| 6-string or 12-string Acoustic guitar, which should you | | | | also have an easier time learning to play guitar on a |
| get? Both have pros and cons, and both are | | | | 6-string than on a 12-string, for the reasons |
| excellent instruments, depending on what you're | | | | mentioned above. |
| looking to accomplish on guitar and how much you | | | | The Advantages of a 12-string |
| are willing to spend. In this article, we'll go over both | | | | Despite what was said in the last paragraph, there |
| guitars, which will hopefully help you make an | | | | are quite a few advantages to 12-string guitars. |
| educated decision on which to purchase. | | | | 12-string guitars produce a very rich, bright sound. |
| The Main Difference Between Both Guitars: | | | | This is because they have twice the number of |
| The major difference, of course, is the number of | | | | strings as a 6-string does. Chords strummed on a |
| strings. On a 6-string Acoustic guitar in standard | | | | 12-string guitar will sound a lot richer (better) than |
| tuning, there is one low e, one a, one d, one g, one b | | | | those strummed on a 12-string. Additionally, the |
| and one high e string, in that order. A 12-string | | | | 12-string guitar gives you the option of using two |
| acoustic has two low e, two a, two d, two g, two b, | | | | different tunings. You can't do that on the 6-string. |
| and two high e strings, all in that order. 12-string | | | | Beginners can learn to play 12-string guitars, but it will |
| guitars have the ability to be tuned in two different | | | | take a bit more practice to master than the 6-string. |
| tunings, while 6-string guitars don't. On the other | | | | However, if you can master a 12-string, a 6-string |
| hand, 12-string guitars also have a lot more tension | | | | guitar will be very easy to play. |
| on their necks, and as a result, their necks tend to | | | | What to keep in mind |
| warp after only a few years of playing. | | | | Most musicians who use 12-string guitars use the |
| Which should I pick? | | | | 6-string guitar as their primary instrument. They |
| That's a good question, and it depends on a few | | | | usually pull out the 12-string when a song calls for a |
| different things, all of which are discussed here: | | | | big, bright rhythm sound. So, if the songs you want |
| The Advantages of a 6-String | | | | to play feature mainly chords (and the songs call for |
| To start with, 6-string guitars are much easier to | | | | a very rich sound) then a 12-string would be a good |
| learn than 12-strings are. This is because of the | | | | purchase, even if you are a beginner. The learning |
| number of strings and how close together they are | | | | curve on a 12-string would obviously be steeper, but |
| on the 12-string. It is nearly impossible to perform | | | | it would still be doable and worth it. If, however, you |
| certain guitar techniques (like bends) on the 12-string | | | | are looking to play songs with chords and individual |
| guitar, and significantly harder to tune the guitar and | | | | notes, or simply want an instrument that isn't as |
| change strings. Also, string picking is complicated by | | | | complex and difficult to learn, a 6-string guitar is your |
| the number of strings. Thus, 6-string guitars are really | | | | best bet. You might also want to consider cost. Good |
| ideal for those looking to play lead Acoustic guitar, | | | | 12-string guitars are usually $100-$200 more than |
| that is, those who want to play a lot of individual | | | | good 6-string guitars. If you're on a budget, you'll |
| notes (not just chords) and use guitar techniques like | | | | probably want to pick the 6-string guitar. |
| bends/slides/hammer-ons/pull-offs etc. Beginners will | | | | |