You might only require a 12 string acoustic guitar to fully appreciate sound and advance your skills. But with so many choices available, picking the best one might be confusing. To help you go through all the numerous kinds of 12 string acoustic guitars and select one that exactly meets your needs and tastes, we've put together this guide. So let's get started and learn everything we can about these incredible instruments!
What is an acoustic guitar with 12 strings?
A style of guitar with twice as many strings as a typical six-string guitar is called a 12-string acoustic guitar. As a result, there are actually two sets of six strings—one set tuned to the same notes as a standard guitar, the other set tuned an octave higher.
As a result, the sound is fuller, richer, and more complex than what you would hear from a conventional guitar. The additional strings also give your playing more volume and sustain, which makes it perfect for solo performances or for rounding out the sound in a band setting.
But after you learn the skills necessary to play these instruments, you'll discover that they provide countless opportunities for artistic expression. There is nothing quite like the sound of a well-played 12 string acoustic guitar, whether you are strumming chords or plucking out complex tunes!
The Various 12 String Acoustic Guitar Types
Different sized and shaped 12 string acoustic guitars are available, each with a distinct tone and feel. Dreadnought, Jumbo, Orchestra Model (OM), Grand Auditorium (GA), Concert, and Parlour are the most popular varieties.
The most common style of 12-string guitar is the dreadnought. Its robust tone is ideal for strumming chords and creating deep bottom tones. It is perfect for live performances because of its size.
Jumbo has a deeper body and a larger, more robust design than Dreadnought, which results in even richer tones. Both pick-driven and fingerstyle playing styles work nicely on this kind of guitar.
The Orchestra Model, sometimes known as the OM, is smaller than the Dreadnought and has a more evenly balanced tone across all frequencies, making it ideal for classical guitar works.
Grand Auditorium, often known as GA, is a flexible guitar that can create warm lows while still enabling clear highs notes during melodic runs. It combines the greatest features of both OM and Jumbo kinds.
Concert is ideal for intimate settings like coffee shops or gatherings around campfires since it is small but strong enough to produce rich harmonies without tiring the listener's hearing.
Since parlour guitars are smaller than other models and are ideal for travelling performers who require something light but with good sound, many notable musicians, including Robert Johnson, have used them.
Before purchasing one of these 12-string guitars, take into account the requirements of your playing style.
How to Pick a 12 String Acoustic Guitar That Is Right for You?
Although it can be difficult, picking the best 12-string acoustic guitar is not necessary. Here are some suggestions to aid you locate the ideal one for your requirements.
- First: Think about your budget. There is a guitar for every budget because acoustic guitars exist in a variety of price ranges. Before you begin your search, decide how much you are willing to pay.
- Second: Consider the genre of music you want to play on your guitar. Different 12 string acoustics provide distinctive sounds that are better suited to some musical genres than others.
- Third: Consider the guitar's body's size and shape. While a smaller body is simpler for beginners or those with tiny hands to handle, a larger body produces more resonance.
- Fourth: Before making a choice, test out as many guitars as you can. This can help you determine which ones are enjoyable to play and produce excellent results.
Do not overlook design! Since it will be a part of your musical journey for years to come, pick a guitar that speaks to you visually as well as sonically.
Recipes for a 12-string acoustic guitar
The 12 string acoustic guitar is a lovely instrument to play. Any song or tune can be made magical with its full, rich tone. But did you know that playing this kind of guitar also has certain "recipes"?
One recipe calls for using fingerpicking methods to maximize the sound of each note. You can create a more complex and subtle tone by picking out individual strings with your fingertips as opposed to strumming the whole instrument at once with a pick.
Another recipe calls for a different tuning for your guitar. Try tuning the strings to DADGAD or open G tuning rather than conventional tune (EADGBE). You'll have access to new chord harmonies and shapes as a result, enhancing your playing's originality.
Percussive aspects should be incorporated into your playing style as the third recipe. To make a distinctive rhythm and add depth to your sound, try tapping the guitar's body while plucking or strumming.
Regardless of the recipe you use, experimenting with various techniques and playing styles will help your 12-string acoustic guitar playing reach new heights of beauty.