12-string guitars?

Question

Are they more difficult ot play than 6 string guitars? What are the benefits of 12-string guitars as well as the dis-advantages?

Answer 1

They are more difficult but at the same time, more forgiving.
If strummed properly, the resonating sound of 12 strings really do cover up a lot of sloppy finger-work on the frets.
That is one of the advantages.
Another is that you can fake a mandolin sound when picking/strumming higher up the neck.

As for disadvantages, the cost to replace strings is higher, plus the fact that people with thin fingers will probably have a more difficult time covering strings on the fretboard and some guitars have a very wide neck, which can cramp your hand.

I've played a 12 string since 1974.
I am NOT a professional.

My first was a beauty, and yet, a beast...it was the Italian-made "Eko" with a great sound but so heavy, due to the thick neck and bolted-on neck-to-body joint.

After replacing the bridge (twice), due to the tension of the strings, it was time to find a replacement.

Two years ago, I finally took the plunge and spent a fair amount on the American-made Taylor (a 355).
Certainly not their most expensive guitar, but I had visited EVERY guitar shop in town and tried out Gibson's, Fenders, Ovations, Seagulls, Takamine, etc...and this Taylor spoke to me.

So, my advice for you is to visit every guitar shop and try out the different 12 strings.
See which feels right in your hand, which sounds the best.

I promise, you won't regret getting a 12 string.

Answer 2

I have a 12 string guitar and I absolutely love it.
I started playing 12 string, and the only thing that is more difficult is having to press a little bit harder, and playing single notes is a little harder as well. With practice these both become unnoticeable. The benefits are a much fuller, brighter sound, especially with chords and fingerstyle playing. The disadvantages are that if you buy a cheap 12 string, the extra tension from the string will warp the next and lift the bridge from the guitar. This can be solved by tuning the guitar a step down and putting a capo on the first fret.
I purchased a Walden 12 string and I absolutely love it, check it out if you're interested in buying a 12 string. It isn't majorly expensive but still have has lovely tone, a sturdy build and made a beautiful woods.

Answer 3

If you plan on playing lead, you'll want a 6-string. Also, 12-strings just aren't right for beginners. Plus, most songs with acoustic guitar will be more likely to use 6-string than 12-string. Don't get me wrong though, 12-string can add a nice touch to a song, if used correctly!

Answer 4

I have a Fender 6 string, and 12 string. The Fender 12 string isn't difficult at all to play. The neck is thin, and the strings are close to the frets. You can not compare the sound between the two. With a few electronic toys, INCREDIBLE. Need I say more.

Answer 5

I once went to a guitar shop with a friend to buy a guitar. At the time, between my friend and me we owned about 18 six strin guitars. I fell in love with a 12 string Rickenbacker, the guitar model John Lennon used to play with the Beatles. My friend looked at me and said, "it's just an effect. Wht are you going to do with it after you play that one song that requires a 12-string?"

I didn't buy a twelve string that day.

My advice is that if you're just learning to play guitar, buy a six string. After you've learned enough about playing and about guitars in general, you'll be in a better position to decide whether you want a twelve string. Twelve strings are not harder to play for an experienced player, but beginners have difficulty with the mechanics of striking the paired set of strings, which hampers the learning process.

By the way I did own a twelve string in the past. I got one about 5 years after I first started playing. That was way too soon. Today all of my 25 guitars are 6 strings.

Answer 6

I've been playing 12 string since around 1965. Yes you get a fuller sound. Yes the strings are slightly harder to push down and you will find difficulty doing rock riffs on it, but i wouldn't be without one. I have an Eko Ranger 12 which I bought in 1972, and it's still going strong. I needed elecrics, so I now use an Ovation for performing and leading worship. I even have a solid electric double neck with 12 and 6 strings. If you're thinknig of getting one, go for it! Hope this helps.

Answer 7

I've played for years, but mostly rhythm with chords and have never mastered finger picking. Recently enjoyed a Judy Collins Concert and saw her playing a 12 string. After that I went back home and sold my Ovation to purchase an Ibanez 12 string and I love it. For a strummer like myself this guitar adds a new brilliance to my performances. I have had no more difficulty with chord fingering on this 12, in fact it is actually easier than the Ovation I had for 40 years.

Answer 8

The only difficulty might be that your fingertips might callous getting used to the double string. I'm not a big 12 string guitar fan, but the sound is more of a folksy kind of sound. A bit more tinny because each string has another an oactave higher. (Except the B and high E) It creates sort of a resonant sound that sort of compliments a nice six string on certain kinds of songs. But if you are looking for a full, rich sound, go with a good six string.

Answer 9

The neck is wider and they are hell on your fingers until you get used to them.

A 12 will have a much fuller sound as you are getting 2 octaves on the top 4 strings.

Make sure you get an electronic tuner though becuase nothing sounds worse than an out of tune 12 string!

Answer 10

For straight chording and simple picking, 12-string guitars pose no insurmountable disadvantages to play. Their projection of chords are magnified.

The disadvantages are more tunings to do and a bit more expensive for a set of strings. I believe that a 12-string guitar may hamper fretboard expertise as its primary function are resonant bass and treble magnified chords.