A guitar left in its case rarely gets played. Hang it on the wall and it sits there waiting, ready to grab the moment you walk past.
The worry is whether that’s safe. Many players picture the headstock cracking or the guitar tipping off the hook and hitting the floor.
This guide settles those fears and shows the right way to do it. We cover anchoring into a stud, mounting to drywall, and how to set a guitar on the hanger so the finish stays clean.
Thinking of trading your floor stand for a wall setup? We start with the hangers worth buying, from the Hercules GSP40SBPLUS to the String Swing.
Best Guitar Wall Hanger Choice
Hercules GSP40SBPLUS Plus Guitar Wall Hanger
This is my favorite mount of all the guitar wall hook options, mainly because of the way it works when you put a guitar in it, thanks to its Universal Guitar Wall Hanger with Auto Grip System. When you place your guitar in it, two little arms swing out and make sure it’s securely housed in the hanger.
That makes it very hard to knock off, because you’ve to physically lift the instrument up and then slide it out. The Hercules GSP40SBPLUS Auto Grip System locking mechanism is one of my favorites, and the universal Autogrip wall mount makes it very convenient to use.
Pros:
- Completely eliminates the need for a stand
- Your instrument is always in arm’s reach
- Adjustable to fit any size, even 7-strings
- Clean and sleek appearance
Cons:
- A little pricey (but still worth it)
Our Rating: 4.5/5
Check The Current Price On The Hercules GSP40SBPLUS Plus
Ohuhu Guitar Hanger
The Ohuhu guitar hanger, like this one on Amazon, is the ideal solution for those looking for a safe, heavy-duty basic wall hanger that holds the guitar by its headstock. The hardwood base installs easily onto the wall, while the rubberized holder safely cradles the instrument.
The rubber stoppers and foam padding can be adjusted to fit any stringed instrument, so they hold it suspended safely and without fear of scratching it. This means the hanger can hold the instrument in place without wobbling and in a space-efficient manner, ready to be grabbed for playing at a moment’s notice.
For those looking for a gorgeous way to show off their collection while keeping it ready for play, this is one of the best wall mount options around.
Pros:
- Compatible with acoustic, electric, and classical guitars
- Great for small spaces
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a locking mechanism
Our Rating: 4.5/5
Check The Current Price On The Ohuhu
String Swing Guitar Wall Hangers
A wall mount made by String Swing is another excellent option. It’s made from solid hardwood that isn’t only very sturdy but looks very nice too.
It has padded arms with foam padding to help protect your headstock while it hangs. Made in the USA, it comes with everything you need to install it with just a couple of screw holes.
Pros:
- Customizable
- Easily installed or taken down
- Easy to use and maintain
Cons:
- May not work with brick surfaces
Our Rating: 4.5/5
Check The Current Price On The String Swing
String Swing SW5RL-B-K Guitar Keeper
Do you’ve multiple guitars that you want to mount vertically together? Take a look at this solid wood wall hanger.
You can hang up to five guitars at a time. It lets you adjust the hooks so you can hang acoustics, electrics, and other stringed instruments together, and move the hangers to space them out properly.
Great for collectors and music shops.
Pros:
- Easy to hang
- No assembly required
- Sturdy construction
- Sits flush against the wall
Cons:
- The neck doesn’t grip the hanger tightly, so if you bump it you can knock it off
Our Rating: 4/5
Check The Current Price On The String Swing SW5RL-B-K
Gator Frameworks Wall Mounted Guitar Hanger
Storing your musical instruments safely is a must. At the same time, you want them within reach whenever you want to play or record.
Consider a Gator Frameworks wall mount guitar hanger to safely display your favorites.
Gator Frameworks has a selection of fine hangers that display securely at an affordable price. Choose from five different wall mounts with plates in colors like black, mahogany, cherry, maple, and chrome.
Every hanger comes with a foam wall pad to place behind the plate to prevent marring or scratching the wall, along with mounting screws and drywall anchors.
It also provides just the right amount of clearance from straight or angled headstocks, including unusual guitar headstock shapes, while maintaining a low profile. The rubberized swivel cradle adjusts automatically to your neck to keep it straight and create a gorgeous presentation.
Gator Frameworks wall mounted guitar hangers fit electrics and acoustics as well as bass. These hangers are safe for polyurethane finishes but aren’t recommended for vintage or lacquer finishes.
A three-year warranty on manufacturing defects in material and workmanship comes with every purchase.
Pros:
- Strong metal frame
- Hanger is covered in thick felt to protect your guitar’s finish
- Neck holder prevents the instrument from slipping over time
Cons:
- Material around the neck holder might rip over time and leave strings sticking out
Our Rating: 4/5
Check The Current Price On The Gator Frameworks
Hercules GSP38WB
The Hercules GSP38WB is an attractive and reliable hanger that can hold a range of sizes. It features an improved Auto Grip System (AGS) that accommodates neck sizes ranging from 40 to 52mm and is suitable for hanging classicals.
The AGS operates based on the weight of the guitar: when the instrument is placed in the yoke, the housing slides down and the arms rotate to secure it. When it’s ready for play, all you need to do is lift it, and the AGS releases automatically.
Unlike other guitar hangers, it includes attachments to increase the thickness of the grip arms, allowing it to accommodate narrow-neck instruments such as banjos and mandolins. The specially formulated foam rubber on this hanger protects the instrument at all contact points and provides a safe, secure support.
It includes the following features:
- Attractive wood base for home mounting
- Auto-swivel yoke with AGS that accommodates a wide range of differently shaped guitars and basses
- AGS yoke holds the instrument safely and securely thanks to Autogrip
- Specially formulated foam covers the yoke to provide protection against damage
- Excellent price point
Pros:
- Flexible
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Expensive
Our Rating: 4.5/5
Check The Current Price On The Hercules GSP38WB
Why You Need a Guitar Hanger
If you’re a guitar player, you understand that protecting your musical investment is crucial to your success as a musician. So why do you need a quality hanger?
There are many reasons to use a wall mount, but here are the most important.
- More space - If you happen to have a studio just for your music, you’ve enough room to keep guitars on stands or in their cases, but most people don’t have a separate music studio. A wall mounted guitar hanger saves space and keeps down the clutter.
- Protection - Hanging your guitars protects them from damage that can occur when they’re kept on the floor on stands or tucked away in a closet, where they can be knocked over, stepped on, or damaged in other ways.
- Motivation - Keeping your guitars out in the open where you can regularly see them helps keep you motivated for regular playing and practicing.
- Decoration - Guitars make excellent modern wall decor. If you’ve different types, colors, and sizes, wall holders can turn any wall in your home into a great centerpiece, adding style and a creative, chic appeal to the guitar room.
Are Wall Hangers For Guitars Safe?
Yes. When they’re used and installed correctly, they can be very safe.
Care needs to be taken when they’re installed so they don’t damage the wall, and the instrument needs to be placed carefully. Allowing for that, they’re a great way to display your guitars.
They let those who take pride in their guitars show them off for others to see, while keeping them ready to play at any time. This not only ensures the guitars are taken care of but also that they’re ready at a moment’s notice when everyone gets together.
That makes them more than mere decorations, letting them stay the well-worn, time-tested instruments they were meant to be.
The more interesting question is where you hang them. A common suggestion is the living room, so they’re easy to pull off the wall and play when friends and family come over.
However, if you’re worried about the safety of a valuable collection that isn’t staying in its case, it’s worth looking at exactly how you should hang it using a guitar wall rack.
I tend to hang my less-used guitars on a hanger and keep my daily players in a floor stand.
Is It OK To Hang A Guitar On The Wall?
It’s definitely okay. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using a guitar holder:
- Make sure the guitar is on a wall that doesn’t get a lot of traffic. You don’t want it hanging where kids are playing and could accidentally knock it off the wall. For the most part, a wall hanger is very hard to knock down, much harder than a stand, but you still want to keep this in mind to make life easier.
- Consider what’s on the other side of the wall where you want to install the guitar wall mount.
How To Hang A Guitar On The Wall
What To Consider Before Installing A Guitar Wall Holder
A wall guitar hanger is one of the best and safest ways to store your guitars. Wall mounts make accessing your favorite and most cherished guitars easy and handy, but before you begin the installation process, there are a few things you need to know for safe and effective hanging.
Here are three of the most useful considerations.
- Select a reliable wall mount - Choosing a strong, sturdy wall mount is the first thing to consider. Pick a brand and design that’s well made and reliable, and don’t skimp on price.
- Have the proper tools - Make sure you’ve all the proper tools for installing the wall mount. Generally, you’ll need mounting screws and plugs, a tape measure, a spirit level, a pencil, a drill, a hammer, and a screwdriver. If you aren’t handy with tools or DIY home improvement projects, hire someone with carpentry skills.
- Choose a secure wall - The best type of wall for a wall guitar mount is a solid masonry wall. Avoid hollow walls or walls that don’t offer strong support from a stud, if possible. If you can’t find a solid wall, you can still hang your guitar on drywall or plasterboard using hollow wall anchors, which you can buy at your local home improvement or hardware store.
Tools You Need To Hang Your Guitar On A Wall
Hanging a guitar doesn’t really require much in the way of tools. The wall mount should come with screws and perhaps plastic plugs.
You’ll also need:
- one tape measure
- one level
- one pencil for marking where the hanger goes
- a drill and drill bit
- drywall anchors and mounting screws (which are often included), and some kits come with brackets for hanging
Once you’ve all of that, it’s time to hang it. A wall scanner, or stud finder, is also useful, especially if you’re dealing with drywall or other thin walls.
Hanging Your Guitar
First, pick the right wall for your wall mounted guitar holder. External walls are ideal due to their sturdiness, but if you must use an interior wall, use the stud finder to locate the studs and any interior wiring.
You want to anchor into the studs while avoiding the wiring. Once you’ve chosen the spot and know its interior layout, place the instrument in the hanger and set both on the floor.
By measuring the guitar from bottom to top, you’ll know the clearance needed.
Place the guitar mount by itself where you want it and make a mark with the pencil. Measure from that point down to make sure it’ll have the correct clearance.
Use the level to make sure everything lines up, then make a second pencil mark. You should’ve two marks to line up the hanger.
Use the drill to make holes for the plugs, then lightly tap them into place with the hammer.
You don’t need to drive them all the way in, just to the depth of the plug. Now assemble the hanger and tighten all of the screws on the base block until the block is flush.
Once everything is assembled and the wall hanger is flush, put the tools down.
Place the guitar in the wall mount but don’t let go. Keep a firm grip on it as you set it.
Eventually you should get it into position and slowly let go, staying ready to grab it if the hanger doesn’t hold by the headstock. If everything was done properly, it should be hanging securely on the wall.
Hanging Guitars On Drywall
Drywall presents a number of problems for the hobbyist. The easy solution is to hang the guitars where the studs are, because a wall stud provides the support they need and is better for heavier guitars.
While you can buy extenders and hollow wall anchors, the problem is that the drywall itself can only hold so much weight. This means you need to make sure you mount into the studs hidden in the wall if you plan to hang any of the heavier guitars.
You also want to place the guitars outside of normal walking paths. While an accident is unlikely, grabbing a guitar to break a fall can lead to a damaged instrument, headstock, finish, or strings, as well as a damaged wall.
Can Wall Hangers Damage Your Guitar Neck?
When it comes down to it, hanging a guitar by its neck or headstock shouldn’t damage the guitar. The force of gravity applies much less energy to the neck than the strings do, so simply hanging it up shouldn’t damage the instrument under its own weight.
The biggest potential risk is discoloration where the rubber or plastic contacts the guitar. Over time it’s possible for the rubber to rub off onto the finish.
The other issue is that exposing the wood to the humidity and temperature of the surrounding area, without a guitar humidifier, may affect the wood itself over time. A guitar room humidifier may be a necessity.
Obviously the safest option would be to keep the guitar in its case. That keeps it safe from ambient conditions as well as accidents and theft.
However, putting a guitar away in its case may protect it but also denies the collector the ability to look at the collection at leisure or to play it whenever the mood strikes. So the collector must decide between protecting the instruments from every potential problem and hiding them away, or keeping them out in the open where they can be enjoyed and played.
Some excellent advantages to hanging your guitar on the wall are:
- You free up floor space when floor space is something you don’t have much of.
- You see it in stores, so it’s good enough for home too.
- Bottom line, it looks cool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use to hang a guitar on the wall?
You can probably find things at the hardware store that you could fashion into a wall hanger for your guitar, but honestly, that isn’t a good idea. A purpose-built guitar wall holder is relatively cheap, very comparable in price to a guitar stand, and it’s designed to cradle the headstock safely.
Since wall hangers are so affordable, it’s worth buying a proper one rather than improvising. Take a look at the recommendations above for the best options.
Can you hang a guitar on drywall without a stud?
You can, but only with the right hardware. Use hollow wall anchors or toggle bolts rated to hold the combined weight of the hanger and guitar, and avoid hanging heavier instruments on drywall alone.
Whenever possible, anchor into a stud instead, since a stud gives you far more secure, long-term support, especially for heavier acoustics and basses.
Is it bad to leave a guitar hanging long term?
For most guitars it’s fine to leave them hanging long term, since the neck is built to handle far more force from string tension than gravity adds. The two things to watch are humidity and finish contact.
Keep the room in a healthy humidity range and check the spot where the rubber cradle touches the neck now and then, since some finishes can discolor where they sit against rubber for years.
Are wall hangers safe for nitro or vintage finishes?
Be cautious with nitrocellulose and vintage finishes. The rubber or foam on many hangers can react with nitro lacquer and leave marks or discoloration over time.
If you’re hanging a vintage or nitro-finished guitar, wrap the contact points in a finish-safe cloth or use a hanger specifically rated as nitro-safe, and inspect the neck periodically.
Final Thoughts
For those with a nice collection of guitars who want to show them off, a wall mount is arguably the best way to do it, turning the instruments into a unique decorative display. An acoustic or electric collector can be proud to display one guitar or a whole wall of them in the best possible way.
The guitars may need some dusting off now and then since they aren’t in their cases, but they’ll stay there safely as long as the walls stand, cradled in your wall hangers, making for a great way to show off a valued collection.
The key is doing it right: anchor into a stud or use proper wall anchors, mind the finish on vintage instruments, and keep the room’s humidity in check. Get those basics right and a wall mount is a safe, attractive, and convenient home for your guitars.
