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What is the difference between a 6 string guitar and a 12 string guitar?

Don't just say one has 6 strings the other has 12 I want to know if they sound different or one is harder to play and that sort of stuff

9 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    6 years ago

    A 12 string guitar has six paired courses. The top two courses are in unison and the bottom four courses are in octaves. As a result, the highest pitch string is the high octave G on the third course. This makes lead runs something of a challenge since going from the third course to the first or second sounds like somehow you just dropped an octave.

    12 string guitars require more hand strength since there are twice as many strings. Therefore it's important that the action be set properly. My favorite 12 string guitars are Taylors.

  • 6 years ago

    If you've ever seen a mandolin up close, it doesn't have 4 strings, it has 4 pairs of strings. This is partly to make it a little louder, but also the pairs are always tuned just slightly differently so it make the sound different. Some ukeleles have pairs of strings. There is such a thing as an 8-string ukulele that has 4 pairs of strings like a mandolin.

    A 12 string guitar has pairs also. The lowest 4 strings have another string an octave higher, which gives it a different sound altogether, sort of like a harpsichord. (Not really but I can't think of anything else to compare it to.) Look on YouTube for 12 string guitar and you'll see how they sound. Strumming, it's a fuller, richer sound.

    They're harder to play. You have to hold down two strings instead of one, so you need stronger fingers. Also if you pick it with a pick, you have to pick two strings, so the technique is a little different.

  • Anonymous
    6 years ago

    A 12 string has 6 extra strings. The low E, A, D and G are doubled with strings an octave higher and the top two strings (B and high E) are doubled with an extra unison string.

    A 12 string is harder to play as you need to press down twice the number of strings but it's not that difficult if it is well set up.

    A 12 string has a brighter, jangly sort of sound. Search for so videos to hear rhe difference.

  • 6 years ago

    a 12 string is played just like a six string guitar.

    It just gives a sound similar to the "chorus" effect on electric guitar.

    It is mainly that you play strings with two notes , one is just an octave higher.

    My favorite 12 string acoustics are Ovation guitars.

    I also have a Double necked SG electric guitar.

    listen to songs by the "Byrds" from the 60's the sound of the 12 string is very obvious.

    The fingering of the strings is just like a 6 string guitar.

    Source(s): 46 yrs guitarist
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  • 5 years ago

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  • 6 years ago

    Gareth said 12-string is more difficult, but he didn't mention why. When you play a 12-string, when you fret the strings, each of your fingertips has to press down on TWO strings instead of just one. It takes quite a bit of getting used to.

  • 6 years ago

    12 strings is more difficult

  • 5 years ago

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  • 6 years ago

    You need to be stronger physically to get good sound out of a twelve string, they can be tiring to play for a long performance too.

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