The Symphony of the Senses: oral sex on the penis with the legs up
The Symphony of the Senses is an oral sex position focused on the partner with a penis. The receiving partner lies on their back with a pillow under the head and raises both legs straight up, holding them behind the thighs; the giver kneels at their buttocks, sitting on their heels, and leans forward to use their mouth. With the legs up, not only the penis but also the testicles and perineum are within easy reach. The giver controls the pace; there is no eye contact, and the effort is moderate, mostly for the receiver's lower back.
Also known as: Oral sex with legs up · Blowjob with legs in the air
Anatomy and biomechanics
The receiving partner lies on their back on the bed, with a pillow under the head. They raise both legs together, straight up towards the ceiling, and hold them with their hands behind the thighs; the hips lift slightly off the bed. The giving partner kneels at their buttocks, sitting back on their heels, leans the torso forward until their face is at the receiver's groin and rests their hands on the receiver's thighs. From there they stimulate the penis with the mouth and set the pace and intensity. Because the legs are raised, the testicles and perineum are exposed and easy to reach with the mouth or a hand. Keeping the legs up loads the receiver's lower back and the backs of the thighs, and kneeling loads the giver's knees.
Why this position works
Some couples like it because, with the legs raised, the whole genital area is open: penis, testicles and perineum. The partner giving oral sex has a comfortable, stable base and full control of the rhythm, while the receiving partner can simply let go. For some people, the exposed, slightly vulnerable position is part of the appeal. Sensations vary from person to person.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: knees bent towards the chest
Instead of holding their legs straight up, the receiving partner bends their knees and draws them towards the chest.
Bending the knees takes the stretch off the backs of the thighs and reduces the effort for the lower back, so the position can be held longer. The genital area stays open and within easy reach.
- The receiving partner lies on their back with a pillow under the head.
- They bend their knees and draw them towards the chest, holding them from behind the thighs or the knees.
- The giver kneels at their buttocks, sitting on their heels, and leans forward with their hands on the receiver's thighs.
- The giver sets the rhythm with their mouth; the receiver can lower or raise their knees to change how open they are.
Variation 2: with a cushion under the receiver's hips
A firm cushion under the receiver's buttocks keeps the pelvis raised without them having to hold it up.
The cushion supports the raised pelvis, so the lower back works less and the receiver can hold their legs more lightly. It also lifts the groin a little closer to the giver's face, so they have to lean forward less.
- Place a firm cushion or folded pillow where the receiver's buttocks will rest.
- The receiving partner lies on their back with the pelvis on the cushion and raises their legs.
- The giver kneels at their buttocks and adjusts how far they lean forward to the new height.
- If the cushion slides, use a firmer one or put it on a non-slip surface.
Variation 3: with a hand on the testicles and perineum
The position stays the same, but one of the giver's hands moves from the thigh to the testicles and perineum.
With the legs raised, the perineum (between the testicles and the anus) is fully exposed. Gentle pressure or stroking there while using the mouth adds a different sensation; some people find pressure on the perineum indirectly stimulates the prostate, though not everyone does.
- Get into the base position, with the receiver's legs raised.
- The giver keeps one hand on the receiver's thigh and moves the other to the testicles, cupping them gently.
- With one or two fingers they stroke or press lightly on the perineum, using a little lube if they like.
- Ask how much pressure feels good and coordinate the hand with the mouth.
Variation 4: legs resting on the giver's shoulders
Instead of holding their own legs up, the receiving partner rests the backs of their knees or calves on the giver's shoulders.
The receiver's hands are freed and their lower back works less, because the giver's shoulders carry part of the weight of the legs. The giver has to sit up a little higher on their knees and stay close; the receiver's legs end up bent rather than vertical.
- The receiving partner lies on their back with a pillow under the head and hips close to the giver's knees.
- The giver kneels upright between their legs and leans forward slightly.
- The receiver rests the backs of the knees or the calves on the giver's shoulders, legs relaxed.
- The receiver's hands are free to stroke the giver's head or hold the sheet; if the weight is uncomfortable, go back to the base position.
✓ Tips
- Put a pillow or a folded blanket under the receiver's hips if holding them up tires the lower back.
- If the receiver's hamstrings are tight, they can bend their knees slightly instead of keeping the legs straight.
- A cushion under the giver's knees makes kneeling more comfortable; they can also sit back on their heels to rest.
- Oral sex can transmit STIs: a condom reduces the risk.
- Keep your teeth covered with your lips and agree on a signal to stop or slow down.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Oral sex on the penis, with him on his back and his legs raised
- Active anatomy
- Mouth (and hands)
- Receptive anatomy
- Penis, testicles and perineum
- Main stimulation
- Oral stimulation of the penis, with easy access to the testicles and perineum
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
Is it tiring for the partner lying down?
Holding the legs straight up loads the lower back and the backs of the thighs. If it gets tiring, they can bend their knees, rest their legs on the giver's shoulders or put a cushion under the hips.
Why raise the legs?
It opens the whole genital area, so the testicles and perineum are as easy to reach as the penis. Some people enjoy touch there; others don't, so ask.
Is there a risk of STIs with oral sex?
Yes. Infections such as herpes, gonorrhoea or syphilis can be transmitted through oral sex. A condom reduces the risk, as do regular testing and open conversation.
Can two men do it?
Yes: it works for any couple where the receiving partner has a penis. There is a specific version for two men.
Reviewed by the editorial team ·
Related sex positions
The Venus Balm
Oral sex on the penis using the edge of the bed: he kneels upright on the mattress and she kneels on the floor in…
The Dance of the Crossed Bodies
Oral sex lying down: he lies flat on his back and she lies on her side next to him, her head at the level of his…
The Whispering Nest
Oral sex at the edge of the bed: he lies on his back with his hips at the edge and his feet on the floor, and she…
The Sigh
Ergonomic position with varied stimulation.
Pleasure Servant
Oral sex on the penis: the receiving partner reclines on one elbow with the legs apart, and the giving partner is on…
The Whisper of the Gods
Oral sex in an armchair: the giving partner slumps almost lying down, and the receiving partner sits over their face…
The Warrior's Dance
Oral sex on the penis: the receiving partner is on all fours above, back strongly arched, hands on the floor beyond…
The Plumber
Sitting position, with vertical contact and varied stimulation.
Sensual Discharge
Oral sex on the penis: the receiving partner lies on their back with legs stretched out, and the giving partner sits…
The Melodic Apple Pie
The receptive person lies on their back while the penetrating person positions themselves on top, supporting…
The Sun Embrace
Position with the top partner setting the pace with varied stimulation.
The Whispering Spiral IV
She kneels, leaning forward, with her hands resting on her partner's legs. He gently guides her head, controlling the…