12-string electric guitar

Types of 12 string electric guitar

A 12-string electric guitar has 12 strings, creating a rich and harmonious sound. The extra strings add depth and jangle, making the guitar's tone unique. It is often used in rock, pop, and folk music. The 12-string electric guitar looks like a 6-string guitar, but the strings are wider. The extra four string pairs can be round or flat.

The first kind of 12-string electric guitar is the hollow body guitar. It has a rounded sound hole like a regular acoustic guitar. The hollow body guitar amplifies the acoustic sound through the wood of the guitar. Blues musicians like playing the 12-string hollow body electric guitar because it has a twangy tone. The second kind of 12-string electric guitar is the semi-hollow body guitar. It has a sound hole in the center and a semi-hollow interior. The semi-hollow electric guitar produces an acoustic sound with more amplification. It is popular among rock musicians who play hard rock and metal music. The third kind is the solid-body guitar, which is smaller and has no sound hole. A solid-body guitar only has the strings on the guitar's body. It generates more sound than the hollow body or semi-hollow guitar. Solid-body guitars are used in heavy rock and metal music.

There are two main types of 12-string electric guitars: the double and triple bound guitars. Double-bound guitars have two white binding strips, while triple-bound ones have three black-and-white binding strips. The more binding the guitar has, the more elegantly styled it looks. Both the triple and double-bound guitars are available in a hollow body and semi-hollow body designs.

Scenarios of 12 string electric guitars

The 12-string electric guitar is a very versatile instrument used in various musical styles. Here are some of the usage scenarios of a 12-string electric guitar:

• Rock Music

  12-string electric guitars are used in rock music to produce fuller and richer sounds. The instrument is mostly used in anthems and songs with heavy rhythm. A good example is the rock band The Byrds, where the 12-string electric guitar was used to create the iconic sound of their hit song "Mr. Tambourine Man." Another example is the "Hotel California" song by the Eagles, where the guitar adds to the song's haunting and memorable sound.

• Folk Music

  12-string electric guitars are also used in folk music to create a lively and vibrant sound. This was seen in The Mamas & the Papas' hit song "California Dreamin'" where the guitar provided a distinctive folk sound. Additionally, the instrument was used in the folk music of Simon & Garfunkel, which can be seen in "The Sound of Silence."

• Blues Music

  Guitars have been used to create unique and rich sounds in blues music. An example is "Sweet Home Chicago" by the Blues Brothers, where the 12-string electric guitar was used to add to the song's bluesy sound. Another example is "The Thrill Is Gone" by B.B. King, where the guitar creates a more soulful and emotional sound.

• Jazz Music

  The 12-string electric guitar is often used in jazz music to produce complex and sophisticated sounds. For instance, in "Take Five" by Dave Brubeck, the guitar adds to the song's unique and distinctive sound. Additionally, the instrument was used by jazz musician Charlie Christian in "Route 66," where it adds to the song's swing feel.

• Country Music

  It is used to create a bright and cheerful sound. A good example is "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver, where the 12-string electric guitar was used to create the song's nostalgic and wistful feel. Another example is "Jolene" by Dolly Parton, where the guitar adds to the song's emotional and heartfelt feel.

How to Choose 12 String Electric Guitars

Considering the following factors when selecting a 12-string electric guitar will assist buyers in determining the best option for their playing needs.

• Sound Quality

  When choosing a guitar, sound quality should be the first priority. A good-quality guitar will have a balanced tone with a wide range of sound from deep bass to bright treble. The sound should be clear and not muddy. Some guitars have a more muted sound while others are more bright and jingling. Play different guitars to compare the sound and pick the one that is most appealing.

• Body Size and Shape

  The body size and shape of a 12-string electric guitar affect its sound and playability. A larger guitar has a louder and deeper sound while a smaller one is easier to handle and has a more focused sound. Consider the playing style and comfort when choosing the body size and shape.

• Neck Width and Profile

  The neck width and profile of the guitar affect its playability and comfort. A wider neck is good for players with bigger hands while a narrow one is good for players with smaller hands. The profile of the neck also affects playability. A flat neck is easy to play while a curved one is more comfortable for chord playing.

• Hardware and Electronics

  The quality of the hardware and electronics of the guitar affects its sound and playability. Good quality hardware stays in tune and withstands heavy use. The electronics should be noise-free with clear and crisp sound.

• Budget

  Consider the cost of the guitar and whether it is within the set budget. Expensive guitars are usually of better quality than cheap ones. However, there are some good-quality guitars at a reasonable price. Settle for a guitar that is affordable and of good quality.

Function, Feature, and Design of 12 string electric guitar

Below are the features and functions of a 12-string electric guitar.

• Body Style

  The body style of a 12-string electric guitar can vary, but it is usually similar to a standard electric guitar. The most common body styles are solid, hollow, and semi-hollow. A solid body has no sound holes and is made of solid wood. A hollow body has a sound hole like an acoustic guitar and is made with a wood top and back with a wooden side. A semi-hollow body has a sound hole and a wooden block that divides the top and back.

• Neck

  Many 12-string electric guitars have a bolt-on neck. This means that the neck is attached with bolts and can be replaced easily if damaged. Some guitars have a set neck, which means the neck is glued and cannot be easily replaced. The neck is usually made of maple or mahogany and has a truss rod that can be adjusted to change the neck's curvature.

• Fretboard

  The fretboard of a 12-string electric guitar is usually made of rosewood, ebony, or maple. It has 21 to 24 frets with side dots to mark the frets. The first and 12th fret on a 12-string electric guitar is usually marked with a bigger dot or scallop to identify it easily.

• Pickups

  12-string electric guitars can have single coil or humbucker pickups. Single coils produce a brighter sound with more treble and are common on Fender guitars. Humsuckers produce a deeper sound with more bass and are common on Gibson guitars. The 12-string guitar can have three single coil pickups or two humbucker pickups with a single coil pickup in the middle.

• Controls

  12-string electric guitars with two humbucker pickups usually have four tone and volume knobs and a five-way pickup selector switch. Guitars with single coil pickups have two tone knobs, two volume knobs, and a pickup selector switch.

• Bridge

  Guitars with a tremolo system have a metal bridge with six to eight bridge saddles. The bridge saddles can be raised or lowered to adjust the string's distance to the fretboard. Fixed bridges are made of rosewood or mahogany and are not adjustable.

• Nut

  The nut of a 12-string electric guitar is made of bone, brass, or synthetic materials. It is not adjustable and determines the distance between the fretboard and the guitar's strings.

Q & A

Q1. Can a 12-string guitar bend notes?

A1. Yes, players can bend notes on a 12-string guitar, but it is more challenging because of the extra string. The string is closely set and makes bending easier. However, it is not impossible to bend notes on a 12-string guitar.

Q2. What is the difference between a 6-string and a 12-string guitar?

A2. The main difference between a 6-string and a 12-string guitar is that the 12-string guitar has 6 strings more. A 12-string guitar produces a richer and fuller sound because of the additional 6 strings. It is also more challenging to play a 12-string guitar because it is wider and has more strings.

Q3. Who plays a 12-string electric guitar?

A3. Several guitarists play the 12-string electric guitar. Some notable musicians include Jimmy Page, Roger McGuinn, and John Lennon. The guitar has been used in different music genres, such as rock, folk, and pop music.

Q4. What is a 12-string electric guitar good for?

A4. A 12-string electric guitar is good for adding richness and depth to the sound of the guitar. It is also good for creating harmonic and melodic lines. The extra strings add more creativity to the sound of the guitar. The guitar can also be used for strumming chords and playing lead lines.