I have been fingerpicking for 38 years and just bought myself a 12 string guitar and your tip of tuning a whole note down was brilliant, not only does it make playing easier but it also makes my guitar sound better. Good tip and thanks.
I was thinking about doing the same thing on my Taylor 12-string after seeing this video today. Bet it will sounds better, and may help with that B-string tuning issue.
Justin: After all these years I finally bought myself a Guild f-2512ce last month. I always wanted a 12 string since I first played one in the 80's . Naturally I said to myself I wonder what Justin has to say about them, and low,and behold you dropped the bomb! I never heared about tunning the #2 B & E strings slightly out of phase;a simply smashing piece of information. Much appreciated...
After ~12 years of playing I today got my first twelve string guitar. Never heard something sound so heavenly. Thank you for this video, I left a "like" or "thumbs up" or whatever you like to call it.
Thanks Justin, you highlighted a lot of tips that I have used over the years in my playing 12 string guitars. A bit of background, I started at about 12 years of age on a standard 6 string, which I concentrated on while learning and for the 1st 12 years of guitar playing. Then my partner at the time bought me a 12 string as a gift and I played that ever-after (kind-of). Although I haven't played regularly for about 8 or 10 years now I still dabble a little (I'm now 77). This video has inspired me to try some down tuning and stuff. I have used single drop D tuning for some songs and covers, but I never thought of down-tuning as a whole. So, I've got some fun experimenting to do. I'll keep in touch, and thus, I'll catch you later. I think I might hace chatted with you before, but it would have been a few years ago. Bless you mate and thanks again for the inspiration.
for everyone asking about the song he plays in the intro, it's actually one of his own! really awesome track: We Came As Strangers - Colour Of You (FULL SONG from album Recipe For Adventure)
Thank you Justin. Even if you're a beginner and a 12 string isn't for you its still good to have this knowledge in your head. Keep teaching us like always :)
*Great video! I've been playing for 55 years (much of it on stage) and I still learned something from you, thanks.* I bought a Martin 12 string last year.
I just repaired the bridge of my 12 string after 3 yrs sitting in my closet, and I needed to brush up on basic 12 string tuning techniques, and I was overjoyed when I heard that many 12 string players tune 2 semi tones down from standard tuning. What a break for the tension on my guitar, and as a bonus, I can now comfortably sing "Hotel California", so it's less strain on my vocal chords as well! Thanks Justin for posting on the internet and sharing your insights as well as musical expertise.
Thanks Justin, Your one of the few Guitar 'experts' I turn to when I'm looking for some info on how to play Guitar, or a particular song I'm struggling with. Keep up the great content........
Cool, thanks! Have you checked out the full website for all content? www.justinguitar.com/guitar-lessons Cheers 😊 | Richard_close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide & Approved Teacher
Just bought my first 12 string. Been playing guitar for about 6 years now and this is my first time playing a 12 string. Video is really well done. Easy to understand and follow. Good info. Cheers mate!
AWESOME Tutorial!! Thank you so much!! I just purchased my first 12 string and I'm 60 and I can't wait to play like you!!! I was blessed with a guitar when I was 7 years old and played till I was 12. Then I picked up the 6 string about 3 years ago, and I play about an 1-2 hours a day. So I'm really excited to dive into the 12 string!!!
3 year guit player here. Finally got myself a yamaha 12er. Pretty excited. Ty Segalls piickathon performance with Cory Hanson really convinced me. So beautiful.
Soon 2 years ago I got my 12 string guitar (as my 2nd guitar after 4 months with a 6-stringed with action higher than trumps forehead), I still look at this video and learn from Justin haha Love ya Justin! More 12-stringed content on the way? ;)
Thank you, sir! Been enjoying your videos for a while. They are a lasting testament to someone who loves what they do, loves music, and loves sharing his gift. I've been playing 20 years, but the trick to staying good is always being a good student, and you've taught me plenty. Many thanks. Amazingly, never had a 12 string, just played the sweetest one in a store and felt like I had picked up a new kind of magical instrument. I think I must get one, and your walk through makes it much less intimidating to maintain - thank you!
Thank you, I follow your courses but I randomly found this video hearing different models of 12 strings. I'm on my way to get myself a 12 string Takamine for Christmas. So excited! 🤩
Justin, I would like to personally thank your for all your extremely informative youtube videos. You are indeed an asset to youtube and to the guitar community. I have learned so much from your videos and made me enjoy learning/playing the guitar because of your great instructional videos. You are an inspiration. Thank you!!! Gus L.
Thanks for this! I just bought a 12 string and I was looking for tips and things I may need to know about it, I already tuned it down! Really appreciate this vid! - Jaycie
Ive watched this so many times. And I gotta say, I love hearing you play the song at the start. Its what inspired me to get a 12 string. Managed to track down older 2nd hand Maton. Needed alot of work to get where it is now. But its been well worth the experience for everything its taught me, and all the enjoyment ive had playing it. Thank you for making this video.
This video was very helpful. Thanks for posting. My uncle just handed down to me his 1968 Gibson 12 string and I have absolutely no idea how to restring and eventually tune it. The strings on it are about 25 years old.
@@kingrobert1st That's alright, I gave it back to him because it didn't play good. The bridge saddle was warped forward and needed a lot of expensive work.
This is a really useful video . My 12 stringer is a dust collector most of the time !! Your comments gave me food for thought ! Particularly about dropping the tuning. Thanks
Justin, as ever you are Da Mang! That's my Yank slang for, well...you get the drift. Just got my first 12 string and you're where I went first for some sage advice on making this lovely lady sing her siren song. Thanks for all you do!
I've been playing guitar off and on since lessons when I was 13. I had a Yamaha 12 string while I was in college, it was very hard to play since I'm sure the action was not correct on it. I'm about to get back in to 12 strings after many years and ordered a Guild F2512E. Really liked your video as a refresher course for me as to the tuning of it.
Wow, Justin! Never having played a 12-string guitar, I had sooo many questions about them, and in this short video you managed to answer them all! Tuning, picking, etc. Thank you!
That's fantastic! I was curious about the 12 string. I'm a beginning guitar player but was curious about it and you did a wonderful job of explaining it! Thank you!
I just put a down payment on a Taylor 150e 12 string, I appreciate this video as it's my first 12 string that I have owned and the information you provided is exactly what I was looking for. thanks for posting
I know that it’s late to the show. Ha Thank you for your great Sir. I’ve been wanting a 12 string guitar for some time now and you just answered those questions that needed answering. It appears as though I’ll be getting one for the new year. Thanks again for a great post. All the best Mate! Cheers!!
just got a diy doubleneck 6/12. Never had or tuned a 12 string but have played a few. you've put me at ease on tuning 'er up and I really appreciate it. Man........I'll bet the truss rod'll be sweatin' peach seeds for a loooong time-lol
Have loved 12 string since Rooftop Singers did Walk Right In. Thoroughly enjoyed this video. There are a lot of 12s on commercial tunes that people don't hear but think " they have a good sound". Thanks for a video on a great instrument.
My sister gave me a beautiful Washburn Cumberland which I haven't played. Why? Because I didn't think I could tune it! After watching your video, it's tuned and I'm jamming away! Thanks, JustinGuitar!!
my first guitar i learned on was a 12 string fender acoustic, i taught myself online with Justin's lessons and marty's, it was harder, but it was well worth the frustration in the end.
Most 12 string guitars I’ve played just never seemed to get you to where you would think it would take you, but your 12 string sounds great! I also dig the tune you were playing! Rock on
Really enjoyed the video PLUS picked up a couple of tips even though I've been using 12's since 1971. Many thanks. In return 1) for some passages you may be better stringing the 3rd pair with unison strings as that means 1st,2nd 3rd courses sound the same for crosspicking etc.2) On some 12's the 6th pair (thickest) can be muddy (Matons definitely not) and I've found some improvement by using a 1st string as the thinnest on the 6th pair and tuning 2 octaves apart 3) one neat way of checking tuning is to hit the harmonic at the 12 fret of the thick string and compare that to the thinner partner PLUS you can check the harmonics against the first string ie B (2nd pair) is 1st string 7th fret or D harmonics (4th pair) is against 10th fret of first string - the harmonics ring one while you can fret/play the 1st string notes. Finally nails - I go once a fortnight to a nail bar and have acrylic overlay put on my right hand nails - works a treat plus do I get some funny looks from other guys who see me inside - worth it just for those alone!. Cheers.
Justin: I am not used to a 12 String guitar I just got this yesterday. I haven't done a whole lot of fingerstyle on this and I find it a bit awkward. 12:00 Also Justin: Proceeds to play one of the most beautiful noodling I've ever listened to fingerstyle. I love his humility.
My uncle eddy passed away about 2 weeks ago, he lived around most of my family in PEI while me and my family are in Toronto, I went to visit last week and on the last day there we went to see my uncle eddy's old home. My great aunts and uncles had told me that they were trying to get rid of all if his stuff. I walked around and looked at all of his instruments as we both had a LARGE interest in music it being his entire life. My great aunts and uncles saw me looking at them and offered me his 12
thanks, been play 12 string many years, alot you show I did know. that way you tune the b's and e's ,wow what a revaluation . when I did that all I could say for a few minutes was cooool !.
Thank you Justin, resringed my 12 the other day just couldn't get it tuned, with your help vid tis now in, top guy , n thanx muchly , well explained also
@@allenallen5040 What is your opinion of the Takamine brand? Considering one of those as an option as they get good reviews and more in line with my budget.
The string tension (total) on a 6-string tuned to standard 'E' is about 155 lbs - whereas, the string tension on a 12-string tuned to E is about 250 lbs --- that makes the strings harder to hold down (particularly if you haven't got a strong thumb). In the old days a lot of 12-string players would tune down to 'C#' -- 3 semitones down - Leo Kottke.
Hard to believe I remember this video when you first released it. 12 years go by in the blink of an eye. I didn't pull the trigger on this guitar then...I really wish I had. They are $4500 now 😭😭
Just got a lovely Ovation 12 string. New to the 12 so this has some nice tips , so many just say oh! Its just double notes but of course it's much more than just that . Your tune btw is awesome. Thank you for all your lessons advice and assistance.
Come on Justin, it's about time you make a Lesson on colour of you. You know we want it! I come here from time to time to see how you play it but it's not enough 😅
thank you for gettin to my question justin. since Mr. young is your favorite singer , song writer and mine as well, try war of man on your new 12 .it sounds so full . for me it is hard to get all the sound on a 6 cause of the talent involved but the 12 makes all the difference. im glad to see you gettin back into the 12 and hope you do more. thanks agaiin justin
Hi Justin, Thank you very much for those tips for the 12 string guitar. very helpful! 4 months ago i got a 12 string Eko guitar and it plays indeed a lot different, it's a bit like beginning at square 1again. but if you got hte tuning right the sound is beautiful! thanks for the video.
Αll excellent advice for those who are not very familiar with 12 string guitars. A wonderful instrument if you are fully aware of its difficult idiosyncratic nature and character and commited to overcome those difficulties and sound really good even if you only play simple open chords on it. And something I would like to add about the possibilities of a 12 string guitar, is that you can economize on your fingering, if you like. Thus, a triad played on a 12 string, can sound like a full six note chord played on a six string guitar.
Justin thanks a lot!!! That d tuning helps me a lot, I was sad that my new Martin d12 was so hard to play. Now it's a lot better and finally I enjoy it :)
Justin i made a derrogotive comment about 5 months about talking too long and easy to play tuts, i was forgetting not everyone can play guitar, You just taght me something about tuning a 12 string by tweaking the top 2 strings slightly out of tune. I appologise mate
Victor Jones that is the dumbest fucking thing I've ever heard. How many incredible bands have their been with guitarists who can't sing. By your logic the only type of guitarist that should exist is a singer songwriter.
I did not like thumb picks, I was used to finger picking with my thumb nail and Thumb picks were to long for me. So I cut down the pick with cutters and filed down the sides. Works for me.
My ibanze Ael2012 is such a beautiful 12 string guitar, to me anyways. It is by far my favorite guitar to play. Its got a built in tuner for easy tuning and a built in pre amp which makes it sound wonderful through my fender pro reverb. I just love playing it.
I don't think 12 string guitar manufacturers would build guitars that would have a problem being tuned to standard tuning. Unless you like tuning down and capoing, I would just tune it to standard tuning. That being said, try experimenting with alternate tunings. They sound great on a 12 string!
A couple years ago I wanted to get a 12 string but its hard to learn about them (Until now, thanks again Justin!) So I think that noone did because there are not that many players/ teachers or resources to give these usefull tips.
I think this is funny in a way I ALWAYS play tuned down a full tone and capoed match the other guitars, I got this from a biology teacher in high school( 20 years ago lol) but it seems NOBODY around here ever uses this. Second thing is I agree this is not a beginners instrument but about 2 months into my lessons I picked up my Bio teacher's and found it easy to play and I fell in love so my advice is if you like the sound and want to play go for it you won't regret it!
Bought a 1974 Höfner, secondhand of course, and it needed a shim under the neck joint. So glad it has a removable neck! And I want to make a 6 string Spanish guitar neck fit into that slot as well, for it is nice to have such neck swapping options. When I will have gathered enough courage, I will glue the bridge in place. Some of the glue has passed away, so these two bolts hold on like heroes, really doing great, but I want things solid. So, this guitar needed some TLC, and it is absolutely worth it, it sounds lovely! And talking about setup, it has a zero fret, which I like a lot. Action is nice and low up the neck, but I'm still fine tuning the neck angle, this guitar was not used a long time, it is still settling under string tension, but my gut feeling say it will be okay, one day. Besides, I got large hands, I can have some action, you don't want buzz playing very loud, anyway. Have you ever played a flamengo guitar? I repaired one, a cheap one, but the sound was fantastic. Playing quiet, playing loud, it does everything very good. But it needs a bit of action, in return. So be it. And now I need to practice, I already noticed one needs pretty accurate picking, the gap between the strings is small. Before you know it, you play three strings. It's good Justin mentions these problems. However, the solution is taking time and practise, I guess. My solution to the harder playing two strings at a time, is buying rather light gauge strings. Sure you can tune down to D tuning, but with lighter gauge I can handle E tuning easily. Besides, I get intonation issues, tuning down. Don't you? It all depends on what strings the bridge was made for. You can file a bridge to perfect intonation, but a different brand and type of strings, or even tuning down can destroy your perfect intonation, you'll need to adjust the bridge again when you buy different strings. Sad but true. To all other 12 string newbies, GOOD LUCK and have fun!
As someone who plays a 12 string (my absolute favorite guitar to play), my advice is this. Get it setup professionally by someone who knows 12 strings. Ideally with a low action, but make sure that if nothing else, the strings are all right about the same action. The biggest interest killer in 12 string guitars (and guitars in general) isn't the extra strings, it's the bad setup that was done at the factory. When I was auditioning 12 strings, I play a lot of them. Some were fairly decent from the factory, others were absolute nightmares to play. I had my 12 string setup and it's an absolute gem to play. I've had (non-setup) 6 strings that were harder to play than my 12. Absolutely agree with Justin on his take that this is not a beginner's instrument. However, I fell in love with the instrument on my first day of music class when I was in 1st grade when my teacher did the Country Roads course John Denver put our on her 12 string. It' been a long time, but since then, but if that's the sound you want, there is nothing else like it and it really isn't that much more difficult to play if you have your basic shapes down. My adjustment period took about 20 minutes, but YMMV.
Very nice 12 you've got there. It sounds exceptional and looks fantastic. Congrats!! It's funny you say 12's are not beginner's instruments, because that's exactly what it was for me. When I began playing I just loved the sound of the 12 so much more than any 6-string I had heard, bought one and learned how to use it. I got to be almost as fast tuning it as my 6-string brothers and just as accurate. I learned to play some lead on it as well. I still own several 12's and still play them often.
nice chat on the 12 string. I have a 45 year old Giannini Craviola in the shop getting the neck re-set and I can't wait to get her back...The tension over the years was too much for the ol' gal...
Looove that song you're playing in the beginning. I'm still learning how to tune my 12 string.. its so confusing. Spent 40 yrs playing 6 strings. I sure hopes this helps me. Time to watch the rest.
Melanie it's so easy . If you can tune the 6 string than no worries , you can tune 12 strings the thinner strings are just the octive above . But just hit the same both strings together so the waver of the sound will be off it will waiver. Just wind the higher string until the sound comes into one straight hum. But just make sure the regular 6 strings are in tune A 440 or any tunage you want at that time , either open cord like, open "G", Open "B", or Open "A" and so on and so on. Just make sure the regular 6 strings are in tune first of all to give you what ever tuning you want. All you have to do it make sure the thinner string comes into tune with the regular string you are tuning at that time. Just make sure the thin string that is with either one of the 6 strings either low E ,A,D,G,B,High E. just make sure the thin string beside each regular string rings in tune with that string your tuning with. It's just a little tricky just trying to hit the thinner string without hitting anything else to hear the waver clearly. But it really is simple. ounce you get used to it. after awhile you will get used to open tuning with out harmonics or straight tuning with one finger down at the 7th fret or 12 fret to the 7th fret. There are many ways of tuning the best you can. Plus it all boils down to if your guitar is intonated well because some guitars have problems with the "D" & "G" strings when tuning usually because the intonation is out. But just make sure all the thin strings that are with one of each 6 strings . Just make sure when you hit both of them alone together and make sure the sound waiver is straight, one constant hum. Not if it is waivering up and down. Bring it together until it does not waiver anymore. Do that for every one of the six strings with the thin one's as well and you should have you12 in tune.
Mikey Micstar Sprunt / High School Drop -Outs Wow.. awesome tips. I don't have a problem hitting strings together it was just the octave thing. You did mention the 12th fret.. is that an octave higher? Can the first 4 skinny strings be tuned by the 12th fret being hit on the heavier strings? Thankfully the last 2 set of strings are tuned the same! I've barely played this guitar. I said forget it. And the neck is soooo heavy lol. But it's gorgeous and I've always wanted one!! Its time!!
Hey there. Yes to the 12th fret if you are tuning regular 440 or lower . Allot of 12 strings are tuned in 335 because it's less strain on the neck. But what ever you tune to the higher string gets tuned together with the thicker. But here is what your asking I think. If you tune your guitar from the very start to get the normal 6 strings in tune you can do it many different ways. But the way your asking is for every string you tune on the regular 6. just say your doing the low "E" you hit the harmonic at the twelfth fret open and hit the "A" string with your finger pushing down on the "A"string on the 7th fret and you hit the harmonic open and right after the "A" string with your finger down on the 7th fret one right after the other and listen for the waver of the harmonic and the note and make the waver blend together so it just is a hum not anymore wavering, make it so it is a straight flow then do the same with the "A" String & the "D" string next the "D" & the "G" next "G" & "B" then "B" & High "E" the only difference is on the "G"&"B" your finger pushes down on the "B" String on the 8th fret instead of like the others at the 7th fret. it's only when you tune the "G"&"B" always the lower string which is always the the string above the other or the thicker string is hit harmonically at the twelfth fret and push your finger down on the higher string which is thinner which is below the "G" string, put your finger down on the 8th fret on the 2nd string. And if you want to do it that way , it can be sometimes a little tricky trying to just hit the one string at a time between the thicker strings and the thinner ones. because you want to make sure you get each string nice and clear so you can tune by the wavering of the notes combined together to bring the waver to just a straight note between both notes that you hit. There are different ways of tunning. Actually you can look for the on you tube . different tuning ways. good luck. keep up the faith!!! forever.
Mikey Micstar Sprunt / High School Drop -Outs Oh my gosh.. I'm going to have to read that over and over. Wow.. so complicated.. lol. Guess it's going to take me a bit. Thank you soooo much for your help and taking the time to explain it all. I mean it can't be that difficult. I think I'm over complicating things as usual. And I'm just using a guitar tuner app cause the tuner thingy that came with it, well I had no idea what those numbers meant and where to go with that. Whew, makes me swet just thinking about it lol. Yikes!!
You tube has tones of different tuning, just type in "12 string guitar tuning" and lots will come up to choose from that shows you every different way of tuning your twelve. It seems complicated because I described , Well tried to describe two different styles of picking into one parragragh. But just type in what i said. You Tube has every type of tuning there is just check all the vids to choose from and find the best one that suits you. You can follow them showing you everything string by string and just hit your string in tune with the guy in the vid and you'll be in tune. I tried, Good Luck
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I've only got that song half finished... when it's done and recorded I'll teach it..
Its been 8 years and we’re still waiting 🥺
Firstly, you're an awesome guitarist. That guitar sounds a little fret slappy though. Did you try adjusting the action a little?
writers block😉😉
11 years and counting
I have been fingerpicking for 38 years and just bought myself a 12 string guitar and your tip of tuning a whole note down was brilliant, not only does it make playing easier but it also makes my guitar sound better. Good tip and thanks.
I was thinking about doing the same thing on my Taylor 12-string after seeing this video today. Bet it will sounds better, and may help with that B-string tuning issue.
Justin: After all these years I finally bought myself a Guild f-2512ce last month.
I always wanted a 12 string since I first played one in the 80's .
Naturally I said to myself I wonder what Justin has to say about them, and low,and behold you dropped the bomb!
I never heared about tunning the #2 B & E strings slightly out of phase;a simply smashing piece of information.
Much appreciated...
After ~12 years of playing I today got my first twelve string guitar. Never heard something sound so heavenly. Thank you for this video, I left a "like" or "thumbs up" or whatever you like to call it.
Thanks Justin, you highlighted a lot of tips that I have used over the years in my playing 12 string guitars. A bit of background, I started at about 12 years of age on a standard 6 string, which I concentrated on while learning and for the 1st 12 years of guitar playing. Then my partner at the time bought me a 12 string as a gift and I played that ever-after (kind-of). Although I haven't played regularly for about 8 or 10 years now I still dabble a little (I'm now 77). This video has inspired me to try some down tuning and stuff. I have used single drop D tuning for some songs and covers, but I never thought of down-tuning as a whole. So, I've got some fun experimenting to do. I'll keep in touch, and thus, I'll catch you later. I think I might hace chatted with you before, but it would have been a few years ago. Bless you mate and thanks again for the inspiration.
for everyone asking about the song he plays in the intro, it's actually one of his own! really awesome track: We Came As Strangers - Colour Of You (FULL SONG from album Recipe For Adventure)
Ante Meridiem 😊
Thank you Justin. Even if you're a beginner and a 12 string isn't for you its still good to have this knowledge in your head. Keep teaching us like always :)
*Great video! I've been playing for 55 years (much of it on stage) and I still learned something from you, thanks.*
I bought a Martin 12 string last year.
I'll bet that sounds great!
I just repaired the bridge of my 12 string after 3 yrs sitting in my closet, and I needed to brush up on basic 12 string tuning techniques, and I was overjoyed when I heard that many 12 string players tune 2 semi tones down from standard tuning. What a break for the tension on my guitar, and as a bonus, I can now comfortably sing "Hotel California", so it's less strain on my vocal chords as well! Thanks Justin for posting on the internet and sharing your insights as well as musical expertise.
Thanks Justin, Your one of the few Guitar 'experts' I turn to when I'm looking for some info on how to play Guitar, or a particular song I'm struggling with. Keep up the great content........
Cool, thanks! Have you checked out the full website for all content? www.justinguitar.com/guitar-lessons
Cheers 😊 | Richard_close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide & Approved Teacher
Just bought my first 12 string. Been playing guitar for about 6 years now and this is my first time playing a 12 string. Video is really well done. Easy to understand and follow. Good info. Cheers mate!
AWESOME Tutorial!! Thank you so much!! I just purchased my first 12 string and I'm 60 and I can't wait to play like you!!! I was blessed with a guitar when I was 7 years old and played till I was 12. Then I picked up the 6 string about 3 years ago, and I play about an 1-2 hours a day. So I'm really excited to dive into the 12 string!!!
3 year guit player here. Finally got myself a yamaha 12er. Pretty excited. Ty Segalls piickathon performance with Cory Hanson really convinced me. So beautiful.
It's very nice to hear Leo Kottke mentioned, for some reason he seems to be overlooked and he's such a incredible 12 string guitar player.
J2013 Check out Dick Rosmini if you really want to learn something.
Kottke’s better at 12 than most people at 6😂
I didn't know Norm Mcdonald could play the guitar like that!
Jesus, man... :')
You don't know how hard I laughed.
LOL! I was going to ask him if he was related!
Lmao
Ha ha norm McDonald
Soon 2 years ago I got my 12 string guitar (as my 2nd guitar after 4 months with a 6-stringed with action higher than trumps forehead), I still look at this video and learn from Justin haha
Love ya Justin! More 12-stringed content on the way? ;)
Thank you for making this video. Im thinking of getting a 12 string guitar ive allways loved the way they sound.
Well learn how to play standard 6-string guitar and then play a 12-string guitar
Thank you, sir! Been enjoying your videos for a while. They are a lasting testament to someone who loves what they do, loves music, and loves sharing his gift. I've been playing 20 years, but the trick to staying good is always being a good student, and you've taught me plenty. Many thanks. Amazingly, never had a 12 string, just played the sweetest one in a store and felt like I had picked up a new kind of magical instrument. I think I must get one, and your walk through makes it much less intimidating to maintain - thank you!
Thank you, I follow your courses but I randomly found this video hearing different models of 12 strings. I'm on my way to get myself a 12 string Takamine for Christmas. So excited! 🤩
Justin, I would like to personally thank your for all your extremely informative youtube videos. You are indeed an asset to youtube and to the guitar community. I have learned so much from your videos and made me enjoy learning/playing the guitar because of your great instructional videos. You are an inspiration. Thank you!!! Gus L.
Thanks for this! I just bought a 12 string and I was looking for tips and things I may need to know about it, I already tuned it down! Really appreciate this vid! - Jaycie
Gorgeous guitar Justin.
I've just bought a Yamaha DW-4S-12 second-hand and it's now tuned in thanks to your lesson.
Ive watched this so many times. And I gotta say, I love hearing you play the song at the start. Its what inspired me to get a 12 string.
Managed to track down older 2nd hand Maton. Needed alot of work to get where it is now. But its been well worth the experience for everything its taught me, and all the enjoyment ive had playing it.
Thank you for making this video.
This video was very helpful. Thanks for posting.
My uncle just handed down to me his 1968 Gibson 12 string and I have absolutely no idea how to restring and eventually tune it. The strings on it are about 25 years old.
I'll swap you a new set of strings for the 1968 Gibson! lol
@@kingrobert1st
That's alright, I gave it back to him because it didn't play good.
The bridge saddle was warped forward and needed a lot of expensive work.
This is a really useful video . My 12 stringer is a dust collector most of the time !! Your comments gave me food for thought ! Particularly about dropping the tuning. Thanks
Justin, as ever you are Da Mang! That's my Yank slang for, well...you get the drift. Just got my first 12 string and you're where I went first for some sage advice on making this lovely lady sing her siren song. Thanks for all you do!
Thank you for this- I'm so grateful you took the time to explain the basics of the 12 string- helped me a lot!
I've been playing guitar off and on since lessons when I was 13. I had a Yamaha 12 string while I was in college, it was very hard to play since I'm sure the action was not correct on it. I'm about to get back in to 12 strings after many years and ordered a Guild F2512E. Really liked your video as a refresher course for me as to the tuning of it.
The best teacher I've ever seen.
Wow, Justin! Never having played a 12-string guitar, I had sooo many questions about them, and in this short video you managed to answer them all! Tuning, picking, etc. Thank you!
That's fantastic! I was curious about the 12 string. I'm a beginning guitar player but was curious about it and you did a wonderful job of explaining it! Thank you!
Please, more 12 string tutorials. :) love and light...
12 strings guitars were created by the gods they sound divine
Octaves in general sound divine
fft2020 But do they djent like 7-string baritone, 8-string, 9-string guitars?
What you are hearing in this video is "Divine Djent". At 12-Strings it just sounds like that.
it's a drone. if you like those you'll LOVE hammered dulcimer!
Not only do I have a 12-string guitar, but I also have a 10-string banjo. The double strings are the sound of the gods.
Just pickup a 12 banger from a pawn shop. It was hard to tune but thanks to you I GOT IT DONE! Thanks man.
A friend just gave me a 12 string last night. I've always loved the sound. I hope I can play it soon. Wish me luck
Thank you so much! it only took me about 8 minutes into your video to get this thing tuned. very informative!👍
I just put a down payment on a Taylor 150e 12 string, I appreciate this video as it's my first 12 string that I have owned and the information you provided is exactly what I was looking for. thanks for posting
I just bought one. Your in for a treat! Have fun
“A hi-yee-anna lowee, then a-hi-a anna-low-a, a-hi-dee anna low-dee, then it’s a-hi-gee anna low-gee!”
One of my favorite Irish folk songs.
I know that it’s late to the show. Ha
Thank you for your great Sir.
I’ve been wanting a 12 string guitar for some time now and you just answered those questions that needed answering.
It appears as though I’ll be getting one for the new year.
Thanks again for a great post.
All the best Mate!
Cheers!!
just got a diy doubleneck 6/12. Never had or tuned a 12 string but have played a few. you've put me at ease on tuning 'er up and I really appreciate it. Man........I'll bet the truss rod'll be sweatin' peach seeds for a loooong time-lol
Have loved 12 string since Rooftop Singers did Walk Right In. Thoroughly enjoyed this video. There are a lot of 12s on commercial tunes that people don't hear but think " they have a good sound". Thanks for a video on a great instrument.
My sister gave me a beautiful Washburn Cumberland which I haven't played. Why? Because I didn't think I could tune it! After watching your video, it's tuned and I'm jamming away! Thanks, JustinGuitar!!
my first guitar i learned on was a 12 string fender acoustic, i taught myself online with Justin's lessons and marty's, it was harder, but it was well worth the frustration in the end.
Most 12 string guitars I’ve played just never seemed to get you to where you would think it would take you, but your 12 string sounds great! I also dig the tune you were playing! Rock on
Really enjoyed the video PLUS picked up a couple of tips even though I've been using 12's since 1971. Many thanks. In return 1) for some passages you may be better stringing the 3rd pair with unison strings as that means 1st,2nd 3rd courses sound the same for crosspicking etc.2) On some 12's the 6th pair (thickest) can be muddy (Matons definitely not) and I've found some improvement by using a 1st string as the thinnest on the 6th pair and tuning 2 octaves apart 3) one neat way of checking tuning is to hit the harmonic at the 12 fret of the thick string and compare that to the thinner partner PLUS you can check the harmonics against the first string ie B (2nd pair) is 1st string 7th fret or D harmonics (4th pair) is against 10th fret of first string - the harmonics ring one while you can fret/play the 1st string notes. Finally nails - I go once a fortnight to a nail bar and have acrylic overlay put on my right hand nails - works a treat plus do I get some funny looks from other guys who see me inside - worth it just for those alone!. Cheers.
Best practical advice on 12 string guitars right here.
Nice lesson Justin. Video was very informative and you play great. I just ordered my Guild . can't wait to get it.
Justin: I am not used to a 12 String guitar I just got this yesterday.
I haven't done a whole lot of fingerstyle on this and I find it a bit awkward.
12:00
Also Justin: Proceeds to play one of the most beautiful noodling I've ever listened to fingerstyle.
I love his humility.
My uncle eddy passed away about 2 weeks ago, he lived around most of my family in PEI while me and my family are in Toronto, I went to visit last week and on the last day there we went to see my uncle eddy's old home. My great aunts and uncles had told me that they were trying to get rid of all if his stuff. I walked around and looked at all of his instruments as we both had a LARGE interest in music it being his entire life. My great aunts and uncles saw me looking at them and offered me his 12
Just bought a 12 string and this video was a godsend, cheers Justin!
Very nice video! I picked up several tips and tricks. He speaks well and explains things well; first class !
My uncle passed away about a month ago. I got his 12-string today
How you getting on man?
Sorry to hear about your uncle 😢 he'll be remembered as you play this gift.
Lucky fella your uncle was
This is 8 years later. I hope you're well and playing that 12 string
@@christys.5024 I Hope that it wasn't Haunted....he's not answering anyone back..poor guy..and he seemed so Happy to get it!
What a guy this is, a fountain of knowledge. Thanks Justin
Thank you I never had 12 string now I want one! Good job thank you for all your hard work!
thanks, been play 12 string many years, alot you show I did know. that way you tune the b's and e's ,wow what a revaluation . when I did that all I could say for a few minutes was cooool !.
Really good Justin. I just ordered my first 12 string and this has been most helpful. Thanks!
My first guitar was 12 stringer, can't help which guitar I fell in love with.
Glad I found this video....looking at twelve strings..you've answered all my questions...thanks
Thanks Justin, just bought a Taylor 12-string, well here go's to time learning how to play it!
Thank you Justin, resringed my 12 the other day just couldn't get it tuned, with your help vid tis now in, top guy , n thanx muchly , well explained also
Man! That thing sounds so f++++ good! SO, that's my dream now, to own a 12-string guitar one day.
+Erlan Hernández I recently got a Simon & Patrick Songsmith. Very affordable and great playability! Beautiful Sun-burst on mine.
Erlan Hernández After 40 yrs of playing 6 strings, I finally got one as a gift!
I ordered an Ibanez PF1512 12 string and I can't wait to get it. Always wanted a 12 string!
Erlan Hernández Check out the Godin, could be better! Definitely easier to play!
@@allenallen5040 What is your opinion of the Takamine brand? Considering one of those as an option as they get good reviews and more in line with my budget.
The string tension (total) on a 6-string tuned to standard 'E' is about 155 lbs - whereas, the string tension on a 12-string tuned to E is about 250 lbs --- that makes the strings harder to hold down (particularly if you haven't got a strong thumb).
In the old days a lot of 12-string players would tune down to 'C#' -- 3 semitones down - Leo Kottke.
Hard to believe I remember this video when you first released it. 12 years go by in the blink of an eye. I didn't pull the trigger on this guitar then...I really wish I had. They are $4500 now 😭😭
Just got a lovely Ovation 12 string. New to the 12 so this has some nice tips , so many just say oh! Its just double notes but of course it's much more than just that . Your tune btw is awesome. Thank you for all your lessons advice and assistance.
Come on Justin, it's about time you make a Lesson on colour of you. You know we want it! I come here from time to time to see how you play it but it's not enough 😅
Watching this again for the 2nd or 3rd time...great video...thanks so much!
thank you for gettin to my question justin. since Mr. young is your favorite singer , song writer and mine as well, try war of man on your new 12 .it sounds so full . for me it is hard to get all the sound on a 6 cause of the talent involved but the 12 makes all the difference. im glad to see you gettin back into the 12 and hope you do more. thanks agaiin justin
Best guitar teacher by a million miles
Great introductory video to the wonderful world of 12-string guitars. Thanks, mate.
I played a 12 yamaha many years and always tuned to A 440. Interesting video, Justin.
Good tips on tuning there thanks Justin!
Hi Justin,
Thank you very much for those tips for the 12 string guitar.
very helpful!
4 months ago i got a 12 string Eko guitar and it plays indeed a lot different, it's a bit like beginning at square 1again.
but if you got hte tuning right the sound is beautiful!
thanks for the video.
Αll excellent advice for those who are not very familiar with 12 string guitars. A wonderful instrument if you are fully aware of its difficult idiosyncratic nature and character and commited to overcome those difficulties and sound really good even if you only play simple open chords on it. And something I would like to add about the possibilities of a 12 string guitar, is that you can economize on your fingering, if you like. Thus, a triad played on a 12 string, can sound like a full six note chord played on a six string guitar.
Excellent!! Excellent!! Awesome tips for a 12 string newbie. Much appreciated!!
Please release a how to video on how to play that song at the beginning!
Winsto25 TH-cam has playback option to slow it down.
Justin thanks a lot!!! That d tuning helps me a lot, I was sad that my new Martin d12 was so hard to play. Now it's a lot better and finally I enjoy it :)
Justin i made a derrogotive comment about 5 months about talking too long and easy to play tuts, i was forgetting not everyone can play guitar, You just taght me something about tuning a 12 string by tweaking the top 2 strings slightly out of tune.
I appologise mate
anthony jonson And you sir are very ignorant, have a nice day
anthony jonson He apologized, there is no reason for that whatsoever.
character development right here
Victor Jones that is the dumbest fucking thing I've ever heard. How many incredible bands have their been with guitarists who can't sing. By your logic the only type of guitarist that should exist is a singer songwriter.
Victor Jones that's good advice if the only thing you want out of guitar is to go to parties and play 3 chord pop songs to impress your dumb friends
That 12 string sounds amazing, great vid!
I did not like thumb picks, I was used to finger picking with my thumb nail and Thumb picks were to long for me. So I cut down the pick with cutters and filed down the sides. Works for me.
Man, that guitar sounds awsome! Sure good players can make the best of any guitar, but I bet this one is a joy to play.
My ibanze Ael2012 is such a beautiful 12 string guitar, to me anyways. It is by far my favorite guitar to play. Its got a built in tuner for easy tuning and a built in pre amp which makes it sound wonderful through my fender pro reverb. I just love playing it.
Great video. You answered some great questions for us! Have a great day!
I don't think 12 string guitar manufacturers would build guitars that would have a problem being tuned to standard tuning. Unless you like tuning down and capoing, I would just tune it to standard tuning. That being said, try experimenting with alternate tunings. They sound great on a 12 string!
Awesome Maton Justin, thanks for all your lessons
A couple years ago I wanted to get a 12 string but its hard to learn about them (Until now, thanks again Justin!) So I think that noone did because there are not that many players/ teachers or resources to give these usefull tips.
I think this is funny in a way I ALWAYS play tuned down a full tone and capoed match the other guitars, I got this from a biology teacher in high school( 20 years ago lol) but it seems NOBODY around here ever uses this. Second thing is I agree this is not a beginners instrument but about 2 months into my lessons I picked up my Bio teacher's and found it easy to play and I fell in love so my advice is if you like the sound and want to play go for it you won't regret it!
12 ST guitar made me a guitar lover again.
Love that song from the album Justin!
Very, very cool intro melody you got there! Cheers!
Bought a 1974 Höfner, secondhand of course, and it needed a shim under the neck joint. So glad it has a removable neck! And I want to make a 6 string Spanish guitar neck fit into that slot as well, for it is nice to have such neck swapping options. When I will have gathered enough courage, I will glue the bridge in place. Some of the glue has passed away, so these two bolts hold on like heroes, really doing great, but I want things solid. So, this guitar needed some TLC, and it is absolutely worth it, it sounds lovely! And talking about setup, it has a zero fret, which I like a lot. Action is nice and low up the neck, but I'm still fine tuning the neck angle, this guitar was not used a long time, it is still settling under string tension, but my gut feeling say it will be okay, one day. Besides, I got large hands, I can have some action, you don't want buzz playing very loud, anyway.
Have you ever played a flamengo guitar? I repaired one, a cheap one, but the sound was fantastic. Playing quiet, playing loud, it does everything very good. But it needs a bit of action, in return. So be it.
And now I need to practice, I already noticed one needs pretty accurate picking, the gap between the strings is small. Before you know it, you play three strings. It's good Justin mentions these problems. However, the solution is taking time and practise, I guess. My solution to the harder playing two strings at a time, is buying rather light gauge strings. Sure you can tune down to D tuning, but with lighter gauge I can handle E tuning easily. Besides, I get intonation issues, tuning down. Don't you? It all depends on what strings the bridge was made for. You can file a bridge to perfect intonation, but a different brand and type of strings, or even tuning down can destroy your perfect intonation, you'll need to adjust the bridge again when you buy different strings. Sad but true.
To all other 12 string newbies, GOOD LUCK and have fun!
As someone who plays a 12 string (my absolute favorite guitar to play), my advice is this. Get it setup professionally by someone who knows 12 strings. Ideally with a low action, but make sure that if nothing else, the strings are all right about the same action. The biggest interest killer in 12 string guitars (and guitars in general) isn't the extra strings, it's the bad setup that was done at the factory. When I was auditioning 12 strings, I play a lot of them. Some were fairly decent from the factory, others were absolute nightmares to play. I had my 12 string setup and it's an absolute gem to play. I've had (non-setup) 6 strings that were harder to play than my 12.
Absolutely agree with Justin on his take that this is not a beginner's instrument. However, I fell in love with the instrument on my first day of music class when I was in 1st grade when my teacher did the Country Roads course John Denver put our on her 12 string. It' been a long time, but since then, but if that's the sound you want, there is nothing else like it and it really isn't that much more difficult to play if you have your basic shapes down. My adjustment period took about 20 minutes, but YMMV.
Great video, Justin! All the best!
Very nice 12 you've got there. It sounds exceptional and looks fantastic. Congrats!!
It's funny you say 12's are not beginner's instruments, because that's exactly what it was for me. When I began playing I just loved the sound of the 12 so much more than any 6-string I had heard, bought one and learned how to use it. I got to be almost as fast tuning it as my 6-string brothers and just as accurate. I learned to play some lead on it as well. I still own several 12's and still play them often.
Splendidly informative tutorial and great playing - take a bow!
Bugger me that Maton sounds incredible and looks gorgeous! The Judith Durham of guitars!
very informative, great tip about the slightly different tuning for the high strings, thank you
nice chat on the 12 string. I have a 45 year old Giannini Craviola in the shop getting the neck re-set and I can't wait to get her back...The tension over the years was too much for the ol' gal...
You are THE BEST Master Justin!!!!!
this guitar sounds Holy
Looove that song you're playing in the beginning. I'm still learning how to tune my 12 string.. its so confusing. Spent 40 yrs playing 6 strings. I sure hopes this helps me. Time to watch the rest.
Melanie it's so easy . If you can tune the 6 string than no worries , you can tune 12 strings the thinner strings are just the octive above . But just hit the same both strings together so the waver of the sound will be off it will waiver. Just wind the higher string until the sound comes into one straight hum. But just make sure the regular 6 strings are in tune A 440 or any tunage you want at that time , either open cord like, open "G", Open "B", or Open "A" and so on and so on. Just make sure the regular 6 strings are in tune first of all to give you what ever tuning you want. All you have to do it make sure the thinner string comes into tune with the regular string you are tuning at that time. Just make sure the thin string that is with either one of the 6 strings either low E ,A,D,G,B,High E. just make sure the thin string beside each regular string rings in tune with that string your tuning with. It's just a little tricky just trying to hit the thinner string without hitting anything else to hear the waver clearly. But it really is simple. ounce you get used to it. after awhile you will get used to open tuning with out harmonics or straight tuning with one finger down at the 7th fret or 12 fret to the 7th fret. There are many ways of tuning the best you can. Plus it all boils down to if your guitar is intonated well because some guitars have problems with the "D" & "G" strings when tuning usually because the intonation is out. But just make sure all the thin strings that are with one of each 6 strings . Just make sure when you hit both of them alone together and make sure the sound waiver is straight, one constant hum. Not if it is waivering up and down. Bring it together until it does not waiver anymore. Do that for every one of the six strings with the thin one's as well and you should have you12 in tune.
Mikey Micstar Sprunt / High School Drop -Outs Wow.. awesome tips. I don't have a problem hitting strings together it was just the octave thing. You did mention the 12th fret.. is that an octave higher? Can the first 4 skinny strings be tuned by the 12th fret being hit on the heavier strings? Thankfully the last 2 set of strings are tuned the same! I've barely played this guitar. I said forget it. And the neck is soooo heavy lol. But it's gorgeous and I've always wanted one!! Its time!!
Hey there. Yes to the 12th fret if you are tuning regular 440 or lower . Allot of 12 strings are tuned in 335 because it's less strain on the neck. But what ever you tune to the higher string gets tuned together with the thicker. But here is what your asking I think. If you tune your guitar from the very start to get the normal 6 strings in tune you can do it many different ways. But the way your asking is for every string you tune on the regular 6. just say your doing the low "E" you hit the harmonic at the twelfth fret open and hit the "A" string with your finger pushing down on the "A"string on the 7th fret and you hit the harmonic open and right after the "A" string with your finger down on the 7th fret one right after the other and listen for the waver of the harmonic and the note and make the waver blend together so it just is a hum not anymore wavering, make it so it is a straight flow then do the same with the "A" String & the "D" string next the "D" & the "G" next "G" & "B" then "B" & High "E" the only difference is on the "G"&"B" your finger pushes down on the "B" String on the 8th fret instead of like the others at the 7th fret. it's only when you tune the "G"&"B" always the lower string which is always the the string above the other or the thicker string is hit harmonically at the twelfth fret and push your finger down on the higher string which is thinner which is below the "G" string, put your finger down on the 8th fret on the 2nd string. And if you want to do it that way , it can be sometimes a little tricky trying to just hit the one string at a time between the thicker strings and the thinner ones. because you want to make sure you get each string nice and clear so you can tune by the wavering of the notes combined together to bring the waver to just a straight note between both notes that you hit. There are different ways of tunning. Actually you can look for the on you tube . different tuning ways. good luck. keep up the faith!!! forever.
Mikey Micstar Sprunt / High School Drop -Outs Oh my gosh.. I'm going to have to read that over and over. Wow.. so complicated.. lol. Guess it's going to take me a bit. Thank you soooo much for your help and taking the time to explain it all. I mean it can't be that difficult. I think I'm over complicating things as usual. And I'm just using a guitar tuner app cause the tuner thingy that came with it, well I had no idea what those numbers meant and where to go with that. Whew, makes me swet just thinking about it lol. Yikes!!
You tube has tones of different tuning, just type in "12 string guitar tuning" and lots will come up to choose from that shows you every different way of tuning your twelve. It seems complicated because I described , Well tried to describe two different styles of picking into one parragragh. But just type in what i said. You Tube has every type of tuning there is just check all the vids to choose from and find the best one that suits you. You can follow them showing you everything string by string and just hit your string in tune with the guy in the vid and you'll be in tune. I tried, Good Luck