Guitars are not just musical instruments but also valuable possessions. Properly storing them is crucial to prevent damage and maintain their condition. Wall mount hangers are a great solution to keep guitars safely stored and easily accessible, while also adding aesthetic value to any room.
Let’s get into it!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links and we may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. You can read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.
How to hang a guitar on the wall
Step 1. Choosing a Hanger Type
When it comes to wall mounting guitars, your first step is to decide on the kind of mount you want. There are four options to choose from.
1. Basic Mounts
Basic guitar wall mounts are simple fixtures with two padded prongs that hold your guitar from the ridges of the headstock. They’re incredibly affordable and easy to install.
Some are adjustable to accommodate different headstock sizes, but many aren’t, so always check measurements before settling on such a basic mount.
Although this kind of wall mount is the cheapest of the four, it’s best not to go too low on the price, as keeping your expensive instrument(s) safe is a big responsibility. I’ve been using this String Swing CC01K-BW Guitar Hanger for years now, and it’s never let me down.
2. Locking Mounts
This Sondery Guitar Wall Mount is a fantastic example of a quality locking hanger. It follows the same principles as basic guitar wall mounts, but it features a pressure-based mechanism that triggers two locking bars to swing upward when the guitar is placed on the mount.
These two locking bars prevent the guitar from going anywhere unless the guitar is lifted upwards, neutralizing the locking mechanism.
Locking hangers can provide peace of mind in this guitar vs gravity endeavor, but they tend to cost quite a bit more than the basic option.
3. Angled Wall Mounts
Most guitar wall mounts are designed to hold guitars vertically, but that doesn’t have to be the case. This RawRock Guitar Hanger allows you to hang your guitars at an angle.
It takes a little more elbow grease to install, and it’s not as space-friendly, but the horizontal orientation can be very striking.
4. Boxed and Framed Wall Mounts
If you’re going for a full-on Hard Rock Café vibe, forget everything I just said; you want to box and frame your guitars with something like this DisplayGifts Cabinet Shadow Box.
They take up a lot of room, so they’re not the best option if you’ve got a whole closet of axes to mount, but they sure do look amazing!
Step 2. Consider Your Wall Material
Brick walls are 100% the safest option for mounting guitars, especially when paired with some quality wall anchors. Drywall, on the other hand, poses a problem. It’s just not strong enough to support the weight of our guitars, but the wall studs are.
You’ll need to locate the wall studs and use them as anchorage if you wish to hang your guitars on drywall.
Step 3. Choosing a Wall
- Avoid areas that see a lot of direct sunlight.
- Choose somewhere with very little foot traffic so no one bumps into your guitars.
- Think about the future. There might be enough space on your chosen wall for your current array of six strings, but is there any wiggle room for new additions further down the line?
- You need to be able to reach your guitars easily, so a wall with few obstructions will be best.
Step 4. Assessing Height
- If you have small children or pets, you’ll want to keep your expensive instruments out of reach, but not so far that you have trouble reaching them yourself.
- It’s best to bring the mount down a little if you have low ceilings. The last thing you want is a chipped headstock.
- Do you want to store something beneath your guitar, such as an amp? You’ll need to keep this item in mind when choosing the height of the hanger.
Step 5. Placement (Drywall Only)
- Locate the wall studs with a stud finder.
- Mark the locations of the wall stud with a pencil or masking tape.
- If you want to mount multiple guitars on drywall or where there is no stud, install a horizontal board across the wall, mounting it to multiple studs. The board will then be strong enough to support guitars across its entire length. Install your mounts on this board rather than the wall, and voilà; you’re sorted!
Step 6. Installation
- Hold the mount to your wall and mark out the screw holes with a pencil. If possible, use a spirit level to ensure the hanger is straight.
- For horizontal hangers, mount the body section first, then fine-tune the angle with the neck section afterward.
- With brick walls, you should match the drill bit to the wall anchors you plan on using, but for stud installations, you should size down the drill bit from the screw ever so slightly, as you want the threads of the screw to sufficiently bite into the wood.
- Hold your hanger against the wall and drill the screws into place. Depending on the shape of your hanger, you may need to screw them in manually with a screwdriver.
Step 7. Testing
- Gently place your guitar on the hanger, listening carefully for any signs of stress, such as cracking or creaking. If it sounds sturdy you can test the strength of the hanger using your least expensive guitar for an extended period and see how it holds up. If nothing goes wrong, go ahead and hang your prize axe!
How To Hang A Guitar On The Wall — Final Thoughts
Hanging your guitars on the wall can be a fun DIY task, give your room a cool new look, and of course, free up some vital living space.
As you’ve seen from this guide, installing a hanger is a relatively easy process, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take it slow, making sure everything is just right, especially if you plan on hanging your guitars on drywall.
There’s no greater DIY tragedy than busting your wall and your favorite guitar in one fell swoop, so think it through, be precise, and plan for the future, as you’re inevitably going to end up with more guitars than you have now.
FAQ’s
Will hanging my guitar on a wall mount hanger affect its tuning or sound quality?
Hanging your guitar on a wall mount hanger will not affect its tuning or sound quality, as long as it is hung securely and the hanger is designed to support the weight of your guitar. However, it’s important to avoid hanging your guitar in areas with extreme temperature or humidity changes, as this can cause damage to the instrument and affect its sound quality.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to periodically check the guitar’s tuning and sound quality to ensure that it hasn’t been affected by any environmental factors or changes in the hanger’s position.
Related Article: How to tune an electric guitar
Related Article: How to tune a 12 string guitar
Can hanging a guitar on a wall mount cause any damage to the instrument?
Hanging a guitar on a wall mount hanger should not cause any damage to the instrument if the hanger is properly installed and the guitar is securely hung.
However, it’s important to choose a hanger that is designed for the weight and size of your guitar and to avoid hanging your guitar in areas with extreme temperature or humidity changes.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to periodically check the hanger and the guitar’s hanging position to ensure it is still secure and stable.
Are wall mount hangers easy to install and how much weight can they support?
Wall mount hangers are generally easy to install and come with mounting hardware, but it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation.
The weight capacity of a wall mount hanger can vary depending on the model and design, but most can support the weight of a standard acoustic or electric guitar.
It’s important to choose a hanger with a weight capacity that matches your guitar’s weight and to check the hanger periodically to ensure it is still securely attached to the wall.
Can wall mount hangers be used for all types of guitars, including acoustic, electric, and bass?
Wall mount hangers are designed to accommodate different types of guitars, including acoustic, electric, and bass. However, it’s important to choose a hanger that is specifically designed for the type and size of your guitar to ensure a secure fit.
Some hangers may be adjustable to fit different guitar sizes, while others may have a specific design that is tailored to a particular type of guitar.
YouTube Video
Happy Playing!
