A multi-step optimum strategy for the selection of the locations and directions of strain gauges is proposed in this paper to capture at best the modal response of blade in a series of modes on fan blades. It is consist of three steps including two pass reduction step, genetic algorithm and fine optimization to find the locations-directions of strain gauges. The optimization is based upon the maximum signal-to-noise ratio(SNR) of measured strain values with respect to the inherent system measurement noise, the mispositioning of the gauge in location and gauge failure. Optimal gauge positions for a fan blade is analyzed to prove the effectiveness of the multi-step optimum methodology and to investigate the effects of the considering parameters such as the mispositioning level, the probability of gauge failure, and the number of gauges on the optimal strain gauge position.