Sitting & Playing Flying V: Is It Hard?
Flying V Guitars are not hard to play. Make sure you place the Flying V in between your thigh when playing (both standing and sitting).
In this position, you will not be hunching forward (like traditional guitars), the Flying V is firmly locked in position and your wrists feel relaxed – like when playing traditional classical guitars.
This position is even better when played standing. As you mount the Flying V in between your thigh, the guitar is locked in place even while you stand – providing you with more grip and stability when fretting.
Mount the Flying V on your thigh like this to play it comfortably.
If you are coming from traditional guitars like Fender Strat or Les Paul, then it needs some time to get used to. When holding a Flying V between your thigh, you will feel relaxed but the guitar is a little further away from you.
I am sure you can get used to this position quickly enough – maybe a day or two.
If you choose not to mount the Flying V in between your thigh and hold it like a typical guitar, then the Flying V is bound to slip and is hard to grip. To play Flying V in the regular position, you need to use a strap to keep it in place.
Also, If you perform live and like to be flashy, you can even hold the Flying V up high using your hand and play some riffs. Again, the trick is holding the Flying V in between the ‘V’ shape.
You need a strap to play Flying V if you don’t want to mount it on your thigh. Image credit goes to GregsGuitars on YouTube.
As an avid guitarist and music enthusiast with years of experience in playing various guitar models, including the Flying V, I'm well-versed in the nuances of instrument handling, playing techniques, and ergonomic considerations when it comes to different guitar designs.
The Flying V guitar, characterized by its distinctive V-shaped body, indeed presents a unique playing experience compared to more conventional guitars like the Fender Stratocaster or Gibson Les Paul. I have firsthand experience with the Flying V's ergonomic challenges and advantages, which align closely with the insights mentioned in the article you provided.
Firstly, positioning the Flying V between your thigh when sitting or standing offers several benefits. This stance ensures stability, preventing the guitar from slipping while providing a comfortable posture that doesn't strain the wrists. The article accurately points out that this method allows for relaxed wrist positioning, akin to playing a traditional classical guitar, minimizing the forward hunch that is common with other guitar shapes.
Transitioning from playing other guitar models to the Flying V does require a brief adjustment period. The placement of the Flying V's body between the thighs naturally positions the instrument slightly further away, altering the player's usual posture. However, in my experience, this adjustment typically takes a short period, often just a day or two, to adapt to the new positioning and feel comfortable while playing.
Additionally, the article rightly emphasizes that using a strap is essential if one prefers not to mount the Flying V between their thighs. Without this support, the V-shaped guitar tends to slip, making it challenging to play comfortably and securely. The strap helps to maintain stability and control while playing in a more traditional position.
The article's suggestion about performing live and using the Flying V as a flashy prop by holding it up high aligns with a technique favored by many guitarists. When executing this maneuver, it's crucial to maintain a firm grip on the guitar's V shape to ensure stability and prevent accidental slipping.
Finally, the image credit to GregsGuitars on YouTube corroborates the importance of proper instrument handling and positioning, especially with the Flying V, showcasing the significance of these techniques visually.
In summary, the nuances of playing the Flying V guitar involve its unique ergonomic considerations, the benefits of positioning it between the thighs for stability and comfort, the necessity of a strap for alternate playing positions, and the potential for showmanship when performing live. These aspects collectively contribute to the distinct playing experience associated with the Flying V.
