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Guitar 101: 12-String Guitar | Blog

Apr 13, 2022

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If you're a guitarist it is likely that you have tried to learn Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" at some point or another. However, did you realize that the well-known intro riff performed on a 12 string guitar? It's a great enough reason to get an additional instrument, don't you think?

If you're interested in playing the 12-string guitar, keep studying. We'll explain what it's and its background, as well as how it's different from the standard 6-string guitar, and share a few tips for what you can do to get the most of it.

 What Is a 12-String Guitar?

The 12-string guitar is precisely what it sounds like--a guitar with 12 strings. It's a double-course instrument, meaning that instead of having the single string you'd find on a standard six-string guitar, it comes with six pairs of closely set strings that are tuned in unison or an octave away.

Each of the lower string pairs--E A, D, and G, are tuned an octave apart. For example, the 11th and 12th strings are the regular E on your standard guitar and an E which is an octave lower.

However, this isn't the case with the two highest pair, as the B and high E strings already have a very high pitch, and tuning strings an octave higher would likely result in them snapping. Therefore, both strings are tuned exactly to the same pitch.

What is the difference between a 12-String guitar and a 6-String Guitar

Due to the fact that the 12-string guitar contains more strings, it is physically structured a little differently from a standard 6-string. One reason is that the neck is wider to accommodate many strings. The neck is also shorter, and it's generally reinforced so it's capable of handling the pressure from twelve strings. Lastly, it has a larger headstock to accommodate additional tuning pegs.

If you're using the guitar with a 12-string, the tuning, chords, playing patterns, and strumming are the same as it is for a 6-string. Playing two strings in place of one can take some getting acquainted, but the result is quite easy to learn.

12-String Guitar Sound

Thanks to the six additional strings, the 12-string guitar creates a thick and bright sound. The overlay of notes creates an unsettling soundscape that's been compared to "ringing" or "shimmering." It happens due to the fact that whenever two strings are played in unison or an octave apart, their out-of-sync vibrations create a bit of interference.

The way to describe it is that playing one can be described as playing two guitars with six strings at the same time, so the sound has more depth and volume.

12-String Guitar Origin

It's not clear who exactly came up with the idea of adding two strings of a typical 6-string instrument, but 12-string guitars started becoming popular within the United States at the beginning of the century of 20th. These were probably inspired by other double course instruments like mandolin, the lute tipsle, mandora and the charango, which have been around for centuries in other societies.

 12-String Guitar Music

 Famous Songs That Use 12-String Guitar

You've probably felt the distinct sound if you've listened to one of these songs:

  • "Stairway to Heaven""Stairway to Heaven" Led Zeppelin
  • "Hotel California" - Eagles
  • " Wanted Dead or Alive" Bon Jovi
  • "Space Oddity" - David Bowie
  • "A Hard Day's Night" - The Beatles Beatles
  • "Wish You Were Here" -- Pink Floyd
  • "Free Fallin'" - Tom Petty
  • "Breaking The Girl" - Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • " Wild Horses" - The Rolling Stones
  • "More than a Feeling" Boston - Boston

 How to play a 12-String Guitar

Here are some suggestions to make the most out of the device:

1. Keep It In Tune

Six strings that are slightly off tune with one the other may sound unpleasant, but 12 out of tune strings sound like an outright mess. Since there is more tension in the neck, the strings tend to go off tune much faster and you should keep a tuner on the guitar all the time and check it regularly.

2. Tune It Down

Another way to lower the tension on a twelve-string guitar is to tune it down by a half step or full step. In other words, instead of tuning your bottom two strings in E, you would tune them to D#, or perhaps to D# or even. If you'd prefer to stay in the original tuning or are playing with others you can simply put a capo at the top or bottom fret to switch the guitar back in standard tuning. Just be sure to get an extra 12-string capo, which is designed specifically for wider fretboards.

3. Avoid Barre Chords If You Can

Playing barre chords requires the player to apply pressure on the 12 strings using just one finger, essentially recreating the sound of the capo. While this is doable, there's a good chance that you'll be unable to exert equal pressure on the 12 strings. Additionally, some of them sound squeaky instead of creating a clean, crisp sound. Whenever you can, replace barre chords by open chords. If you need to, change your chords and apply an a capo.

4. Practice and Practice

Get Started With Learning 12-String Guitar

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