/nylon straps are cheaper and lighter, perfect as a first strap or for secondary instruments.

Do I really need strap locks?

If you play standing up, move a lot on stage or own a valuable instrument, strap locks are one of the best small investments you can make: they significantly reduce the risk of your guitar or bass falling to the floor.

What are the minimum accessories I need to start gigging?

To start gigging safely you should at least have: a comfortable strap, a reliable cable, a tuner (pedal or clip-on), a few spare picks, a stand to park your instrument and ideally a spare set of strings ready to go.