Gibson Flying V

The Gibson Flying V is a solidbody electric guitar with a radical V-shaped body design, introduced in 1958 as part of Gibson's Modernistic series alongside the Explorer. Its korina or mahogany body and dual humbucking pickups produce a bright, aggressive tone with pronounced midrange and cutting attack, while the V body shape provides unrestricted upper-fret access suited to lead playing. Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters uses the Flying V as a stage guitar, its aggressive aesthetic matching the band's high-energy live performances. The guitar's lightweight construction and balanced neck create a playing feel different from conventional solidbodies, though the V shape makes seated playing impractical. The Flying V's visual impact and association with hard rock and heavy metal — from Albert King through Jimi Hendrix to Michael Schenker — make it one of the most iconic guitar silhouettes in music. Grohl's adoption brought the Flying V back into alternative rock contexts after decades of primarily metal association.