Differences Between A 12 String Guitar And A 6 String Guitar?
It’s no secret that guitars are a staple in the world of music. But what about when it comes to the different types? If you’re looking for an instrument with more fullness, you might want to consider a 12 string guitar. These have six more strings on the neck and the six strings are usually tuned in octaves above each other. This gives these guitars much more depth than their 6 string counterparts.
In this article, we will discuss some of the differences between 12 string vs 6 string guitars so that you can make an educated decision when deciding which one is best for your needs!
- 6 String Guitar Vs 12 String Guitar
- Is A 12-string Guitar Better Than A 6 String?
- Is A 12-string Guitar Hard To Play?
- What Is A 12-string Guitar Good For?
- Can You Play A 12-string Guitar With 6 Strings?
- What Songs Were Written With A 12 String Guitar?
- How To String A 12 String Guitar
- Recap Of The Differences Between A 12-String Guitar And A 6-String Guitar
- Conclusion – Differences Between A 12 String Guitar And A 6 String Guitar

6 String Guitar Vs 12 String Guitar
- There are six more strings on a 12 string guitar, which means that they have much more depth than their six-string counterparts.
- The 12 string guitars usually have strings that are tuned in octaves above each other, giving the instrument a fuller sound.
- 12 string guitars can be a bit harder to play for beginner musicians since they are not used to the extra strings.
- These guitars tend to be a bit more expensive than their six-string counterparts, but you will get great quality in return!
What is a 6 string guitar?
A six-string guitar is a standard, traditional guitar that has six strings.
These guitars are used in a variety of genres and there are many different models to choose from!
What is a 12 string guitar?
12 string guitars are a bit more unique than their six-string counterparts.
They have much more depth and richness to them, which is why these sound great in genres such as country or folk music!
Is A 12-string Guitar Better Than A 6 String?
There is no definitive answer when it comes to this question. It all depends on what you are looking for in a guitar!
If you want an instrument with more depth and richness, then a 12 string guitar might be the best option for you.
However, if you are just starting out and don’t want to deal with the extra strings, then a six-string guitar might be the way to go!
I recommend that if you are going to be playing country ballads, folk music, or maybe quiet worship music, then a 12 string guitar is better. However, if you are playing rock, jazz, or other styles of country music then you might want to stick with a 6 string guitar.
Is A 12-string Guitar Hard To Play?
It can be difficult to play a 12 string guitar for beginner musicians since they aren’t used to the extra strings.
A lot of time, it will take practice and patience before you become comfortable with your new instrument!
I recommend that if you are just starting out, then go ahead and stick with a six-string guitar. You might find that in the long run, it will be easier to play.
From experience, if you are not used to playing guitar, then the extra strings which are all thinner, hurt your fingers until you build up callouses. It takes more finger strength and precision to hold all 12 strings down when playing different chords
What Is A 12-string Guitar Good For?
12 string guitars are great for genres such as country or folk.
You can get a nice, full sound when playing these types of music on the 12 string guitar! The strength of a 12 string guitar is its great range of tonal nuances, which may range from bright and sharp to warm and mellow.
It’s possible to play any style of music on it! Because of its distinctive design, it has a very full sound that has a “chorus” or “sparkle” vibe to it. As a result, it is an excellent rhythm and solo instrument in its own right!
Can You Play A 12-string Guitar With 6 Strings?
Yes, you can play a 12 string guitar with six strings. It obviously will have a different sound but it is totally ok to play a 12 string guitar with 6 strings.
What Songs Were Written With A 12 String Guitar?
You may be surprised to find that some of your favorite songs were composed on a 12-string guitar. “Wish You Were Here,” by Pink Floyd, “Blackbird,” from the Beatles, and “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin are just a few examples of the many fantastic songs that have been written on a 12-string guitar!
How To String A 12 String Guitar
It is definitely a little more complicated to string a 12 string guitar than it is to string a six-string guitar. The process is similar to stringing a 6 string guitar however the extra six strings are tuned differently.
How are twelve-string guitars tuned is one of the most frequently asked questions about them.
You have a lot of ways to go with this, but if we’re talking about standard tuning, the thicker gauge strings are usually tuned to their usual pitch (E-A-D-G-B-E), while the thinner ones are tuned precisely one octave higher.
Recap Of The Differences Between A 12-String Guitar And A 6-String Guitar
- 12 strings vs 6 strings
- Full and bright tone vs a clear tone
- Mostly used in country and folk music vs. a wide variety of genres
- Harder to play well vs easier to play
- Less commonly used vs used everywhere
Conclusion – Differences Between A 12 String Guitar And A 6 String Guitar
When looking for a guitar, you will want to think about what kind of sound and feel that you want. There is no one instrument that can be used in every genre so it’s important to think carefully about where your music will take you! I recommend starting with a six-string since they are easier to play and more common than 12 string guitars. After you feel comfortable and experienced enough, then go ahead and try a 12 string guitar!
Keep in mind that every instrument has its own tone so it’s best to find out what sounds right for your music style!
Thanks for reading my article today – I hope you found this helpful! Feel free to share with anyone who may be interested in learning more about the differences between a 12 string guitar and a six-string guitar.