Guitarists everywhere know the name Randy Rhoads, and the iconic Flying V guitar that he made famous. Rhoads was a hard rock and heavy metal guitarist who was a member of Ozzy Osbourne’s band from 1980 to 1982. He is remembered for his unique playing style, incorporating classical music and flamenco elements into the heavy metal sound. His influence on the guitar world is still felt today, and his Flying V guitar is one of the most recognizable and sought-after guitars of all time.
The History of the Flying V Guitar
The Flying V guitar was first produced by Gibson in 1958. It was designed by Gibson’s Ted McCarty and was a radical departure from the traditional guitar designs of the time. The guitar had a unique shape, with two sharp “wings” extending from the body of the guitar. The wings were designed to make the guitar easier to play while standing up, and to give the guitar a more aggressive look. The original Gibson Flying V was not a success, and was discontinued in 1959. However, in 1967, Gibson reintroduced the guitar and it gained popularity in the hard rock and heavy metal scenes of the 1970s.
Randy Rhoads and the Flying V
Randy Rhoads was one of the earliest adopters of the Gibson Flying V, and it became his signature guitar. His skillful playing combined with the unique shape and sound of the guitar made him instantly recognizable. Randy Rhoads was known for playing with great speed and precision, and the Flying V was perfect for this. The sharp “wings” of the guitar allowed him to easily reach the higher frets, which he often used to incorporate classical elements into his solos. Rhoads used the Gibson Flying V exclusively until his untimely death in 1982.
The Legacy of the Flying V
Randy Rhoads’s use of the Flying V helped to make it one of the most iconic guitars of all time. His unique playing style and skillful use of the instrument helped to make the guitar a favorite among guitarists of all genres. After Rhoads’s death, many guitarists adopted the Flying V, including Kirk Hammett of Metallica and Dave Mustaine of Megadeth. The guitar is still widely used today, and is a staple of hard rock and heavy metal guitarists. It is also a popular choice amongst jazz and blues guitarists.
The Flying V Today
Today, Gibson still produces the Flying V, and many other companies have released their own versions of the guitar. The Flying V has become an iconic symbol of rock and roll and heavy metal, and it is still widely used in those genres. It is also popular amongst jazz and blues guitarists, who use it for its unique shape and sound. The Flying V is a versatile instrument, and it has been used in many different musical styles by countless guitarists.
Conclusion
The Gibson Flying V guitar is one of the most iconic guitars ever produced, and it will forever be associated with the late, great Randy Rhoads. Rhoads’s skillful and innovative playing style helped to make the Flying V popular, and it has been used by guitarists of all genres in the decades since. The Gibson Flying V is still widely used today, and it is a staple of the hard rock and heavy metal genres. Whether you’re a fan of Rhoads or just a fan of great guitar playing, the Flying V is an instrument that should be in every guitarist’s collection.
