What is a 12-String Guitar?

Are you interested in learning more about 12-string guitars? You’ve come to the right place! In this guide, I’ll cut through all the noise and give you the info that you need. I’ll tell you what a 12-string guitar is, what it sounds like, and who uses them. I’ll also recommend a couple of songs that feature them, and some 12-string guitar models to check out.

In one blog right here, you’ll learn everything you need to know about 12-string guitars.

Are you ready? Of course you are! Come on then…

A 12-string guitar is a guitar that has 12 strings instead of the normal 6. These are arranged as 6 ‘courses’ of double strings, with one of the strings in a pair being much lighter in size and one octave higher in pitch.

This means that you always play the strings in pairs: single note melodies use two notes, and three string chords on a regular guitar will be six string chords on a twelve string. Everything is doubled, basically, though it’s useful to think of each pair as a single note.

12-String guitars can be acoustic, electric, or a combination of both, such as an electro acoustic. Generally, most people tend to associate 12-string guitars with acoustics, as they are widely available.

There are several famous 12 string electric guitar models from some of the top brands like Fender and Gibson, too. These are not commonly available, but are offered infrequently as special edition instruments. Rickenbacker are a very famous electric guitar brand who produce 12 string models.

A 12 string guitar is normally tuned to the same notes as a regular guitar. The heavier string in each pair (or ‘course’) is tuned normally, low to high: E, A, D, G, B, E. The lighter strings within each course are tuned to these same notes, although the lower E, A, D and G strings are tuned exactly one octave higher than their partner. This is what gives the 12-string guitar its distinctive sound.

The remaining two strings - the B and higher E - are tuned in unison to their partner strings so that they make the exact same pitch. This is because it is not possible to get strings strong enough to tune a full octave higher on a guitar! So don’t try it!

Alternate tunings are popular on 12-string guitars, too. Open tunings such as Open D and Open C work well, as does DADGAD and other similar tunings. The thing to remember is that each pair of strings is tuned to the same relative pitch.

A 12-string guitar has a special sound that is difficult to achieve otherwise. The most popular words to describe a 12-string guitar sound include ‘shimmering’ and ‘jangly’. There is a very natural modulation that occurs because the 6 courses of strings will always be ever-so-slightly out of tune with each other, and those tiny incremental differences are what give the sound its famous movement and shimmer.

Listen to the guitar at the beginning of the R.E.M. song above for a great example of a 12-string electric guitar. Now, check out the intro of this David Bowie song to hear how an acoustic 12-string sounds...

12-string guitars are slightly more difficult to play than regular 6 string guitars. This is because more pressure is required of the left hand in order to hold down double the amount of strings. Also, unless you are playing full chords, then there is a little more skill and consideration required to pick out melodies, since there are many more strings to negotiate and play in between.

That said, a short adjustment period should be all that’s required to get comfortable on a 12-string guitar. Everything you already know about playing a guitar can be applied, it just has to be changed up a little.

12-string guitars are used by lots of musicians across a range of genres. In particular, folk, rock and country has a lot of 12-string guitar use. Pop music from the 60s too, for a very particular rhythm sound. 

12 string guitars are thought of as very ‘songwriter’ instruments, so genres like folk and country are sensible places to find 12-string guitars, due to the more narrative, ‘writerly’ elements in these genres.

For beginners, it is important to have a 12-string guitar that plays well and is comfortable. You want something that doesn’t hurt your hand after ten minutes! With this in mind, do have a look at the blog I mentioned previously, as it details a number of electric 12-string guitars. Here, I’ll introduce you to a good, affordable 12-string acoustic.

Sigma DM12E+

This Sigma DM12E+ 12-string is a good choice for anybody on a budget, not just beginners. I chose this because the dreadnought body size is big enough to make the most of those ringing strings, so you’ll get a sound full of body and resonance.

There’s a solid spruce top too, which will season and improve in tone the more it gets played. On top of that, this model has a built-in pickup system, so you can go out and play gigs with this when you feel ready! There’s longevity built into this Sigma, and I feel like you get a lot for not too much money. It’s a winner, with a classic 12-string acoustic sound.

For those looking to go in at the top, there are some beautiful choices to be made. There are lots of brands, but I’d say that in many ways, it boils down to two. So, if you like tradition, go for a Martin. For contemporary vibes, Taylor is your first stop for a 12-string. Both brands produce excellent guitars, and both do things very much their own way. You may love both, but I think you’ll prefer one style over another. Because of this, I’m choosing one from each brand, with the caveat that there’s more to acoustic 12-strings (and acoustics in general) than just Martin and Taylor! These two are sure bets for top quality, though, so let’s check them out…

Martin HD12-28 Reimagined

Martin’s dreadnoughts are perhaps the single most influential set of guitars in the acoustic world. The size and shape is perfect for almost everybody who looks to make a mixture of delicate and robust sounds. 

This Martin HD12-28 Reimagined brings that time-honoured blend of spruce and rosewood (of the top quality East Indian variety here) to the world of the 12-string. It’s a lush, bold and beautiful sound, matched by some understated good looks in the form of herringbone purfling around the edges of the body. 

This Martin 12 string is a timeless, deep sounding sonic companion with tonal richness to spare.

Taylor 854ce Next Generation

I’ve chosen this magnificent Taylor 854ce Next Generation as a comparable model, in terms of price and materials, to the Martin. As you can see, Taylor’s house style is vastly different to Martin’s, and even though this is a relatively subtle Taylor, it’s still more obviously ornamental looking.

This is no mere pretty-looking ornament, though. This is a fine example of Taylor’s guitar building, and features some quite extraordinary details. You’ll have seen the rosewood armrest bevel already, but have a look at the multi-wood purfling and binding made from rosewood and maple; check out that pickguard made from rosewood; and enjoy small details such as the ‘smoky’ coloured tuners.

Nothing on this guitar is left to chance, or to the run-of-the-mill. And that’s just the outside!

Much of what makes this Taylor special is what occurs on the inside. Scalloped V-Class bracing adds volume, projection and even tonal accuracy, by allowing vibrations to have more fundamentals in them. The new Action Control Neck means that setting the action is simple and quick, and the new Claria pickup system simplifies the task of achieving a fantastic plugin-in tone. In short, this guitar is a superb 12-string from one of the most innovative guitar brands on the planet.

12-string guitars are unique. Nothing plays like them, nothing sounds like them, and they can’t be replicated convincingly with technology. They change what you play and how you write parts, and they offer a whole new world of sound and tradition to all guitarists.

It’s time you spent some time with a 12-string guitar.

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