Which is the best body size for a good 12 string acoustic sound?

The majority of 12 string acoustic guitar bodies are dreadnought shapes. This is because the bigger size and greater projection works particularly well with the extra harmonic information from the strings to produce a loud, full and satisfying sound. The general rule is essentially the bigger the better, so you'll find some great 12 string acoustics like the Alvarez AJ80CE featuring a larger Jumbo body size. There are exceptions such as the Taylor 352CE 12 string, which has been designed specifically to produce a large and beautiful sound with a smaller Grand Concert body shape.

How is a 12 string guitar tuned?

The normal tuning for a twelve string involves tuning the secondary string on the lower four strings an octave higher than its partner, so the two bottom strings are both tuned to E with the thinner string being one octave higher than the thicker one. This carries through until we reach the upper B and E strings, which are tuned in unison. The tuning going from low to high looks like this: E (+1 octave), E, A (+1 octave), A, D (+1 octave), D, G (+1 octave), G, B, B, E, E. All standard guitar tuners will recognise these pitches so you should be fine to use whichever you prefer.

Are 12 string guitars more difficult to play?

There is a little period of adjustment when learning to play two strings at once instead of one. Plus there is a good deal more tension across the extra strings which may make holding down barre chords slightly more difficult for a little while. Thankfully, your hands will quickly grow accustomed to the changes and the resulting tones are more than worth the small adjustments required.

Why choose a 12 string acoustic guitar rather than a 6 string acoustic guitar?

Most players considering a 12 string acoustic guitar already own a regular 6 string. The 12 string is a popular choice both as an alternative to the standard 6 string as well as an additional option for creating new sounds. Solo performers may enjoy the fuller sound it gives to accompany their vocals while others use it as a fresh approach to writing and creating music.

What is Nashville tuning?

Nashville tuning is a special tuning that uses only the higher strings from a twelve string guitar, ignoring the 'normal' strings. Nashville tuning gets its name from lots of Country music producers who use guitars specially strung and tuned to that specific tuning to add sparkle and dimension to their recordings. It is relatively normal to see 12 string guitars in studios with half of their strings removed to achieve this sound. Both 6 string and 12 string acoustic and electric guitars can utilise Nashville tuning if careful tuning and selection of string gauge is used.

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Yamaha APX700II 12 String Natural

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Fender CD-140SCE 12 String Natural

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Takamine GD30CE-12-NAT 12 String Natural

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Fender CD-60SCE-12 Natural Walnut Fingerboard

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Sigma GJA12-SG200 Jumbo 12 String Vintage Sunburst

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Taylor 552ce 12 Fret 12 String Grand Concert

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Taylor 552ce 12 Fret 12 String Grand Concert #1204073069

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Taylor 150ce Dreadnought

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Taylor 352ce Grand Concert 12 Fret 12 String

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Taylor 362e Grand Concert

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Taylor 854ce 12-String

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Taylor 454ce 12-String Tobacco Sunburst

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D'Angelico Premier Fulton LS Grand Auditorium Aged Mahogany 12 String Guitar

Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird 12-String Aged Cherry Sunburst Gloss

Epiphone Hummingbird Pro 12 String Aged Cherry Sunburst Gloss

Epiphone Songmaker DR-212 Dreadnought 12 String Natural

Yamaha APX700II 12 String Natural

Fender CD-140SCE 12 String Natural

Takamine GD30CE-12-NAT 12 String Natural

Yamaha APX700II 12 String Black

Fender CD-60SCE-12 Natural Walnut Fingerboard

Ibanez PF1512ECE-NT Natural High Gloss

Yamaha LL16ARE12 12 String Natural

Yamaha FG820-12 Natural 12 String Walnut Fingerboard

Sigma GJA12-SG200 Jumbo 12 String Vintage Sunburst

Taylor 362ce Grand Concert All Mahogany

Ibanez AEG5012 Black High Gloss

Faith Naked Venus 12 String

Takamine GD30CE-12-BLK 12 String Black

Takamine GJ72CE-12NAT

Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String Vintage Sunburst

Sigma DM12E+

Sigma DM12-SG5 12 String

Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat Acoustic 12 String Walnut Fingerboard

Fender Villager 12 String Walnut Fingerboard Aged Natural

Martin Grand J16E 12 String

Martin HD12-28 Re-imagined

Godin A12 Natural

Gretsch G5022CWFE-12 Rancher Falcon Jumbo 12 String Electric White

Ibanez PF1512 Natural

Ibanez AW5412CE Open Pore Natural Artwood

Schecter Orleans Studio-12 Satin See Thru Black

Taylor 552ce 12 Fret 12 String Grand Concert

Taylor 552ce 12 Fret 12 String Grand Concert #1204073069

Taylor 150ce Dreadnought

Taylor 352ce Grand Concert 12 Fret 12 String

Taylor 352ce Grand Concert 12 Fret 12 String #1203144015

Taylor 352ce Grand Concert 12 Fret 12 String #1203274075

Taylor 362e Grand Concert

Taylor 362e Grand Concert #1206045045

Taylor 854ce 12-String

Taylor 454ce 12-String Tobacco Sunburst

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