Your little one has been asking about playing the guitar for quite a while now. You figured it was time for them to have their own instrument to play. You’ve also looked into signing them up for guitar lessons in Orlando, so they can begin learning right away. You even went to the local music store to find the best guitar for your son or daughter. The guitar you purchased came with a few accessories. While it may have come with a softshell case, guitar picks, a tuner, and maybe even a guitar stand, it may not have come with a guitar strap. Now you may be wondering if your child really needs a guitar strap? Is it worth going back to the music shop to buy one?

Is a guitar strap necessary?

When you buy a guitar for your child, or if they pick one out, you’re often more focused on the brand of guitar that you’re buying and the ease of playing it more than anything else. The accessories that come with the guitar are usually overlooked when first purchasing the guitar set. After all, you buy a guitar to play the guitar, not to play with the accessories. Beginners usually forget the guitar strap, but we’ll argue it’s an absolute necessity to have to play the guitar.
Consider your favorite musicians. How many of them have performed without a guitar strap? Sure, there may be the occasional artist who breaks out their acoustic with no strap, but they play it while sitting down. Without a guitar strap, you can’t play the guitar standing up. Playing without a guitar strap can also create cramping or irritation in your neck, back, or shoulders. If your child is young, you will want to get them a guitar strap, as wearing the strap prevents them from dropping the guitar or letting it slip while they practice.
So, does your child need a guitar strap? Undoubtedly, yes! Here are a few criteria you want to look for when choosing a guitar strap for your guitar player.
What to look for in a guitar strap

Material

When choosing a guitar strap, you should keep in mind what it’s made of. You can find a guitar strap in the following materials:

• Nylon
• Leather
• Synthetic fibers
• Cotton
• Plastic
• Natural fibers

Nylon and synthetic fiber straps are among the most popular guitar straps as they are sturdy and relatively inexpensive. Both are durable throughout the years, and the fibers don’t deteriorate. Each material has a different benefit and a different kind of durability. Be sure to pick the right material for your child and is the most comfortable for them to use. Depending on your son or daughter’s age, they may have a particular design in mind.

Size

While shopping for a guitar strap, choose a strap that is the right size for your child. If you pick a strap that’s too big, then the strap will easily slip off their shoulders while practicing. Choose a strap that’s too short, and the strap will be too tight and cause discomfort while playing. You can determine which length is best for your child by measuring the distance from your child’s shoulder to the knobs on the guitar. Be sure your child is holding the guitar in the position they most enjoy playing.
Also, keep in mind the width of the guitar strap. If the strap is too narrow, your child will feel the weight of holding the guitar longer as they play. Getting a strap that’s a little wide, typically between two and three inches, is a good size, but again, you’ll want to make sure it’s proportional to your child’s size and is comfortable for them.
Ready for the next step?
If you’re still unsure which guitar strap would be best for your child, find a guitar teacher in Orlando and ask them for their opinion. They will provide you with some useful options. At Lessons In Your Home, we hire the best and brightest music teachers, and we thoroughly vet all of our instructors. They can either come to your home to teach or can also provide online music lessons. Our virtual music lessons are taught by local music teachers who plan their lessons to suit your child. Contact us today to find an instructor near you.