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

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Fender California Deluxe Villager E Walnut Fingerboard Honey Sunburst

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Taylor 854ce Next Generation Grand Auditorium #1201156051

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Sigma GJA12-SG200 Jumbo 12-String Vintage Sunburst (Pre-Owned)

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Guild F-2512E 12 String Maple Archback Blonde

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£299.00

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Alvarez Artist Series AD60ce 12-String

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Taylor 50th Anniversary 858e Grand Orchestra Limited Edition (Pre-Owned)

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Eastman AC330e 12-String Natural

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Alvarez Artist Series AD60ce 12-String Shadowburst

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Taylor 454ce Next Generation #1201236066

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Fender California Deluxe Villager E Walnut Fingerboard Honey Sunburst

Fender California Deluxe Villager E Walnut Fingerboard Black

Taylor 854ce Next Generation Grand Auditorium #1201156051

Sigma GJA12-SG200 Jumbo 12-String Vintage Sunburst (Pre-Owned)

Guild USA F-412E 12 String Natural

Guild F-2512E 12 String Maple Archback Blonde

Guild USA F-512 12 String Natural

Guild F-2512E 12 String Deluxe Archback Antique Burst

Guild F-1512 12 String Natural

Guild USA F-512 12 String Maple Blonde

Guild D-2612CE 12 String Deluxe Archback Antique Burst

Guild D-1212 12 String Natural

Martin HD12-28 (2025) #M2972055

Taylor Builder's Edition 652ce Grand Concert Wild Honey Burst (2020) (Ex-Demo) #1209064081

Tanglewood Blackbird TB412CE

Alvarez Artist Series AD60ce 12-String

Takamine GJ72CE-12-BSB 12 String Brown Sunburst

Yamaha APX700II 12 String Natural (Ex-Demo) #ILP240702

Taylor 50th Anniversary 858e Grand Orchestra Limited Edition (Pre-Owned)

Taylor NAMM Limited Edition 354ce Studio Grand Auditorium Honeyburst

Eastman AC330e 12-String Natural

Yamaha LL1612ARE 12 String Natural (Ex-Demo) #ILY270629

Taylor Somos 150ce Doce Doble 12-string Dreadnought

Taylor Somos 250ce Plus BLK Doce Doble Dreadnought

Taylor 254ce Plus Grand Auditorium

Taylor 250ce-BLK Plus Dreadnought

Sigma JR12-40E

Taylor 854ce Next Generation

Taylor 454ce Next Generation

Ibanez AJ7012M1E 12 String Black High Gloss

Ibanez AEG1221 12 String Black Out

Alvarez Artist Series AG70ce 12-String Black

Martin Grand J16E 12 String

Tanglewood TRU512AE 12 String Dreadnought All Figured Ebony Solid

Sigma SDR12-45

Taylor 362ce Grand Concert

Alvarez Artist Series AD60ce 12-String Shadowburst

D'Angelico Premier Fulton LS Grand Auditorium 12 String CE Mahogany Satin

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