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.

12 String Guitars | guitarguitar

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

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Epiphone Hummingbird Pro 12 String Aged Cherry Sunburst Gloss

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Epiphone Songmaker DR-212 Dreadnought 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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£399.00 £439.00

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Martin HD12-28 Re-imagined

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Martin HD12-28 Re-imagined #M2869443

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Martin X Series D-X2E Spruce/Brazilian 12 String

£699.00

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Martin DC-X2E 12 String Spruce/Brazillian

£775.00

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Alvarez Artist Series AD60ce 12-String

£499.00

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Alvarez Artist Series AD60ce 12-String Shadowburst

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Alvarez Artist Series AD60 12-String (Pre-Owned)

£349.00

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Sigma DM12-1 12 String

£325.00

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Sigma SDR12-45

£1,499.00

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Tanglewood TRU512AE 12 String Dreadnought All Figured Ebony Solid

£399.00

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Taylor 150ce Dreadnought

£869.00 £1,139.00

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Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String Vintage Sunburst #20405302

£2,999.00 £3,299.00

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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

Fender CD-140SCE 12 String Natural

Takamine GD30CE-12-NAT 12 String Natural

Fender CD-60SCE-12 Natural Walnut Fingerboard

Yamaha LL16ARE12 12 String Natural

Takamine GD30CE-12-BLK 12 String Black

Sigma DM12E+

Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String Vintage Sunburst

Sigma DM12-SG5 12 String

Ibanez PF1512 Natural

Ibanez AW5412CE Open Pore Natural Artwood

Martin HD12-28 Re-imagined

Martin HD12-28 Re-imagined #M2869443

Martin X Series D-X2E Spruce/Brazilian 12 String

Martin DC-X2E 12 String Spruce/Brazillian

Alvarez Artist Series AD60ce 12-String

Alvarez Artist Series AD60ce 12-String Shadowburst

Alvarez Artist Series AD60 12-String (Pre-Owned)

Sigma DM12-1 12 String

Sigma SDR12-45

Tanglewood TRU512AE 12 String Dreadnought All Figured Ebony Solid

Taylor 150ce Dreadnought

Gibson J-45 Standard 12-String Vintage Sunburst #20405302

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