Why You Can Play XR Piano Even If You Can't Read Sheet Music | Steps for Overcoming Sheet Music Anxiety
Tomo
XR Piano
Solutions for the Meta Quest 3’s Weight | 4 Approaches to Using XR Piano Comfortably for Long Sessions
Tomo
For those struggling with, “My neck gets tired playing piano while wearing the Meta Quest 3. Is there anything I can do about it?”
In this article, we’ll explain ways to deal with the headset’s weight during long XR piano sessions, along with tips for continuing to practice comfortably.
Contents
About the Meta Quest 3 / 3s’s Weight
The Meta Quest 3 weighs 515g, and the Quest 3s weighs 514g. Compared to a smartphone (around 200g), that’s roughly 2.5 times heavier, and you may feel some strain on your neck and face during long wearing sessions.
However, this strain can be significantly reduced with the right countermeasures.
4 Approaches to Dealing with the Weight
TIP 01
Switch to an elite strap
Switching to a third-party elite strap (also called a halo strap) shifts the center of gravity toward the back of your head. Since the weight at the front is redistributed, the strain on your neck and face is significantly reduced. This is one of the most effective countermeasures.
TIP 02
Check that you’re wearing it correctly
If the headset sits too low, more forward-pulling force is applied. Adjust the headset to sit slightly higher so the lenses line up directly in front of your eyes.
TIP 03
Take a break every 30–45 minutes
Long continuous wear builds up strain on your neck and eyes. After practicing for 30–45 minutes, take off the headset and take a break. Stretching during your break helps ease neck stiffness.
TIP 04
Adjust your chair height and posture
A forward-leaning posture makes the headset’s weight feel even heavier. Playing with a straight back and good posture minimizes the strain on your neck. Be sure to adjust your chair height appropriately too.
Hands-On Advice from the Sigure Development Team
Attaching an elite strap makes your neck less likely to tire and also reduces the chance of the device shifting position.
How to Use It While Charging
The Meta Quest 3 / 3s’s battery life is about 2–3 hours. For long practice sessions, you can prevent running out of battery by charging via a USB-C cable at the same time as your MIDI cable.
Using a USB-C hub also lets you connect both the MIDI cable and the charging cable at the same time. Consider this option if you plan to practice for long stretches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q. Where can I buy an elite strap?
-
A. You can purchase one through online stores such as Amazon or Rakuten.
Q
- Q. Does it feel heavier when wearing glasses?
-
A. Attaching a glasses spacer lets your glasses fit inside the headset, but you may notice a slightly heavier feeling at the front. We recommend switching to an elite strap to rebalance the center of gravity.
Q
- Q. What should I do if my neck starts to hurt?
-
A. Stop practicing right away, remove the headset, and gently stretch your neck. If the pain continues, we recommend consulting a doctor. Don’t push through it — shorten your practice sessions and gradually build up tolerance over time.
Q
If you want to set up a comfortable XR piano environment, check out the details on Sigure first.
A Message from the Sigure Development Team
The headset’s weight is one of the current challenges with XR piano. Combining a switch to an elite strap with regular breaks lets most people practice comfortably.
We continue developing with an eye toward a future where XR piano can be enjoyed on lighter devices.
ABOUT ME
子どもの頃に挫折したピアノを大人になってから再開したとき、最初にぶつかったのが「楽譜が読めない」という壁でした。
「もっと気軽に、楽しく練習できる方法はないか」と考え続けた結果、XRピアノゲーム『Sigure』を作ることになりました。
このブログでは、同じように大人からピアノを始めた方・再開した方に向けて、XR・ARを使った新しい練習スタイルを発信しています。難しい音楽理論よりも「まず1曲弾ける」を大切に。一緒に楽しみながら上達しましょう。
このブログでは、同じように大人からピアノを始めた方・再開した方に向けて、XR・ARを使った新しい練習スタイルを発信しています。難しい音楽理論よりも「まず1曲弾ける」を大切に。一緒に楽しみながら上達しましょう。
