The allure of a 12 string guitar lies in its rich, shimmering sound, a sonic tapestry woven from doubled courses of strings. For many guitarists, the immediate question that arises, especially when venturing beyond the familiar six string, is about 12 String Guitar Tuning. While standard tuning is the bedrock, the world of 12 strings opens up intriguing possibilities for alternate tunings. Let’s explore the landscape of 12 string guitar tuning, from the conventional to the more adventurous.
Understanding Standard 12 String Guitar Tuning
The most common approach to 12 string guitar tuning mirrors standard six-string tuning (E A D G B e), but with a twist. The E, A, D, and G strings are paired with strings tuned an octave higher. The B and high e strings are paired in unison. This octave pairing is fundamental to the classic 12-string sound. It creates that characteristic chorus effect and fullness that is beloved in genres ranging from folk to rock. This standard 12 string guitar tuning provides a familiar starting point and allows guitarists to readily adapt their existing chord shapes and playing techniques.
Venturing into Alternate 12 String Guitar Tunings
Just as six-string guitars can be tuned in myriad ways to achieve different sonic textures and facilitate various playing styles, the same flexibility exists for the 12 string. You can indeed apply any alternate tuning you might use on a six-string to a twelve string. Open tunings like Open G, Open D, and DADGAD become especially resonant and expansive on a 12 string, further amplifying their inherent spaciousness. Tunings like CGDCGD, which are conducive to fingerpicking patterns, also gain an added layer of complexity and beauty on a 12 string guitar. These alternate tunings can unlock unique harmonic landscapes and inspire new musical ideas.
The Experiment of Fifths and Thirds Tuning
For those seeking truly uncharted territory in 12 string guitar tuning, the idea of tuning the octave strings to intervals other than octaves emerges. Imagine tuning the paired strings in fifths or even thirds instead of octaves.
Tuning in Fifths: Let’s consider tuning the non-unison strings (low E, A, D, and G) in fifths rather than octaves. If we were to tune the strings in fifths, from high to low, it might look something like this:
- E
- E (Unison)
- B
- B (Unison)
- G
- D (Fifth higher than string #5)
- D
- A (Fifth higher than string #7)
- A
- E (Fifth higher than string #9)
- E
- B (Fifth higher than string #11)
While conceptually intriguing, this approach to 12 string guitar tuning quickly reveals its complexities. Simple chords transform into complex voicings. For example, an Em chord becomes an Em9, and an E major chord morphs into an Emaj9. While these extended chords can sound beautiful, they may not always be the desired sound, and they become somewhat unavoidable unless you employ advanced string muting techniques.
Tuning in Thirds: If we venture further and consider tuning in thirds, the harmonic landscape shifts dramatically towards dissonance. An Em chord tuned in thirds might contain notes that clash considerably, creating a less conventional and potentially less pleasing sound. The inherent richness and chime of the 12 string, which relies on the consonant pairing of strings, can be lost in such dissonant tunings.
The Practicality and Sound of Standard Octave Tuning
The examples of fifths and thirds tuning highlight why standard octave tuning is so prevalent for 12 string guitars. A significant part of the signature 12-string sound comes from the paired strings being struck together, creating a natural chorus and reinforcement of the fundamental notes. Tuning these strings in octaves makes achieving this sound straightforward and musically intuitive. The consonant intervals within standard tuning allow for rich and full chords without venturing into excessive dissonance unless intentionally sought.
Instead of pursuing complex and potentially unwieldy alternate 12 string guitar tunings, a more fruitful path to sonic exploration on a 12 string might be to delve into new and interesting chord voicings within standard tuning. Experimenting with different inversions, adding extensions, and exploring altered chords in standard 12 string guitar tuning can unlock a vast palette of sounds and textures.
Conclusion: Embracing the 12 String Journey
While the theoretical possibilities of alternate 12 string guitar tunings are vast, the practical complexities and potential for unintended dissonance often outweigh the benefits. The enduring appeal of the 12 string guitar largely stems from its rich, octave-enhanced sound achievable through standard tuning. For players new to the 12 string, mastering standard tuning and exploring chord voicings within it is a rewarding journey in itself.
Welcome to the world of 12 string guitars! It’s an instrument that presents unique challenges but offers immense musical rewards. To further your exploration, you might find resources like articles on chord voicings and advanced techniques beneficial. And if you’re still getting to grips with standard tuning, guides on how to tune a 12 string guitar can be incredibly helpful. Embrace the journey, and enjoy the unique voice of your 12 string!
