Hanging your Guitar on the wall

Published on 08/13/2009 by Elwood | 2,266 views.

What do you need?

• Guitar Hanger (hardware)
• Stud Finder
• Screw driver or drill

First, the Hanger

Guitars are hung on the wall using specialized devices that are easy on the neck. Pick up one from your local music store or grab one of these ones below from Amazon. These hangers will fit most guitars.

You may have to look a little harder if your trying to hang a 7-string or guitars with strange neck widths, but I have used them to hang an acoustic, classical, electric, and 12-string acoustic without any problems. These are some of the bestselling and highest rated.

In terms of screws -the hangers usually come with both dry wall and regular screws. Dry wall screws simply go into the dry wall and can hold up to about 25 lbs and are less secure.

The regular screws are intended to go into studs and require that you find the studs. Because your hanging an expensive, perhaps sentimental instrument I would advise always screwing into a stud because it is more secure.

Finding Studs

There are several ways to find a stud. One of the easiest ways is to use a stud finder. Check out your local hardware store or use one of the ones I have highlighted here from Amazon. I personally own this stud finder and it works great.

If you don’t want to buy a stud finder there are old fashioned ways of finding a stud. One way involves opening up an electrical outlet and peering inside your wall. You can use this guide to help you find the stud for free.

Installation

1. Locate and mark the stud at the height where you will screw the hanger in. If your using drywall screws you’ll want to avoid the stud. Place a small amount of pressure and see if it bows at all or give it a knock and try to determine the stud location by the sound.
2. Use a screwdriver or drill to put the screws in. A screwdriver is tough – but it should do the job. You’ll have no problems with power tools.
3. Be sure the hanger is level before you completely screw it in. Use a level or eyeball it. If your installing multiple hangers you’ll want to use a meter stick to line up the next hanger evenly unless your varying their heights.
4. Once the hanger is installed you can usually just screw the Y shaped holder in. Screw it in until you get some resistance and then go one more turn.
5. Testing: Apply some pressure with your hands on the top of the hanger just as your guitar would. Make sure it is sturdy. The piece attached to the wall should not move one bit.
6. Hang your guitar – it should have some space between it and the wall (see picture).
7. Step back a few feet, take a deep breath, and behold the beauty of your guitar!