How to Tune a 12-string Guitar and what Gauge Strings?
November 1, 2008 by Chaz
I recently picked up a 12-string guitar from craigslist.org, and I have no idea how to string it or tune it, nor do I know what string gauges are typically used on this style of guitar. Can you help? Also, is it possible to use a 6-string tuner to tune a 12-string guitar?
Chris
xxxx@yahoo.com
You’re not alone in your confusion, Chris. Many six-string guitar players aren’t familiar with the proper way to tune a 12-string guitar. In reality, a 12-string is tuned very much like a six-string, except that each of its strings is paired with another string of the same pitch or a pitch one octave higher: On 12-string guitars, the low E, A, D and G string pairs are tuned one octave apart, while the B and high E string pairs are tuned to the same pitch. The accompanying chart shows the string parings and indicates typical string gauges.
I should point out that on almost every 12-string guitar I’ve seen, the E, A, D, and G pairs are strung as depicted on the chart—that is, with the higher, octave strings first in the sequence. (Some Rickenbacker 12 models are tune opposite of this model, with the lower string first in the sequence.)
As for your question about tuners, the answer is “maybe.” Some cheap (or “inexpensive”) tuners can only recognize standard six-string pitches and will ignore the higher pitch or the octave strings (i.e., the high A, high D and high G strings). If your tuner doesn’t recognize these tones, you should upgrade to a better six-string tuner or, better yet, a chromatic tuner, which will recognize every pitch.
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Hey, can you answer a question for me? I recently was given a 12 string guitar with one string missing. I have replacement strings but don’t know which one is which, the envelopes have gauges but not notes. How do I know which string is the right one? Thanks, Karen
Hi Karen, the lighter (thinner) strings start on the bottom up and the heaviest (fatter) string is on the top. So if .11 is the smallest gauge, the biggest gauge .52 will be on the top.
Here is a photo http://www.gear-vault.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/guitar-tuning-12-string.jpg
Hope this helps.
The diagram is quite helpful; and I was going to try to string my 12 guitar for the first time and I just discovered the DR box I purchased at an “out of business sale” with only 10 strings inside!, is the “gauge sequence accurate” in the diagram shown?, this box has the following gauge numbers:.048, .039,.030, .028, .024, .018, .014, .012, .010 & .009.
The reason of my frustration is that I may be missing a .020 und a .022 but I don’t see in the diagram a .009 or a .012?, could anyone send me a personal sequence, pertaining gauges; and number them 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12? from top to bottom please! I would appreciate your help!
Been playing accoustic and electric 6 stringers, first experience with a 12 and my .052 (low E) broke while tunning and I decided to get my new set out with the results described! (catastrophic).
The setup in the diagram shows .11 gauge. Sounds like you bought .10 gauge, which are a tad bit lighter / thinner string gauge.
Your setup should go something like this:
High to low
10-10
14-14
24-09
30-12
39-18
48-28
It appears you are missing the .010 and .014.