The 12-string guitar is recognized by its shimmering, full-bodied sound, achieved by doubling the traditional six strings. This unique configuration creates a natural chorus effect, giving the instrument a richer sonic texture than a standard six-string. Tuning a 12-string is more complex because it involves managing twice the tension and ensuring the correct octave or unison relationship between each pair. This guide provides the steps and techniques necessary to accurately tune the instrument to its standard pitch.
The 12-String Configuration
The 12-string guitar is organized into six groups, known as “courses,” with each course containing two strings played simultaneously. The tuning structure uses specific pitch relationships within these courses to generate the instrument’s characteristic tone, rather than simply duplicating the six-string setup.
The lower four courses (low E, A, D, and G) are configured as octave pairs. In these pairs, one string is tuned to the standard pitch, and its partner is tuned exactly one octave higher, creating harmonic richness. This octave relationship uses a thicker string for the lower, fundamental note and a thinner string for the higher, octave note.
The two highest courses (B and high E) are configured as unison pairs. Both strings in these pairs are tuned to the exact same pitch, which reinforces the treble frequencies and adds brightness and clarity to the overall sound.
Step-by-Step Standard Tuning
The standard tuning for a 12-string guitar follows the E-A-D-G-B-E sequence, but the process must account for the paired strings. A practical approach involves tuning the fundamental string of each course first, establishing the base pitch before addressing the paired string. This method ensures the primary note is stable before introducing the harmonic complexity of the second string.
The thickest course, the low E, is tuned to E2 for the fundamental string. Its partner is tuned one octave higher to E3. This wide interval provides the deepest part of the instrument’s sonic range. Ensure the octave string is not tuned too tightly, as it is often a thinner gauge and more susceptible to breakage.
The A course is tuned to A2 for the fundamental string, and the paired string is then tuned to A3, maintaining the octave relationship established in the E course. This pairing adds depth to chords played in the lower register.
The D course follows the same pattern, with the fundamental string tuned to D3. The paired string is tuned to D4, continuing the pattern of one octave separation. This course can be challenging to tune accurately by ear due to the proximity of the two pitches.
The G course is the last of the octave pairs, with the fundamental string tuned to G3. The paired string is tuned to G4, completing the lower four courses. This course is where the characteristic chime of the 12-string becomes most noticeable.
The tuning structure changes for the B course, which is a unison pair tuned to B3. Both strings in this course are tuned to the exact same pitch, providing a strong, clear tone for the middle register. The goal is to eliminate any beating or wavering sound between the two strings.
The thinnest course, the high E, is also a unison pair, tuned to E4. Both strings must be tuned precisely to the same frequency to achieve a clean, ringing sound.
After the initial tuning, a final check across all courses is necessary because adjusting the tension on one string can slightly affect the tension on others. Gently stretching the strings and re-checking the pitch ensures the instrument remains stable during playing.
Essential Tools and Techniques
The complexity of the 12-string configuration makes using an accurate electronic tuner highly recommended for consistent results. While clip-on tuners are generally effective, the instrument’s dense harmonic content can sometimes confuse less sophisticated devices. Use a dedicated chromatic tuner or a high-quality mobile application to ensure the precise frequency detection needed for twelve strings.
A primary technique is to always tune the string up to the desired pitch. This practice ensures that slack is removed from the tuning machine gears, allowing the string to settle and hold tension more reliably. Tuning down to a note leaves slack in the mechanism, which can cause the string to slip out of tune quickly.
When installing new strings, stretching is necessary to stabilize the pitch. After bringing the string up to pitch, gently pull it away from the fretboard several times along its length. This action helps the string material and the knots at the bridge settle, significantly reducing pitch drift during the first few hours of playing.
The order of tuning the paired strings is also important. Tune the fundamental string first to establish the lower pitch. Once the base is stable, the higher octave or unison string can be tuned relative to that established frequency.
Popular Alternative Tunings
While standard tuning is the most common, the 12-string guitar responds well to several alternative tunings. One simple modification is Drop D tuning, where the low E course is lowered a whole step to D. This provides a deeper bass register and allows for power chords to be played with a single finger across the lowest three courses.
Open tunings, such as Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D) or Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D), are also popular, especially for slide guitar playing. In these tunings, strumming the open strings produces a full chord.
A common practice is to tune the entire instrument down a half-step or a whole-step (D-G-C-F-A-D). This is often done to reduce the substantial overall tension on the guitar’s neck and bridge. This lower tension also contributes to a warmer, more resonant tone.