In the world of music, 12-string guitarists have always held a unique place. Names like Leo Kottke, Roger McGuinn, and Billy McLaughlin are just a few of the many 12-string legends who have graced the stage with their distinctive style.
However, when it comes to playing a 12-string acoustic guitar, guitarists face a set of challenges that their 6-string counterparts do not. The 12-string’s complexity, with its doubled courses and the need for more precise coordination between strings, can make mastering it a bit more daunting. Additionally, the scarcity of 12-string models aimed at beginners or those with smaller hands can present an obstacle. But as with any musical pursuit, passion and perseverance can lead to harmonious results.
But First—What Is a 12-String Acoustic Guitar?
The 12-string acoustic guitar is a marvel of engineering and sound. With twice the strings of a traditional 6-string, it offers a richer, fuller tone and a broader range that can fill a room with its resonance. This instrument is a chameleon in the musical world, at home in genres from folk to rock and from classical to contemporary music.
The 12-string acoustic’s distinct sound has become a signature for many songs, providing a lush backdrop for melodies and adding depth to chord progressions. Here are some of the starry works:
- Life by the Drop by Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Starman by David Bowie
- Melissa by The Allman Brothers Band
- End of the World by The Living End
- Hole Hearted by Extreme
A funny fact is that the universally appreciated song California Hotel has a 12-string version played by Don Felder, which results in a wide misunderstanding that this is the original studio version. But the real thing is that this song is played with two 6-string guitars, one tuned normally and the other tuned to Nashville tuning.
So, two 6-string guitars equal one 12-string acoustic guitar? Just kidding, they are quite different—check this blog for further explanation: 6 vs. 12-string Acoustic: What’s the difference, or continue reading to find the differences.
Why 12-String Acoustic Is More Challenging Than 6-String
When comparing a 12-string acoustic guitar to its 6-string counterpart, the increased number of strings demands higher coordination and precision. Here are the reasons:
Increased String Tension
With twice the number of strings, the overall tension on the neck of the guitar is significantly higher. This can make the strings harder to press down and can lead to greater finger fatigue, especially for beginners or those with less physical strength.
Complex Chord Shapes
The additional strings mean that chord shapes can be more complex. On a 12-string acoustic guitar, chords are often voiced differently to accommodate the extra strings, which can take time to learn and master.
Finger Placement
The close proximity of the strings requires precise finger placement to avoid muting or accidentally playing an adjacent string. This demands a higher level of dexterity and coordination.
String Thickness and Material
12-string acoustic guitar sets often use thinner or differently wound strings to achieve the desired balance of tones. These strings can be more difficult to play, particularly for lead playing or when executing fast passages.
Tuning and Intonation
With more strings to tune, the potential for intonation issues increases. It takes a more skilled ear and a defter hand to ensure that all 12 strings are in tune with each other and themselves.
Physical Size and Weight
12-string acoustic guitars are generally heavier and larger than their 6-string counterparts. This can make them more difficult to hold and play for extended periods, especially for those with smaller body frames or physical limitations.
String Maintenance
More strings mean more frequent string changes and more maintenance. Keeping twelve strings in top playing condition requires more time and resources.
Learning Curve
For those transitioning from a 6-string, the learning curve can be steep. Techniques that work on a 6-string may not translate directly to a 12-string, requiring players to adapt and learn new approaches.
Alice AW4112 Acoustic Strings Companies You on the Road to a Guitar Master
For those venturing into the realm of the 12-string acoustic guitar, Alice offers the AW4112 set, a choice that ensures your instrument sings with clarity and depth. These strings are crafted with the same care and precision that has made Alice a trusted name among musicians.
This string set is tailor-made for the unique demands of 12-string guitars, delivering a bright, full, and colorful tone that is both comfortable to play and a delight to the ear. The hexagonal steel core and plated high-carbon steel plain strings combine with an 80/20 bronze winding to offer a rich, resonant sound that is well-suited for concert performances.
Each string in the AW4112 set is coated with a nano-polished finish, enhancing their longevity and reducing finger noise for a smoother playing experience. The string gauges provided are thoughtfully designed to cater to different playing styles, with options ranging from extra light to light, accommodating everything from delicate fingerpicking to vigorous strumming.
Whether you’re an acoustic guitar player looking for that perfect blend of tone and playability or a player seeking to expand your sonic palette, the AW4112 strings provide a reliable and high-quality option.
FAQs about 12-String Acoustic Guitars
1. Should a Left-Handed Person Use a Left-Handed 12-String Guitar?
It is generally recommended that left-handed individuals use a left-handed 12-string guitar for comfort and ease of play. The strings are strung up in the reverse order, which aligns naturally with the left-handed player’s picking and fretting hand movements. This can reduce the learning curve and prevent strain or discomfort that might arise from adapting to a right-handed instrument.
Check more information about left-handed guitars in this article: Can Left-Handed Guitar Players Reverse the Guitar String Order?
2. Which Guitarist/Artist Plays 12-String Acoustic Guitars?
Notable artists who play 12-string acoustic guitars include Paul McCartney of The Beatles, who is famously left-handed and often uses a 12-string for its distinctive sound. Other musicians may also opt for 12-string guitars to enrich their music with the fuller, more resonant tones these instruments produce.
3. How to Convert a 12-string Right-Handed Acoustic Guitar to a Left-Handed Acoustic Guitar?
Converting a right-handed guitar to a left-handed one involves several steps:
- Re-stringing: The most straightforward step is to re-string the guitar, reversing the order of the strings so the thickest string is on the bottom.
- Nut and Saddle: The nut and saddle may need to be replaced with left-handed versions or modified to accommodate the reversed string order.
- Electronics: If the guitar is equipped with pickups or electronics, it may need to be adjusted or repositioned to suit left-handed playing.
- Hardware: Sometimes, the tuning pegs or machine heads are also reversed, which would require swapping them around.
It’s important to note that not all guitars can be easily converted, and the process may affect the guitar’s playability or tone. For best results, it’s often recommended to work with a professional luthier or guitar technician.
