Most ukuleles don't come with strap buttons. You pick up your new soprano or concert uke, flip it over looking for buttons, and find nothing. No wonder so many beginners figure the uke is just meant to be played sitting down. It's not. Here's exactly how to put a strap on a ukulele, whichever setup yours has.
Before picking a method, check two things: does your ukulele have strap buttons already, and what size is it? Sopranos and concerts are lightweight enough that any method works. Tenors and baritones are heavier, and you'll want a bit more security.
What You Need Before You Start
The right gear depends on which method you're using.
- For strap buttons (Method 1): A standard strap with two end holes. Any guitar strap works.
- For soundhole straps (Method 2): A strap with a hook or loop that fits through the soundhole. Several ukulele-specific straps are designed exactly for this.
- For tie-on straps (Method 3): A strap with a cord or leather lace at one end, or a piece of thin cord (around 2mm nylon paracord or similar) you can tie yourself.
- For installing buttons (Method 4): A drill with a 3/16" bit, two strap buttons (Schaller S-Locks or basic Dunlop flush-mount buttons work well), two matching screws, and a small piece of felt to protect the finish.
Gather what you need before starting. The whole process takes under five minutes for methods 1 through 3.
Method 1: How to Put a Strap on a Ukulele With Strap Buttons
If your uke already has buttons, you're in luck. This is the same as attaching a strap to a guitar.
Which ukes have buttons?
Tenor and baritone ukuleles are more likely to come with strap buttons pre-installed, especially from brands like Kala and Lanikai. Soprano and concert models almost never have them.
Steps
- Hold your uke with the bottom facing you.
- Slide one end of the strap over the button at the bottom of the body (the strap pin or end pin).
- Slide the other end over the button at the upper bout, usually near the neck joint.
- Adjust the length so the uke sits at a comfortable height while standing.
Which strap works best?
Any guitar strap works here. For ukuleles, lighter is better. The Boho Guitar Strap is a good fit: it's lightweight with soft cotton backing, so it won't pull the uke around or dig into your shoulder.
If you want something with a bit more visual personality, the Flower Fields Vintage Floral Guitar Strap pairs well with the folk aesthetic most uke players go for.
The bottom line: if your uke has buttons, there's no reason to complicate this.
Method 2: Soundhole Strap (No Buttons Needed)
This is the most common method for soprano and concert ukuleles. A soundhole strap uses a small hook or loop that goes through the soundhole and catches on the inside edge of the body.
Steps
- Thread the hook or loop end of the strap through the soundhole from outside.
- Pull it gently until it catches on the inside rim. Some straps use a small rubber or plastic clip that grips the soundhole edge.
- Bring the strap around your shoulder and behind your neck.
- Adjust the length so your strumming arm can move freely.
Does it damage the ukulele?
A well-made soundhole strap won't damage the finish or the soundboard. The catch sits against the inside of the rim (the kerfing), not the top. Avoid anything with a sharp metal hook and you're fine.
Best for
Soprano and concert ukuleles. Lighter instruments where the strap is mostly for stability, not weight support.
What strap to use
Look for straps labeled as ukulele soundhole straps. The hook dimensions matter: too wide and it won't fit through a soprano soundhole (typically 3 to 3.5 inches in diameter). For this method, a fabric strap made specifically for ukuleles is your best bet. This is the one case where a standard guitar strap won't work without modification.
In short: the soundhole method is the fastest setup for a uke without buttons, and it's completely reversible.
Method 3: Tie-On Strap (Around the Headstock or Neck)
This is the old-school approach. One end of the strap attaches to the bottom strap button (or the end pin hole), and the other end ties around the headstock just above the nut.
If your uke has no end pin at all, some players tie both ends: one around the neck near the body (between the 12th and 14th fret), one around the headstock.
Steps
- Tie one end of the strap to the headstock, just behind the nut. Use a secure knot, like a lark's head (girth hitch), so it won't loosen while you play.
- If your uke has an end pin or bottom button, hook the other strap end there.
- If there's no end pin, tie that end around the neck near the heel, above the 12th fret, being careful not to mute strings.
- Test the balance. The uke should sit at roughly a 45-degree angle, not flopping forward.
Which strap to use
A strap with a thin cord or leather lace at one end works best here. Many folk and classical guitar straps come with this setup. If your strap doesn't have a lace, use 2-3mm nylon paracord or a waxed cotton cord. Avoid anything thick; you don't want bulk pressing against the headstock joint.
Best for
Soprano and concert ukuleles. Tenor players sometimes use this method as a backup but aren't usually happy with the balance. Baritone players should either install buttons or use a strap with a button at the base.
My recommendation: this method works but takes a bit of tuning. If you're using it, check the headstock knot every few sessions because it can loosen with regular playing.
Method 4: Adding Strap Buttons Yourself
This is the best long-term solution for tenor and baritone players who want a proper guitar-style setup without fighting with hooks or ties.
What you need
- A drill and a 3/16" (4.8mm) bit
- Two strap buttons (Dunlop Straplok flush-mount or Schaller S-Locks both work well)
- Two screws sized for the buttons (usually included)
- A thin felt pad or small piece of cloth to cushion the button against the finish
Steps
- Mark your spots. The first button goes at the bottom center of the body (the tail end, pointing straight down from the neck). The second goes at the upper bout near the neck heel, on the bass side of the body.
- Use a bradawl or a thin nail to pre-drill a small pilot hole before using the drill. This prevents the wood from splitting.
- Drill carefully at a 90-degree angle to the surface. Stop as soon as the bit has gone through.
- Place the felt pad between the button base and the finish.
- Screw the button in by hand first, then tighten with a screwdriver. Finger-tight is enough.
- Attach your strap.
Is it safe for a laminate or cheap uke?
Yes, as long as you drill carefully and use a pilot hole. A solid-wood instrument needs the same care; the wood is often thinner on soprano bodies, so drill slowly.
If you're nervous about drilling, any guitar tech can install two strap buttons for under $20. Not worth the anxiety if you're unsure.
What this means: once you have buttons installed, you can use any guitar strap, including the full Qilin Library catalog. No adapters, no tying. The Navy Flower Fabric Guitar Strap is a personal favorite for ukulele players who want something lightweight but with real visual character.
Which Method Works Best for Each Ukulele Size?
- Soprano (53 cm): Soundhole or tie-on. Too light and small to need buttons.
- Concert (58 cm): Soundhole or tie-on. Same as soprano; some players add one end button for convenience.
- Tenor (66 cm): Install buttons, or tie-on. Heavier than soprano/concert; benefits from proper button support.
- Baritone (76 cm): Install buttons. Closest in weight to a guitar. Use a full guitar strap.
Picking the Right Strap for Your Uke
Guitar straps and ukulele straps are more interchangeable than most people think. The main difference is width (most uke players prefer something narrower, around 1.5 to 2 inches) and length (shorter, since the uke sits higher than a guitar). If you're curious about strap materials before committing, the Types of Guitar Straps Explained guide breaks down leather vs. fabric vs. woven options with real trade-offs.
For ukulele specifically, fabric straps like the Blue Woven Guitar Strap are a great call: comfortable, light, and easy to adjust. Leather works too but adds unnecessary weight to a 400-gram soprano.
One tip from Ukulele Underground, a solid resource for uke players of all levels: the most common mistake beginners make is setting the strap too long. The uke should sit high enough that your fretting hand can reach the first few positions without hunching. Set it shorter than you think you need.
The bottom line: there's a method that works for every ukulele, whether it came with buttons or not. Try the soundhole method first if you have a soprano or concert. Install buttons if you have a tenor or baritone and plan to play standing up regularly.
