The 12 String Guitar

What is a 12 string guitar? These twelve string guitars come in two categories, either an acoustic or an electric model. As the name suggests, the extra strings give out a deeper, brighter and richer tone. The twelve string guitar tone, when compared to the six string guitar is much richer.

The Tone
Due to the different frequencies produced by the combining of each of the different strings, the rich chorusing effect is evidently heard when the strings vibrate. Famous for its chorusing effect the 12 string guitar is popular with many pop groups, which featured this instrument for different acoustic guitar playing styles.

Tuning The 12 String Guitar
Starting from the top E note down to the lower E note, the twelve string guitar is tuned, in unison for the first four treble strings and in octaves for the rest of the lower strings. The first two treble strings are tuned in unison to the E note, which is a tenth above middle C. Followed by the next two treble strings tuned to the pitch of B a Major7th above middle C. The next two strings are tuned to the pitch of G and its lower octave. The next two strings are tuned to the pitch of D and its lower octave, followed by the next two strings tuned to the note of A also an octave apart. Lastly the next two strings are tuned to the note E also an octave apart.

Some Common Preferences In Twelve String Guitar Playing
Some preferences that are used commonly in twelve string guitar playing is, to remove some of the doubled lower strings while, leaving the doubled upper strings in tact for rhythm. By doing this it allows for playing convenience when bass lines are used.

When Approaching Guitar Chords / Guitar Solos
My personal approach is to use the standard guitar tuning :

String 6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st.

low E A D G B E Unison

Octave E A D G B E

When strumming chords on the twelve string guitar, the richness of the harmonics produced is very pleasant to the ears. Arpeggios, do sound great, even if one note is plucked at a time. If you have a 12 string guitar play the chords and solos. (refer to Acoustic Guitar Chords ).

Combining The 12 String Guitar With The Acoustic Guitar
In this diagram we will combine the two instruments into an arrangement.
1- In the 1st measure the Amaj chord is out lined.

2- In the second measure the DMaj9 chord is shown.

3- In the 3rd measure we have the E chord.

4- The 4th measure is an A chord.

5- The 5th measure has a D69 chord

6- The 6th measure has two chords An E chord and a A9th chord

Adding Color To Chords In 12 String Or Six String Guitar Playing
Either of the guitars can be chosen to play the chords or the solo. Scales like the Maj/min Pentatonics, Major and minor scales, natural minor, Blues scale are very useful for composition, solos and of course harmony. The tension notes, like the B note in the A chord, The E note, in the D chord, the B and E note in the D chord give color and richness to the chords. Please refer back to the pdf files in the Guitar Chord Charts lesson page to have more chords to play with.

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