Tuning a guitar is a fundamental skill for any guitarist. It ensures your instrument produces the correct pitches for chords, scales, and the tones you desire. While tuning a standard six-string guitar becomes second nature with practice, tackling a 12-string guitar can initially seem more daunting. However, with the right approach and tools, tuning your 12-string guitar accurately is absolutely achievable.
The challenge in tuning a 12-string arises from its doubled strings. There are twice as many strings to adjust, the paired strings need to be intonated correctly, the overall string tension is higher, and potential frequency interference can occur. For those new to the instrument, this can feel a little overwhelming.
However, consistent tuning is crucial for 12-string guitars. Even slight deviations in pitch, especially in the octave strings, can significantly alter the overall sound. This guide will provide you with a complete, step-by-step process to effectively tune your 12-string guitar, ensuring it sounds its best.
Understanding the 12 String Guitar Difference
A 12-string guitar, as the name suggests, features twelve strings arranged in six courses or pairs. Each course consists of two strings. In most courses, one string is tuned to the same pitch as its partner but an octave higher. These pairings are what create the signature rich, shimmering chorus effect of a 12-string guitar.
Playing a 12-string requires a nuanced strumming technique to articulate all the paired strings cleanly. Mastering a fluid and precise playing style is key to unlocking the full potential of this instrument. The addition of octave strings enriches the guitar’s tone, making it fuller, deeper, and more melodically complex compared to a standard six-string.
While the top two courses (E and B) are typically tuned in unison, the lower four courses (G, D, A, E) are generally tuned in octaves. This configuration contributes to the unique sonic character of the 12-string.
The doubled strings on a 12-string guitar naturally create greater tension on the instrument. This increased tension is necessary to maintain the correct pitch and stability across all string pairs. However, this also means that more pressure is needed to fret the strings, as you are effectively holding down twelve strings at once. This can be physically demanding, particularly for beginners.
Furthermore, the heightened tension can make the guitar’s neck and body more susceptible to stress. This might impact the instrument’s tone, tuning stability, and long-term structural integrity. New players may find the increased string tension and required finger strength a hurdle to overcome initially.
Step-by-Step 12-String Guitar Tuning Process
Before you begin, it’s important to understand the standard tuning for a 12-string guitar. Like a 6-string, the most common tuning is EADGBE. However, on a 12-string, the lower four courses (E, A, D, G) are doubled with octave strings. Some players prefer to tune their 12-string down a whole step (DGCFAD) to reduce string tension, but for this guide, we’ll focus on standard E tuning.
When tuning, you’ll tune each course to a specific note from the EADGBE sequence, working from the thickest courses to the thinnest. In each pair, a thinner gauge string is paired with a thicker gauge string. For the E course, you’ll have a thicker E string and a thinner E string, and so on. Crucially, the thinner string in each pair will be tuned an octave higher than the thicker string, producing the same note but at a higher pitch. When looking at your guitar, the higher octave string is typically positioned to the right of the lower string.
Let’s break down the tuning process course by course:
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First Course (E): Start with the thickest string pair, the E course closest to your face. Tune the thicker string to E. Then, tune the thinner string of this pair also to E, but one octave higher.
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Second Course (A): Move to the next course, the A course. Tune the thicker string to A. Then, tune the thinner string of this pair to A, one octave higher.
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Third Course (D): Tune the thicker string of the D course to D. Tune the thinner string to D, one octave higher.
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Fourth Course (G): Tune the thicker string of the G course to G. Tune the thinner string to G, one octave higher.
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Fifth Course (B): For the B course, both strings are tuned in unison, meaning to the same pitch and octave. Tune both strings to B. There is no octave string in this course.
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Sixth Course (High E): Similar to the B course, the highest pitched course, E, is also tuned in unison. Tune both strings to E. There is no octave string in this course.
While tuning a 12-string might seem intricate due to the extra strings, with familiarity with both standard and octave string relationships, it becomes much more manageable. With a little practice, understanding, and the right tuning tools, you can confidently tune your 12-string guitar.
Tuning Methods for Your 12 String Guitar
Knowing the correct tuning order is essential, but achieving accurate and efficient tuning requires the right methods. While experienced players can sometimes tune by ear, especially for minor adjustments, using tuning aids is highly recommended, particularly for 12-string guitars where precision is key. Fortunately, numerous guitar tuning tools are available, making the process easier and more accurate than ever.
Chromatic Tuners: Precision Tuning at Your Fingertips
Zager High Accuracy Sonic Guitar Tuner
Source: Zager High Accuracy Sonic Guitar Tuner
A chromatic tuner is an electronic device designed to detect and display the pitch of musical notes. This makes it an invaluable tool for guitarists to accurately tune their instruments. Unlike standard guitar tuners that are pre-set for specific guitar tunings, a chromatic tuner can recognize any pitch within the chromatic scale. This versatility is particularly useful for 12-string guitars and for exploring alternate tunings.
The key difference between a standard guitar tuner and a chromatic tuner lies in their range. A guitar tuner is typically designed only for standard guitar notes, whereas a chromatic tuner can identify all twelve notes within an octave. This ability to detect any pitch makes chromatic tuners highly adaptable for tuning various instruments, not just guitars.
Chromatic tuners come in several formats:
- Pedal Tuners: These are stompbox-style tuners often used by electric guitarists, integrated into their pedalboards.
- Clip-on Tuners: These compact tuners attach directly to the guitar’s headstock and sense vibrations to determine pitch. They are very popular for acoustic guitars and convenient for their small size.
- Microphone Tuners: These tuners use a microphone to detect sound and are often built into smartphones or standalone devices.
To use a chromatic tuner for your 12-string, simply play a string, and the tuner will display the note and indicate whether it’s sharp (too high) or flat (too low). If the pitch is sharp, you need to loosen the string to lower the pitch. If it’s flat, tighten the string to raise the pitch. Adjust the tuning peg until the tuner indicates the correct note and pitch.
Chromatic tuners are readily available online and in music stores at affordable prices. Clip-on chromatic tuners are particularly convenient for acoustic guitarists. They are easy to use, discreet, and provide accurate tuning feedback based on string vibrations, minimizing interference from ambient noise.
Guitar Tuner Apps: Tuning Power in Your Pocket
Smartphone with Guitar Tuner App
As technology advances, smartphone applications have become increasingly sophisticated and versatile. Guitar tuner apps are a prime example, offering a convenient and often free alternative to dedicated hardware tuners. These apps utilize your smartphone’s microphone to detect the pitch of the strings and guide you through the tuning process.
Guitar tuner apps typically offer user-friendly interfaces and various tuning options, including standard, alternate, and drop tunings. Many apps are specifically designed to recognize guitar notes and provide clear visual feedback on whether the strings are in tune. Some apps even include additional features like metronomes, chord libraries, and scales, making them valuable tools for practice and learning.
The accuracy of a guitar tuner app largely depends on the quality of your smartphone’s microphone. A phone with a good quality microphone will generally provide accurate tuning results. In quieter environments, tuner apps can be remarkably effective for tuning your 12-string guitar.
Numerous guitar tuner apps are available on the Android Google Play Store, the iOS App Store, and even as web-based applications for Google Chrome. Many apps offer both free versions with basic tuning functionality and paid versions with enhanced features or ad-free experiences.
Some highly-rated guitar tuner apps include GuitarTuna, Boss Tuner, Fender Guitar Tuner, and many others. Exploring different apps can help you find one that suits your preferences in terms of interface, features, and accuracy.
Zager 12-String Guitars: Quality and Playability
For players seeking a high-quality 12-string guitar, Zager Guitars offers exceptional instruments known for their playability and sound. The ZAD900CE 12 String Solid Spruce/Rosewood Acoustic Electric AURA Pro Series is particularly noteworthy, consistently ranked among the top guitars in its class.
Crafted with solid Sitka Spruce tops and Indian Rosewood back and sides, Zager 12-string guitars deliver a rich, resonant tone. Features like maple binding, abalone, and pearl inlays, along with gold Grover tuners, add to their aesthetic appeal. As part of the Zager Pro Series, these guitars benefit from aged woods and a thinner finish, allowing the soundboard to vibrate more freely and produce a deeper, more powerful bass response. Each piece of abalone and pearl inlay is meticulously hand-laid.
To experience the distinctive sound of a Zager 12-string, you can listen to a sound demo here. You can also explore the full range of Zager 12-string guitar models on their website.
About Zager Guitars and the EZ-Play Advantage
Zager Guitars prioritizes player comfort and ease of play, especially for beginners. They offer an attractive package with every guitar purchase, including essential accessories:
- Free Zager pro-ABS digital humidified case ($199 value)
- Free lifetime membership to Mr. Zager’s Guitar Lesson Library ($295 value)
- Free year’s supply of Zager custom EZ-Play pillow touch strings ($89 value)
- Free year’s supply of Zager carbon guitar picks ($39 value)
- Free Zager leather padded strap ($48 value)
- Free Zager pro stainless capo ($39 value)
- Free expedited shipping ($79 value)
Zager guitars are renowned for being exceptionally easy to play due to their custom bracing system and string spacing. The bracing allows for greater soundboard movement with less string pressure, making chords easier to fret. Custom string spacing minimizes buzzing and rattles, contributing to a smoother playing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tuning 12 String Guitars
Is Tuning a 12-String Guitar Hard?
Tuning a 12-string guitar can initially seem more complex than a 6-string due to the doubled strings and octave pairings. However, with practice, understanding the tuning process, and utilizing quality guitar tuners, it becomes significantly easier. The perceived difficulty often diminishes with experience and the right tools. Alternative tunings on a 12-string can sometimes be challenging due to the lower tension strings, particularly the high G string, which can become overly slack.
Is There an App to Tune a 12-String Guitar?
Yes, numerous apps and online resources are specifically designed for tuning guitars, including 12-string models. Apps like Guitar Tuner (for iPhone and Android) and websites like GuitarTuna.com offer user-friendly interfaces and accurate tuning capabilities for 12-string guitars. GuitarTuna, in particular, is well-regarded for its polyphonic tuning feature, which can be helpful for 12-string instruments.
Are Chords the Same on a 12-String Guitar?
Yes, chord shapes and basic guitar skills are transferable from a 6-string to a 12-string guitar. You play the same chord forms and notes. However, playing a 12-string introduces a richer, fuller sound due to the doubled strings. More advanced techniques, especially those involving simultaneously picking individual strings within a course, can be more challenging on a 12-string due to the closer string spacing.
What is Standard 12-String Guitar Tuning?
Standard 12-string guitar tuning is EADGBE, the same as a standard 6-string guitar. The key difference is that the E, A, D, and G courses are doubled with octave strings. This means for these courses, one string in the pair is tuned an octave higher than the other. The B and high E courses are tuned in unison. This standard tuning is the most common and widely used for 12-string guitars.
