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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Ibanez AJ7012M1E 12 String Black High Gloss

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Taylor 856ce Florentine Grand Symphony (Nearly New) #1112068017

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Tanglewood TRU512AE 12 String Dreadnought All Figured Ebony Solid

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Sigma SDR12-45

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Vintage Statesboro Paul Brett 12 String Acoustic Satin Antique Burst

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Vintage Fret Dancer Acoustic 12-String

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Alvarez Artist Series AD60ce 12-String Shadowburst

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Eastman AC330 12 String Sunburst

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Taylor 552ce 12 Fret 12 String Grand Concert

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Taylor Builder's Edition 652ce Wild Honey Burst (Nearly New) #1211013093

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Vintage Fret Dancer Electro Acoustic 12-String

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

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

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Tanglewood TW612CEAVB Electro Acoustic 12 String Venetian Cutaway Autumn Vintage Burst

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12 String Guitars

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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

Taylor 854ce Next Generation

Taylor 454ce Next Generation

Taylor 454ce 12-String Natural #1203195043

Taylor 454ce 12-String Natural #1203205061

Taylor 454ce 12-String Natural #1203215048

Taylor Limited Edition 454ce-R Tobacco Sunburst 12-String #1202075064

Taylor Limited Edition 454ce-R Tobacco Sunburst 12-String #1202055051

Taylor 854ce 12-String Grand Auditorium #1205025044

Taylor 352ce Grand Concert 12 Fret 12 String

Taylor 454ce 12-String Natural

Taylor 854ce 12-String Grand Auditorium

Ibanez AJ7012M1E 12 String Black High Gloss

Ibanez AEG1221 12 String Black Out

Alvarez Artist Series AG70ce 12-String Black

Alvarez Artist Series AD60ce 12-String

Taylor 362ce Grand Concert #1208234057

Taylor 362ce Grand Concert #1208154029

Taylor 352ce Grand Concert 12 Fret 12 String #1203274075

Taylor 50th Anniversary 858e Grand Orchestra Limited Edition #1212123020

Taylor 552ce 12 Fret 12 String Grand Concert #1204073069

Martin Grand J16E 12 String

Taylor 856ce Florentine Grand Symphony (Nearly New) #1112068017

Tanglewood TRU512AE 12 String Dreadnought All Figured Ebony Solid

Sigma SDR12-45

Taylor 362ce Grand Concert

Vintage Statesboro Paul Brett 12 String Acoustic Satin Antique Burst

Vintage Fret Dancer Acoustic 12-String

Alvarez Artist Series AD60ce 12-String Shadowburst

Eastman AC330 12 String Sunburst

Taylor 552ce 12 Fret 12 String Grand Concert

Martin HD12-28 Re-imagined #M2869443

Taylor Builder's Edition 652ce Wild Honey Burst (Nearly New) #1211013093

Vintage Fret Dancer Electro Acoustic 12-String

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

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

Tanglewood TW612CEAVB Electro Acoustic 12 String Venetian Cutaway Autumn Vintage Burst

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