How to shorten a guitar strap | Tips for adjusting it in an instant while playing

"I want it a little shorter..." We totally understand that frustration

When you strap on your guitar, do you ever find yourself thinking, "It’s sitting way too low," or "I want to play with it higher, but I can't quite get it right"? Many of you have likely felt that urge to adjust it on the fly, especially during a live performance or practice session.

At 708works in Amagasaki, Hyogo, we handcraft our guitar straps one by one. In our daily interactions with countless musicians, the "strap length dilemma" is a truly common concern. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything from the basics of shortening your guitar strap to some convenient techniques.

The Basics: Standard Ways to Shorten Your Strap

1. Adjusting via Buckle (Holes)

The most common method is adjusting the length using the holes and buckle on the strap. Much like a belt, you insert the tab into an inner hole to shorten the overall length. While simple, the drawback is that the adjustment is limited by the spacing of the holes, making it difficult to achieve that "just a little bit more" fine-tuning.

2. Adding New Holes

If you simply cannot find the perfect position, you can add new holes using a punch tool. However, attempting to punch holes in a genuine leather strap yourself carries the risk of damage. If it’s a strap you value, it’s safer to consult a professional shop rather than doing it yourself.

3. Choosing a Strap with Slide Hardware

If you use a nylon or leather strap with a sliding adjuster, you can change the length infinitely just by moving the hardware. Since you aren't bound by hole positions, it’s much easier to find your ideal fit.

If you want to shorten it instantly while playing, "Pull-to-Adjust" is the way to go

In fact, the most common request we hear from musicians is, "I want to change the length while I'm playing." Your ideal guitar height changes depending on the song, and the perfect position for standing is different from that for sitting, isn't it?

For these needs, we highly recommend our Courier, which allows for one-handed length adjustments. It features a design where you can shorten it by simply pulling the strap on the back with one hand, or lengthen it by lifting it with your fingers. You can adapt to changes in an instant without stopping your performance, even in the middle of a live set.

Equipped with a POM buckle, it boasts outstanding durability. It’s a strap designed to meet those specific demands, like wanting to raise your guitar just for a single song. If you’d like to customize the color scheme to your personal taste, you can explore over 120 combinations via our special color-order page.

For those who want to balance a classic look with functionality

If you’re someone who wants easy adjustment but won't compromise on aesthetics, we also recommend the duet - CW73, which also offers infinite length adjustment. It’s a model that gets the "best of both worlds"—the beautiful silhouette unique to our scale-pattern straps combined with the functionality inherited from the Courier. Its stage-ready design is sure to satisfy your desire for a high-quality instrument accessory.

Play more freely with the perfect length for you

There are many ways to shorten a guitar strap, from basic hole adjustment and professional repairs to functional straps that allow for one-handed adjustments even while you play. What matters most is choosing the method that fits your playing style and preferences.

If you feel like you want to enjoy playing more freely without being held back by your strap length, please consider trying an adjustable strap. Once your guitar is at the perfect height, it will surely feel more comfortable to play than ever before. May your time with music be even more comfortable.