How to Choose Guitar Strap Width | What is the Optimal Width to Reduce Shoulder Strain?

Are you choosing your guitar strap width just by guesswork?

"My shoulder hurts after playing for a long time..." or "It looks cool, but it just doesn't feel right." When choosing a guitar strap, have you ever given much thought to the width? You might be surprised how few people actually do.

In fact, strap width is a crucial factor that significantly influences both your comfort while playing and your overall stage look. Today, from the perspective of 708works—a studio based in Amagasaki, Hyogo, dedicated to crafting handmade straps—we’ll share how to choose the right width so you won't regret your decision.

Consider strap width based on "weight" and "duration"

The two main criteria for choosing strap width are the "weight of your instrument" and the "duration of your performance."

Go wider for heavy instruments or long performances

For heavy electric guitars like Les Pauls, or for live sets where you’ll be playing standing up for hours, a wider strap is highly recommended. A wider strap distributes the weight across your shoulder, preventing pressure from concentrating on a single point. If you find yourself losing focus because your shoulder hurts toward the end of a gig, reconsidering your strap width is the first place to start.

Generally, if comfort is your priority, a wider type around 50mm is a safe bet. It offers a gentle fit on the shoulder and is designed to reduce fatigue, even during long sessions.

Narrower is fine for lighter instruments or style-focused players

On the other hand, if you play lighter instruments like a Telecaster, a semi-hollow body, or a ukulele, a narrower strap is usually more than enough to enjoy your playing. Narrower straps offer a sleek, agile look and are great for those who want their strap to double as a stylish fashion accessory.

Don't overlook the "shoulder contact" design

It’s not just about the width; the construction of the part that touches your shoulder also plays a major role in your comfort. Even with the same width, the feel can vary drastically depending on the leather's softness and the overall design.

At 708works, we pay special attention to the shoulder-contact area, finishing each piece by hand. For example, our folklore strap—defined by its unique "scale" design—uses organic curves that naturally fit the shoulder, balancing visual impact with genuine comfort.

If you're worried that a wide strap looks too bulky, models with high design appeal like this one allow you to express your personality while still providing excellent physical support. The ability to enjoy a custom colorway is another unique benefit of handmade products.

For live performers, "adjustability" should go hand-in-hand with width

Along with choosing the right width, you should also consider how easy it is to adjust the length while playing. It's surprisingly common to want to change your strap length mid-performance depending on the song. If the length doesn't feel right, even the most comfortable width won't save you from discomfort.

For those players, we recommend our Courier strap, which allows you to adjust the length with a single hand using the pull tab on the back. It’s perfect for live environments where you need to make quick adjustments and stay focused on your performance. It’s the perfect companion for stage-focused musicians, offering the ideal balance of width, material, and functionality.

Start by choosing based on your "current struggle"

Choosing a guitar strap width doesn't have to be complicated.

• Shoulder pain or heavy instrument → Wide type
• Light instrument or style-focused → Narrow to medium
• Check the design details of the shoulder area and adjustability features

Just keeping these three points in mind can make a huge difference in your playing comfort. To make the time you spend with your guitar companion even more enjoyable, be sure to find a strap that fits your specific playing style and physique. At 708works, we put our hearts into crafting straps that gently support your musical journey.