Playing a 12-string guitar can be an enriching experience for any musician, as it produces a beautiful, rich sound. However, the instrument can be quite intimidating for beginners, with its additional strings and unique tuning. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the basics of playing a 12-string guitar, from understanding its unique features to learning basic chords and strumming patterns.
We’ll also offer tips on maintaining and caring for your instrument, so you can keep it in top condition and enjoy playing it for years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist looking to expand your skills or a beginner eager to explore new sounds, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to start playing your 12-string guitar with ease.
Let’s get into it!
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How to play a 12-string guitar
Playing a 12-string guitar requires a different approach compared to a traditional 6-string guitar. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of playing a 12-string guitar and provide tips to help you get started.
Understanding the 12-String Guitar
A 12-string guitar has 12 strings arranged in 6 courses, with two strings per course. The courses are typically tuned in octaves, with the higher-pitched string of each pair tuned to the same note as the adjacent lower-pitched string.
The tuning for a 12-string guitar is often different from that of a 6-string guitar, with the most common tuning being EADGBE for the higher-pitched strings and an octave lower for the lower-pitched strings.
Basic Chords
The chord shapes for a 12-string guitar are generally the same as those for a 6-string guitar, but the technique for playing them is slightly different. To play a chord on a 12-string guitar, you’ll need to use a light touch and avoid pressing down too hard on the strings. This will help you produce a clean sound without any buzzing or muddiness.
Strumming Patterns
Strumming a 12-string guitar requires a different approach than a 6-string guitar. You’ll need to strum the strings more lightly and evenly to produce a clear sound.
To start, try strumming down on the strings using a light touch, then follow up with an upstroke. Experiment with different strumming patterns, and listen carefully to the sound you produce.
Maintaining Your 12-String Guitar
To keep your 12-string guitar in top condition, it’s important to take care of it properly. Keep it in a cool, dry place, and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or humidity.
Clean the strings and fretboard regularly, and change the strings when they start to sound dull or lose their tone.
Related Article: The best way to clean guitar strings
Mastering The Extra 6 Strings Is Easier Than You Think
The majestic jangle of a 12-string guitar is utterly unmistakable. From Hotel California by The Eagles, to Hear My Train a Comin’ by Hendrix, to Breaking the Girl by the Chili Peppers, these double-string wonders are the cornerstone of countless classic songs.
Their unique timbre has drawn in many a six-string strummer over the years, and if you, too, have been seduced by their shimmering siren song, you’re in the right place.
Today, I’m going to be giving you some key pointers on taming this mythic 12-stringed beast.
Related Article: How to tune a 12-string guitar
Is Playing A 12-String Guitar The Same As Playing A 6-String Guitar?
As people rarely jump straight to the 12-string when they first start their musical journey, I’m assuming that you’ve already been playing a 6-string for a certain amount of time.
If that is indeed the case, then I’ve got some fantastic news for you! All the skills you picked up playing your 6-string guitar will translate seamlessly onto a 12-string — hooray!
That’s right, folks; besides a few minor variations in technique, playing the 12-string doesn’t differ all that much from your garden variety axe. The core fundamentals are the same. You fret notes, pluck or strike the strings, and voilà; music to our ears!
However, those minor variations I just mentioned, can make the transition from 6 to 12 strings a little…turbulent. If you’re unaware that you need to alter your technique, the guitar’s extra metal may get the better of you, earning it a prime place in a dusty corner of your attic.
But I’m not going to let that happen. Let’s take a look at some of the difficulties new 12-stringers face and how they can be overcome. I hope to make it my mission to show you how learning how to play a 12-string guitar is well within your grasp.
Obstacles You’ll Run Into When Picking Up A 12-String For The First Time
Fretting And Neck Width
The most irritating hurdle I faced when I brought home my first 12-string guitar was that I couldn’t fret notes or chords for a very long time. Within seconds, the notes would be marred by fret buzz, killing the sustain (and my vibe).
Even though I’d been playing a “standard” guitar for years, it took all of 10 minutes on a twelve-string guitar for my fingers to call it quits, but why did this happen?
Well, there are a few reasons why a lot of 12-strings are harder to fret than their 6-string counterparts, the most prevalent being that you’re dealing with greater resistance — more strings require more muscle.
Another reason is that the doubled-up strings can be too far apart for you to fret at the same time with your fingertips. As soon as a string slips from your grasp…the buzz cometh!
The final reason why it can be harder to fret notes on a 12-string is that their necks are usually considerably wider, meaning your fingers have to strain more to reach certain locations.
The Solution
Instead of fretting notes with the very tips of your fingers, you should drop your wrist from behind the neck, to below it, flatten out your hand, and use the meaty pads of your fingers instead. This gives you a wider surface area for fretting the strings and prevents the excess neck width from limiting your reach.
You might have already come across this handshape if you’ve ever learned any songs on the 6-string that require big stretchy chords, such as Message in a Bottle by The Police. It feels alien, to begin with, but after a week or so of practice, it becomes second nature.
Picking
Picking can also be quite difficult when you acquire a 12-string guitar. The strings can feel a lot closer together for your picking hand, and you also have to strike them a little harder than normal to chime both as one.
The need for greater pick accuracy and power is a deadly combination, one that can trip your picking hand up for a while.
The Solution
A heavier pick will help here, but other than that, there is no instant fix that you can apply to your playing to solve this issue. It just takes lots and lots of practice. Eventually, your strumming hand will develop muscle memory specific to the 12-string spacing, and your picking will become more accurate.
Strumming
The extra tension in the strings of a 12-string guitar can be another shock to the system. All of a sudden strumming doesn’t feel natural, you’re missing strings, and you’re dropping your pick every two seconds.
The Solution
Firm up your hold on your pick, but don’t let the muscles in your hand and wrist seize up, as the key to hitting every string when strumming is to keep the wrist loosey-goosey. Try not to rely on your arm and shoulder.
7 Tips For Making The Most Of Your 12-String
With those pitfalls covered, let’s focus on techniques you can use to really let your 12-string shine.
- Arpeggios
12-string arpeggios sound breathtaking! Break up your chords for extra twinkle.
- Avoid Barre Chords
The extra tension will fatigue your fingers and wrist, and open chords sound way cooler on a 12-string.
- Your Capo Is Your Friend
If you think a 12-string sounds good normally, throw this Shubb 12-string capo into the mix and get ready to weep.
- Use Different Chord Voicings When Playing With Another Guitarist
A six-string and a Twelver blasting out the same chords can be a bit much. Let your six-string buddy take the standard chords, while you shimmer your way up the fretboard with some triads and arpeggios.
- Know When a 6-String Is a Better Choice
I love 12 strings, but sometimes, a 6-string serves a song or passage better.
- Trim Your Nails
It’s easy for longer nails to get caught up in the double strings, so keep ‘em short for velveteen fingerpicking.
- Keep It in Tune
Six out-of-tune strings sound bad enough. Introduce 6 more, and it’s headache central.
How To Play A 12-String Guitar — Summing Up
That just about covers all bases. With a heavier pick, a 12-string capo, and a few minor changes in technique, you’ll have all the tools you need to explore these wonderful instruments.
My final piece of advice is to seek out artists known for their 12-string work, such as Roger McGuinn and Peter Buck, watch videos of them playing, and see if you can pick up any more neat tricks.
YouTube: 5 Classic 12-String Riffs
Happy Playing!
