Twelver lovers - you'll love this other video that I made with my Taylor: 50 Famous Riffs & Intros On A 12-String kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rNGbgsybqZOnfXk.html

I have been playing guitar over 60 years. I am so old I remember when there was no internet or let alone KZfaq. I just bought my third 12 string haven't had one for over 10 years. When I attempted to play them in the past I made them sound awful and said heck with this. So, in my old age I decided to commit myself to learning how to make a 12 string sound good. Thanks to you, and several other 12 string "youngsters" 😀 on KZfaq. By golly! I actually can make it sound good. Thank You for putting in the time to share your teaching gift.

My 12 string tip would be, while tuning the high E and B pairs, to have one string in each pair “dead on” with the tuner, then tune the second string in each pair JUST ENOUGH sharper to hear the sound “open up” when the two strings are played together. It doesn’t take much, but makes a HUGE difference sonically.

I got my first 12 for graduation in 1975. It was a Yamaha. I dragged it along all over the world, and played it in Destroyer gun mounts, Aircraft Carrier hangers, at the Wall in Jerusalem, as well as Solomon's mines, and Petra Jordan, there were also lots of points in between. Had the bracing rebuilt once, and the setup adjusted I don't know how many times.The one tip I'd pass along is always use coated strings. They stay in tune longer, last longer, weather better, and greatly reduce slide scratch. I went to UCONN after the Navy, and as an elective I took classical guitar. Couldn't afford a classical guitar at the time, so I removed 1/2 the strings,and wallah I had a wide neck 6 string to use for class. I gave it away a few years ago to a guy who had no guitar. By now I have quite a collection of stringed instruments, but I do miss that old banger. She overcame a lot of weather, campfire smoke, desert heat, and even jungle humidity in the Philippines. There were nicks, scratches, signatures, and even an arrow hole in her, but she still played smoother than any of the new ones I picked up. If I ever run into him again I'd be happy to trade with him if he'd be interested. She was my first love, and has her name "Maggie" scratched into her body just below the bridge. Coated strings! Once I discovered those I've never used anything else. They are a game changer.

I love my 12. I spend half my time playing out of tune and the other half tuning up. LOL

The hardest thing on a 12 string guitar is keeping it in tune.

Excellent lesson. Just bought my first acoustic 12 string after playing 6 strings for 40 years and these are great tips from a youngster to this old geezer.

I bought my Guild 12-string in 1963 and it still sounds great. I have a luthier look it over now and then. Your advice is spot on, keep it coming.

I just purchased a 40 year old Ovation Glen Campbell that is in excellent condition. THe neck on these are incredible straight and the action very low. I am 75 years old and owned one in 1971. I had forgot how much fun 12 strings are to play and how many songs they have been used on. Thanks for the great tips. I will use them. Excellent video!

My 12 string wisdom...Don't buy a cheap production 12 string version...they are just 6 string guitars with 12 slotted top nut and bridge saddle and are not capable of taking the extra tension of 6 extra strings. Look for jumbo bodies with massive wood and preferably hand made. They will have a wider neck to accommodate the extra strings and have a stronger braced body. Always tune down 2 or 3 steps to reduce string and neck tension this gives easier playing, deeper bass and shorter fret spacing. Then capo up to get back to concert tuning. Use a medium gauge string to keep the strings in tension and create a richer tone. Use open tunings to avoid the bar chords. Try not to bend strings: it is hard to bend 2 strings simultaneously. Use a thump pick for travis picking. Look for the tolerance between sets of strings: the further apart the strings are cut, the easier it is to isolate single strings while picking and allows the full sound of each string to resonate separately.There is a major difference between downstroke and upstroke when strumming and especially arpeggio. This is because the thinner "sympathetic" string lies in the shadow of the dominant string. eg: intro to Hotel California. Play slowly because this gives the guitar time to resound and give the full overtones. Choose rag time and folk rather than jazz and pop. Listen to bands that use 12 string a lot like Supertramp, Genesis, Pink Floyd and of course the masters of 12 string like Leo Kottke and Steve Tibbets. 'nuff said.

I've played 12 strings for about 50 years. Mostly Taylors but also Guild, Gibson, Rickenbacker. Tuning down half a step is really a good idea even on a 12 string as easy to play as the Taylor (not my tip but really from Roger McGuinn of the Byrds). Makes the sound slightly deeper as well. For me, a full step down requires medium strings. I use Elixir Nano light guage. Great list from you Alon!

Always tune your 12 string down 2 semitones. If not your Bridge will gradually move upwards and forwards bending the soundboard outta shape and raising the action. There's a huge amount of tension placed on it in standard tuning. Place a capo on 2nd fret for standard tuning. That's my tip.

12 strings are wonderful for praise and worship music . I have a steal string a classical and 12 string each has its own distinct voice it’s the holy trinity of guitars

This is good stuff that every 12-string player ought to know. Well done.

I have a fender acoustic/electric 12. It has become my favorite for praise and worship at our church, especially when my son brings his 12 string as well.

I grew up about a quarter mile from Bob Taylor, and always wanted a Taylor 12-string. I finally bought my first Taylor several years later after moving to LA after college. It was a jumbo-body 12. Loudest and clearest acoustic guitar ever! Several Taylors later, and I still love that first one. Great video. Thanks for posting! 😎👍

Thank you for putting this together! My 12 String Tip (like many others have said): Tune it down a half or whole step - Less tension on the instrument, easier to fret, and a capo works more easily without crazily throwing off your tuning. Secondly, a proper set up is essential.

Thanks. I've been playing a Guild 12-String since 1963 and have discovered on my own most of your tips. They are all right on the money. Keep up the good work.

The one thing that keeps me interested in playing my 12-string is alternate tunings (e.g., open Gsus4 tuning for Led Zeppelin the Rain Song). Your tips and tricks are much appreciated.

Cool. Been using a 12 string for like 40 years. Thank you for your tips. I have to say I learn some new stuff from you. Thank you so much.

Great to see your enthusiasm, and enjoyment of the 12 string guitar. Love my Simon-Patrick 12 string, but alas I will never do it justice, as I have more enthusiasm than talent.

Great tips, I appreciate the bar chord suggestion and the encouragement to play harmonica. I was going to use a "harp" with "This Train" and now you have given me the push to use it on more songs. Keep up the good work!

if you like the Beatles, tune to Drop D and then play Norweigan Wood (D key, not E) and segue into Dear Prudence in D. Lots of fun, easy to play and sounds great.

And great tips... thanks for posting. I learned on a 12 string 40 years ago and you have me some good reminders.

The most fun I have had playing 12 string guitar was when I learned to play “ Hear my train a-comin’ “ ( Jimi Hendrix ) .

Useful info even after playing 12's for 43 years or so.

I've been playing a 12 for 43 (oh shit I'm old!) years. From the first time I played one, it just felt right. I fumble around with a 6, but it's just not comfortable. All of your tips are spot-on, but you're giving away all our secrets! (just kidding) If I may add: Go with a good brand guitar. My primary 12 is a Seagull, and I rarely have to touch up the tuning... Medium Strings (I prefer Elixr), Replace the strings when they sound dull, not just because they are 6 months old... and if you're going to play through an amp, run 'er through a chorus pedal (not heavy, but enough to make it sweet)... and for God's sake, when you string it up, put about 4-5 wraps around the capstan! When you find a song that you think sounds nice, practice it with your eyes closed, and truly LISTEN to the beauty you're making. A 12 string is God's gift to music: "12 for the best, 6 for the rest".

Thank you for this video and tips. I have been struggling with my Taylor 855 Jumbo Taylor for 16 years, and just recently due to some fretting hand pain...… almost sold it. Your tips will help me once again try to embrace this monster acoustic guitar. Here are some tips I have. One, if it is high quality 12 string tuning to pitch is fine. Mine has been there 16 years in a temp/humidity controlled environment. However, just in the past few weeks I have tuned down a whole step, and I think I will leave it there. The lower string tension seems to be giving me some fret hand pain relief. [Sidebar: always get used to good hand stretching and exercises before playing. Now at age 63, with some pain, I wish I had done this always and will now do it going forward] I have always capoed and re-written songs in different keys, so I will rework some songs. Example, I play a song in A at capo III, to equal a C. Now with my 12 tuned down, I can play the song in D, tuned down to equal the key of C. Next, if your 12 string is a bit jingly jangly, try different strings. I have silk and steels on my now and it helped this a good bit. I may go back to phosphor bronze, but as before, I will use EXP coated strings to tone this sound down just a bit too. Take time to explore the various techniques in this video, they are all quite good. Many thanks for posting.

I've been playing guitar for thirty+ plus years now. Used to own and play two incredible Norman twelvers (B-20 and B-50), that I ended up selling after I decided to concentrate on the six string acoustic. Today, after a 20 year hiatus, I bought a twelver. God I missed that sound ! Your video absolutely nails it. Thank you very much. Happy New Year !

Thanks for the tips! Several ideas I had never thought.

Get a G7th compensated 12-string capo. Check them out on eBay or wherever - the rubber is cut 'stepped' so it's thinner over the thickest string of each pair, and thicker over the thinner string of each pair - if you follow that! You can also adjust the tension in position so it's just enough - the result is even pressure, no excessive pressure, and the guitar stays in tune - only wish I'd discovered them earlier!

Superb video and great advice! Thanks Alon!

Just purchased a 12. So this video was a big help. Thanks.

...12 string was the FURTHEST from my mind....I have a hard enough time playing 6- string since I didn't start learning until I was 56 y/o...But I accidently clicked on one while shopping for guitars....it sounded different, richer, fuller.......Now I'm noticing they play to my strengths...open chords....with a capo....aaaahhh...that's what I like...and this video has it sounding like magic...will be scraping some $$ together

Alon, great tips! I started off 5 years ago with my first inexpensive acoustic 12 string and have since worked my way up to an Ovation Elite 1858 12 string acoustic/electric. The 12 string has provide me with so much inspiration. Even just strumming and picking the open strings sounds beautiful and I encorpoate open strings and minor chords to get my unique sound for my original songs with a mixture of arpeggio, single string picking and strumming, I'm excited to get a capo to see how my songs sound! My Ovation is tuned down 2 steps from standard tuning and I'm loving the lower base notes. I also had it set up with low action - it plays like butter! My fingertips have impressions of the double strings where the calluses are but I'm finding that I'm gaining strength and building more callus as time goes on. Also definitely agree with not using bar chords; full utilization of the open strings is what gives the 12 string that beautiful angelic sound.

Great tips. Just what I needed. Thank you. 🇦🇺

This is a great kind of video that gives us solid ideas to jump off from

Cooper - Acoustic Inspirations I use Special Strings that have a lower tension to allow for quick playing E Standard Tuning. Thomastik Infeld AC210 Plectrum Bronze strings w/ Brass Plated Trebles, they give me a nice Classical Tone w/ a Jazz-esque Feel. They sound a bit like Gypsy Jazz Strings so they're a little bit less sustained & mellower sounding. Great for getting that Gypsy Jazz vibe.

Super helpful. Loved the one about strum dynamics. Can apply to six string too. Thank you

I have a 1991 Shubb capo I use for my 12 strings. The aged rubber is just the right hardness/softness that it holds the strings down perfectly. Especially the lower strings where there's fat next to thin strings. And I don't have to re-tune. There's a sweet spot between tuning the strings closed and open. Thanks for the tips!

Thank you, very cool tips

Very good work ! Thank you 🙏 from my heart to yours Michael ❤️🎶

Thank you for your great tips, as practise makes perfect, I shall work hard to profekt, my playing, blessings to you,

Really helpful tips. Thanks ☺

Very well presented! Thank you. Cheers from Tucson AZ

Thanks great advice , much appreciated !

Brilliant video. Your points are spot on!

Thanks for the tips, just bought a Taylor 12, looking to have some fun with12.

Great tips! Thank you 🙏🏼

Good advice,. Thanks for posting. Up

Nice thorough explanation. I also tune down one half step for some songs . I did it to help my key for singing and I found out the guitar was easier to play - better action. Also I bought a Triad 10 string - no octaves on the lower E and A string and was useful for playing with a bass line accompaniment when fingerpicking

Great video. I just bought my first 12er. An Ibanez AEG. Sounds great right outta the box but I really liked these tips. Been only playing my Tele so this was a nice change. I think it will be appreciated at my church praise band!

Your very first tip is one I have used for years. I have a 1979 Guild F212XL NT. Playing arpeggio REALLY brings out the chime in the guitar. HUGE difference.

A great tutorial for this 12-stringer!

Great advice - Thank you so much.

Self taught at the age of 8 . Now 64. I have two 12 strings brand. EKO Italian buetiful sound 🎸🎸. Vintage 🎸. Never out of tune since only changed strings twice last for years depending if you're a heavy player or ect ect 👍🏼❤ love my 12 strings 🎸🎸

Great points….thank you!

Very nice video. Good tips! Thanks a lot!

Thank you, young man. This video has helped to focus my approach, as I commence writing a song on a 12 string guitar :-)

Great video. Thank you

These are good common sense recommendations. I found that I do most of these already, but, yes, I'll have to explore some that I hadn't thought of. One to add: When playing with others in a jam, be conscious of your volume. Banging away on your 12 can screw up the dynamics of a group effort.

If you play mostly alone drop tune a full step it sounds good and is easier to play...If you play with someone else you can capo the 2nd fret and be in standard tune!

Bought my first new 12 string in 1970, a Yamaki Deluxe. Love 12 strings as well as my 6’s. I have a Fender 12 String from the early 1970’s which I have owned for 30 plus years. I have always left it tuned to standard pitch, and it hasnt warped or lifted the bridge. It stays in tune better than many of my other guitars. I’m fortunate to live in the interior of BC in a dry climate, which may have some bearing on that.

Good stuff! I keep my 12-string tuned to DADGAD which does two things 1) forces me to practice in DADGAD and 2) lowers the tension on the bridge.

About 18 months ago my sister bought me a Taylor 150e 12. She plays like butter and sounds soooo sweet. I hardly pick up anything else. Oh and I can’t recommend the tc electronic headstock tuner enough for tuning the 12. There are much cheaper ones but this thing has fantastic resolution as it has a more powerful processor than the cheap ones and makes tuning the 12 easy.

I had a 2006 Washburn 12 string, which sounds great, but the action is a bit high mid-neck. I just bought a Seagull 12 string in walnut and the action is awesome, even back at the body! Only about $450. At the store, they had it tuned to E standard, and the action was fine! I like the idea of tuning it down a half or whole step, though. I'll try that. My finger picking sounds totally different on a 12 string. Sounds like I am just hitting the higher strings much of the time.

brillaint man!!!

Very informative!!

Very good video here. I just got a Danelectro 12 string for those early Beatles riffs that they used a Rickenbacker 12 string on and this is very helpful.

Thanks for that, very helpful.

Enjoyed your capo, and strumming technics.

Thanks for the info, sounds very cool

Beautiful Taylor! And excellent advice - completely agree with all your points. I use most of them, but you've put a few new ideas in my gig bag. I love playing "Here Comes The Sun", and "John Barleycorn" capo'd at the 7th fret, and every Neil Young song I know on my 3 "dozenz". Setup is KEY - and I also like using light/medium gauge strings - it just makes playing so much easier, and the extra strings combined with the typical dreadnaught body (if acoustic) or pickup system compensates for string mass, tone-wise. Also, string tension is lower, so you play less aggressively, and it stays in tune nicely. Subscribed - and Thank You!

i LOVE bowie and i actually started playing a 12 string because of him!!!!! and it just made my day to see SERIOUS MOONLIGHT tour bowie!!!!!!! :):)

Excellent lesson. Thanks

I’ve been playing guitar since 1974. I am a melodic solo instrumental guitarist. I can’t wait to play hotel California on my 12th string. Want to do one dead or alive these songs are great Norwegian. It is a beautiful song for a 12 strain guitar. If you cable the 12th and the D the G and the B strings you will have a mandolin. It is the same tuning as a mandolin 12 up Andelyn is one octave higher than a 12 strange guitar. I fluently read music. I started reading music in 1981. This is my first 12 string guitar after playing guitar for over 50 years, wish me luck you play it very beautiful. Have a beautiful day.❤️❤️😄😎🎸🎼🎵🎶🎸😎

While most of the time you will want to hit both strings of a pair, it is possible to play only 1 string of a pair by (finger) picking . For example, at the end of hotel california, there are twin guitar arpeggios; if you want to get the high note on the end of each run, play most of it the normal way but for the last note of the arpeggio simply pick the high octaved g string alone w/o sounding the lower octave.

Liked. Subscribed. Notifications on. Thank you

Nice tips!

Got myself an art & lutherie legacy 12 bourbon burst cw qit 12 string love it

Beautiful 🎅🎅🎅

Change your strings often. I neglect mine at times because it is a pain, but it's SO worth it.

Great video!!! An additional idea - The thinner octave strings are harder to play cleanly because your finger has further to go down on them. So instead of thinking of fretting a string pair, instead think of fretting the higher octave strings. Their thicker lower pitched partners will come along for the ride.

started with a 6 string in 75, played my first 12 string (FG-312-Yamaha) in 1981. Now I have not just guitars but a lap guitar (Epiphone) and a set of bagpipes (Henderson), 3 flutes, 3 harmonicas.

I bought a Lotus 12 string in 1987, the guitar was 10 years old at the time. 34 years later, I am still playing it! Just purchased a Larrivee L-09 12. Looking forward to many years of enjoyment out of that one! If you have never played a 12 string you are doing yourself a disservice!

Very interesting, thank you!

Excellent advice - thank you. Couldn’t help see the Hagstrom Super Swede in the opening sequence: I thought I was the only person in the world to have one which I love as much as my Tanglewood 12 string

Good 12 String Video ! I'll certainly read all the tips from all. Got my 12 sting in Jan 2018, (Gretsch G5022CWFE-12, A/E, White Falcon), and did little more than strum it for a year. Should have known about your "you Tube" video back then. Like the advice about tuning it down 2 semitones...I'll try it. I subscribed !

Great 12 tutorial , Thank you !x

Hey Alon, thanks for the very interesting post! Here's a thought, for strings of the same guage (eg. the two high e strings) one may be tuned a hair higher or lower than the other, creating beautiful resonance, Cheers!

really great useful video! thx a lot! subbed instantly.

I have a 12 string Alvarez sounds awsome!

I don't see it mentioned in the comments (let me know if I missed it), but another tip is to flat the b string pair by just a few cents. I found it best to tune to the open D string at your 3rd fret, 2nd string (B string). And just thought of another one; For adding some nice lower-end tone (especially if you tune down), replace the steel octave A string with a wound. I've used as high as .024, but anything from .018-.024 will work.

Well done. Thanks a lot. I might jump into the added challenges of a 12. Slow play, more picking than strum --especially noodling around an F chord, the capo usually in use --these elements make sense and have been promoted by another teacher (who resents 12 strumming). Good luck to you all.

Great video, thanks a lot!

Another tip (personal preference) is to reverse the base strings (E A D) and place the octave strings below the base string ala Rickenbacker style. It helps prevent the thumb catching on the octave strings during fingerpicking. I like that it gives your base notes a bit of a deeper tone, with a bit more resonance. I also noted the issue with nail length between my 6 string and my 12 string. Still trying to find the optimal length, but mostly I go with no nails, so that I have a better feel for the strings. I do give up that sharp attack, but If I really need that, then finger picks can be used. Finally Igor Presnyakov simply removes the octave strings from the E and A (and sometimes D), which also gives a deeper tone to your base line for fingerpicking songs.

I have been playing a 1966 Mostrite Joe Maphis double neck 12 over 6 since 1966. I have never used a capo and I have no issues playing bar cords on it. I alternate between picks and finger picks depending on the song. I play 7 other instruments but not a harmonica. Maybe I'll try.

Thanks Alon. Those tips were great! Particularly for the new or occasional 12 string player. Nice inlays on that Taylor 150e.

Depending also on the country that you dwell in, as here in Ireland the humidity can alter the tuning quite a bit especially during winter. Keep the instrument away from drafts and never lean it against a wall for an indefinite period. Having now altered my truss rod to full tilt (clockwise) as a left handed player, it is brilliant to play, hardly needs re tuning and exceptional with the harmonica. When doing multiple recordings alongside my 6 string and banjo it really lifts the sound. I couldn't live without it now. Always put quality strings on also as makes a huge difference.

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