Hey does anyone else play the 12? I prefer it over a 6 anyday because of the full harmonic sound. Pros cons? 6 stringers?
I play both. I try not to limit myself. I like to use alternate tunings and find that the twelve string doesn't do that as well as a 6 string in some cases. I will admit that an open G works very well on a twelve. The open Eb and open C don't sound very good to me on a twelve string. But it is all personal preference.
yeah I have both, I usually keep the 12 in standard tuning and mess around with the capo, too time consuming to tune all those strings
Up the guage on the twelve string strings and drop the tuning down a half step to a standard tuning in Eb. Then drop the guitar down to an open D tuning (Db)! It'll open up another world! But I do agree that it's a pain. But but but............. it will train your ear and you'd be surprised after a while, how fast you can retune a guitar.
I've been playing over thirty years. Love it! It got to a point where it was becoming stale. Alternate tuning breathed a whole new life in to my music. Tuning a twelve is a pain, but you have to admit that it has the potential to really open up a guitar!
i love 12string, but those extra strings eat the callouses off my fingers way faster than a 6string so I usually save the 12 for one or two songs over the course of the night. great sound tho, very rich and full, gives nice round tones - I diggit!
I am the opposite. I use ligher strings and standard tuning. After wanging and banging when I was 15, I learned to classical finger-pick using all five fingers. It will open some eyes when you finger pick a 12 string. lol However you intereseted me with the alternative tunings. I have an extra Yamaha 512 that I will experiment with. I have played dropped d a few times on six string, but I always return to standard. BTW, a damn good tuner can be had for under $30 these days.
I've always wanted a 12 string for as long as I remember! but never bought one hmmm.. I did buy a new guitar recently but it was another 6 string....oh well maybe one day.. and yes, the 12 string harmonic tone and structure is wonderful...I WANT ONE!!
And to elaborate........ The pro's and cons don't really apply in my mind, it all depends what you are playing or recording? If for instance I am performing a classical structured tune then a six string is first choice...but a 12 string would be fine also!!! know what I mean? It all comes down to personal preference doesn't it. I record alot of duets x2 6 string guitars, but a 12 string would be wonderful too....I play most of my stuff in open C....although I do use standard tuning as well and G, D etc... You must've listened to the great 'Leo Kottke'? the things he does with a 12 string are awe inspiring to say the least. To reiterate, nothing lacking from both types of guitar 6 or 12 always good!
Good post JDA; wisdom of age. First time I picked up a 12 string (some 30 yrs.ago) I thought of the analogy that if a 6 string was a band, the 12 string was a symphony orchesta. This is subjective on my part, but to me, there are some things that sound better on a 12 rather than a 6 and vice versa. When neither work, I grab my 5-string (banjo) and give it a shot.
