I've bought an Ibanez 12 string acoustic brand new online.
Do I tune the 12 string guitar like all the 6 string guitars I have.
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Sign up to join this communityI've bought an Ibanez 12 string acoustic brand new online.
Do I tune the 12 string guitar like all the 6 string guitars I have.
Twelve string guitars have basic tuning the same as a 6 string (EADGBE) but the pairs are arranged a little differently:
For the thickest 4 pairs (EADG) the thinner string of each pair should be an octave higher than the thicker string
For the thinnest two pairs (BE) each string of the pair should be tuned in unison.
There is a handy tuner online at get-tuned.com - and they describe the tuning as:
where lowercase is an octave higher than its counterpart.
I agree The 12 string Must be tuned 2 notes lower, i have proved the strain on my 12 strings when toned to concert E. The sound is also improved as is the action. using heavy strings and tuning down also does not help the guitar as the tension is too high resulting in eventual neck bend and high action as well as bridge lift. on gibson B 45 s with tailpiece and floating bridge it can cause the top of the guitar to warp inwards.its worth tuning down and transposing.
12 string tuning should be D G C F A D or you'll eventually split the top and also make the instrument difficult to play. Try it. Relieve the tension, save your guitar from over tuning. Make it sound better. Don't reply until you try