12-String Guitar Tips for Beginners

[@kingrobert1st]

The thin pick is really important. 12 string guitars should be strummed slowly so you hit each string one by one to allow them to resonate. A thin pick will flex as it comes off the octave string with a sort of whip lash as it hits the fundamental. Try it and see. Just strum down the strings very slowly and watch the pick flex and whiplash as it strikes the strings.

[@dufusbug]

that is sooooo true, a few months ago I was using a Dunlop .46mm paper thin pick but now, since I have a little strumming experience under my belt, I am using a Dunlop .88mm pick. Thats the one that I feel most comfortable with...

[@EternalLifeWithJesusChrist]

God is good. Repent and believe the gospel. Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose from the dead. You can be forgiven. You must be born again. There was a woman who had an alabaster box of very precious ointment and she poured it on the head of Jesus. We need to honour the King. The Lord God. ”that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.“ ‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬. The Lord Jesus Christ. Repent means change, change from sin. Turn away from sin. Love and fear God. Call on the name of Jesus Christ. Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you. He saved me. There is the lake of fire which is burning for eternity and there is heaven. I have eternal life in heaven because of what the Lord has done. Be ready for the day of judgement.

[@grene1955]

Don't agree. I've been playing 12 strings for years. I play a 12 string with a medium pick, the same pick I use on a 6 string. I feel it brings out a bigger sound. That said, I also think it has a lot to do with the actual guitar. My main 12 string is a jumbo, and a thin pick just sound extremely wimpy. It also has to do with your style of playing. I play hard and dynamically, tend to dig in for a more powerful sound. A thin pick just loses all my power. So IMO, it depends on the guitar and your personal playing style...

[@kingrobert1st]

@@grene1955 Interesting! Do you play tuned down and what guage strings do you use?

[@grene1955]

@@kingrobert1st I play in standard tuning using D'Adarrio 12 to 56 Bluegrass strings. But I have to say, for this to work, the guitar has to set up really, really well with low action. I found a guy in Seattle that set it up so perfectly that I can play an F or Bb barre chord on it!

[@stevechildress1463]

My first 12 string, a Guild 2512E, arrives tomorrow. Can't wait to start playing it. Thanks for the lessons and tips.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Steve. Not a bad 12 string to start with! It seems like everybody I know a half gen older than me has (or had) a guild at one point in time. A great guitar company that should be held in the same esteem as Fender, Gibson, or PRS. Thanks for checking out the video. Have a great weekend. Mark

[@sandrataylor51]

That tip no 5 sounds really good, I will definitely be trying that later this evening, thanks Mark.

[@guitargod4206]

Can't wait 😀

[@randyrowell8048]

BRAVO! These are the reasons I stunk on a 12-string for so long. I would sound horrid and then give up. These tips are gold. This is the first video I’ve seen dealing with how to approach the 12-string. Great lesson and expertly presented. Great job Mark. I really appreciate what you give us just on KZbin alone! But you go over and beyond by making yourself available to questions via email, providing tab and advice also. These are just a few examples. Plus you get to know your subscribers and are genuinely interested about their success. One of the best channels on KZbin!

[@EternalLifeWithJesusChrist]

God is good. Repent and believe the gospel. Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose from the dead. You can be forgiven. You must be born again. There was a woman who had an alabaster box of very precious ointment and she poured it on the head of Jesus. We need to honour the King. The Lord God. ”that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.“ ‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬. The Lord Jesus Christ. Repent means change, change from sin. Turn away from sin. Love and fear God. Call on the name of Jesus Christ. Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you. He saved me. There is the lake of fire which is burning for eternity and there is heaven. I have eternal life in heaven because of what the Lord has done. Be ready for the day of judgement.

[@marthakadas2130]

Great tips! Like the exploring up the neck with open shapes.

[@bobhughes9982]

Love the picking! need to work on that. you are so right about getting lazy with the cord position. , so important to get it right. Great video, something for everyone Thanks Mark

[@rubiconron1954]

Just bought this guitar today, love it

[@Wc5380]

Have had 12 strings, all my short life. Finger pick everyone because it gives me more control. I like watching you anyway.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey brother. If you're a finger style player you may enjoy learning Vaseline Machine Gun. Here's my performance of it: 12 STRING MASTERS: LEO KOTTKE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXvGqnxqatSnrrd9t took me quite a bit of practice to get it down with a smooth slide part. Travis picking and playing slide over only a portion of the strings took some time to get used to but during my live show somebody bet me that I couldn't play it. And I met Leo Kottke a few weeks after I shot the video. I saw him at a small club in ATL and met him after the show. If you you give it a shot, send me a video. Good luck. Mark

[@Wc5380]

I am aware of Leo, Don’t know him but, I enjoy his style. Thank You for the reply. Good Guitarin to you.

[@Wc5380]

@@8MinuteAxe Yes, I am aware of Leo. Never met the Gentleman but, love his style. My favorites include Brandon Acher, Paola Hermosillo, and I just can’t forget Jorma Kaukonen.

[@tomg8888]

Great tips as usual Mark!

[@peterlee2085]

I bought a mid range 12 string and found that it was basically unplayable out of the box. Your tip on getting it at up correctly is so true.

[@laurameeks8653]

Open chords up and down 👏 you got me looking up those tunes you played

[@Westerdd]

What a great video. I came here with a view to get a 12 string, and now after watching this I really want one to try out the tips and hear the lovely double octave sounds

[@lollipophead5539]

Another brilliant 12 string video. Thx!

[@burtonwitaschek6431]

Thanks for another great video. Gonna put my old 12 string that hates me in the shop for a set up!

[@michaelulbricht9438]

Been using Tortex 50mm or 60mm Delrin picks since they came out. Don't know how certain players can stand thick picks. Your entire lesson stresses things of value, Mark. Yes, focus on form. Almost anything done well is related to some form of "muscle memory." If you let your form get shoddy, then your playing will suffer. Virtually any athlete knows this, but for some reason many musicians seem to lose focus. Also, your example of going up the neck in a D chord sounded much like one of my earlier "works." Just because I may not mention some of your salient messages in one of your lessons, doesn't mean I didn't pay attention and heed your advice. You're a top notch instructor, Mark, and any player of any ability can improve their "game" by following your methods and suggestions. Take care!

[@erwinvandijke6169]

Wow, those Rickenbackers on the wall!

[@besalon9931]

Love this video!

[@michaelirby1747]

Mark. Excellent tips for playing the 12 string. I always learn something new when I watch your videos. I will try using a thin pick because I have always used a heavy pick. I'll let you know how it works out for me. Again I appreciate the time and effort you put into making your videos.

[@dh2970]

Mark - thanks for the details on how to arpeggiate the chords, I have seen others do it but wasn't sure how to start or apply it.

[@FrightfulMusician]

Thanks for the tips, Mark! I especially like the tip about a thin pick. I'll have to try that one!

[@clemlabelle8740]

What can I say. Another spot on video. Great for beginners and a great reminders to those of us with a little more experience and take some things for granted.

[@PeteFolksinger]

Mark those are great tips.

[@davidleary5639]

Thanks 8 Minute Axe for good solid tips rooted in experience .Very helpful .

[@colemowry8681]

Well done!!!

[@cantodojason]

Hey, Mark! Another great job, many thanks. One thing that helped me around here was adding some new strength / resistance to the hands, with a Finger Exerciser (Hand Grip Strengthener). Great video, great lessons, as always. Take good care!

[@seandunoon]

I think this week I'm going to buy a 12/6 double neck danelectro that had been hanging in the local guitar shop for over a year now. Nice tips to know going into my first 12 string

[@TJ-Dives]

Just started my 12 journey and this is very valuable to me. Thank you.

[@jessehiatt9225]

Will definitely be trying all these tricks. Thanks Mark!

[@stankruger6823]

Getting back to the fundamentals is really important with the 12 string. Great video Mark!

[@briannelms158]

All great tips Mark! Nice breakdown! Take care brother!

[@albertnevarez6590]

My 1st 12 string arrives tomorrow 12 string DAngelico Acoustic electric guitar, can't wait!!

[@bearnando]

Dude, this helped me SO MUCH, I just acquired a 12 strings guitar and I had no idea what to do, notes were not falling in place and that's because I was playing like it was a 6 strings guitar, thanks for this video, I really needed it.

[@BarbaNonFacitPhilosophum]

I just bought a 12 string electric and I've never played before so thank you for this video while I'm on the journey of learning how to play guitar

[@amandadavidson6228]

Great Tips!

[@rrip1]

Another good video Mark. Tangerine is such a great 12 string song. Nice job as usual.

[@JohnstownJohnny]

Waooo I guess I liked it but forgot to comment!!! Great one! Yes a setup fo sho! LOL

[@justinpoirier5285]

Took me a long time to figure out on my own what you laid out in 8 minutes!

[@rwhit104]

Thanks Mark, I have been using a thin pick for my learning to make it more forgiving and I hope it carries over to the 12. Thanks

[@8MinuteAxe]

It should. Let me know. Mark

[@daveroach4204]

All great tips Mark. Great review for us all. (I still consider myself a beginner.) What is the intro song you were playing?

[@simpleguitarman]

Just got my first 12 String. This video was very helpful. Thank you much!!

[@johnnydavidcreative]

Great short lesson with huge amounts of help from each tip covered. This video has really helped my playing!!! Thank you; Blessings; Johnny 😊

[@ffggddss]

Moving chord shapes up the neck - YES! The way I play Birdhouse by They Might Be Giants, I do a lot of that. Fred

[@Charles53412]

Awesome tips Mark ! Especially about the nut ! It's hard enough keeping the G string in tune on a 6 string for very long, let alone the 12.

[@davemckenry4122]

This was you best and most helpful lesson yet - thanks

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Dave. I really appreciate you letting me know. I rarely go far back to view older videos of channels I like and I realize that the most important material does need to be reviewed periodically. Thankfully, I continue to learn as well so I always have a new way of presenting stuff. Thanks so much for your time and support. Enjoy your day and take care. Mark

[@willyboy256]

You are amazing. I love all your videos for their direct and simple nature that explain everything very clearly and simply!

[@TeshaWheel]

Thank you so so much! New to the 12 string guitar and can't wait to own one and practice these tips! You R🌟CK! 🎸🎶

[@GBRIMM1]

Thank you for this video. John Denver's version of Bells of Rhymney got me paying attention to the 12 string guitar.

[@bricago2302]

Thanks for these tips. The pick type and guitar setup are really good to know. FYI you can find the note-for-note version of Wanted Dead or Alive in the Signature Licks Bon Jovi book. It explains why it’s difficult to transcribe and the way that the 12 string tuning makes some notes sound higher than others.

[@tomrwills]

Those open chords sounds great. The flexible thin pick is great for beginners or any guitar.

[@AndyDion]

All great tips! Nothing beats a well setup guitar!

[@mstack1949]

Your first suggestion to have a luthier or pro technician to set-up your 12-string is super critical. Yeah, it costs a few more bucks but is well worth the added expense particularly when buying instruments online and shipped from places...where? So not only will you get a better playing and sounding instrument and minimize frustration factors, but benefit by establishing a relationship with a technician/artisan having experience to keep your guitar in the best overall condition. Great video!

[@bobbrunn2622]

Great video! Just got a 12 yesterday so this was helpful.

[@terrytaillard4588]

Interesting. I just saw another video on 12-string tips and the guy said to use a thick pick. Thanks!

[@michaeljgardiner1]

Open chords, I love them so..Is nice to hear that affirmed. I like a medium pick, but I like medium that has the responsive snap back flex with the firmness and yes, with the 12, yes I think a light or thin pick is a good choice. Good tip on tuning method. I definitely tune down from standard too, to what extent depending on the song. Actually want to get another 12 so i can have them in their different tunings.

[@laurameeks8653]

Tune 2x GOLD

[@HahnJames]

I've found that playing a 12 string is easier if I keep the nut at least at the same level as my jaw. The thin pick is a golden tip. I've found that if I can find a smaller sized pick it also makes things go somewhat more smoothly. I bought a Takamine 12 string dreadnought about 8 months ago. It has two truss rods. It holds a tune about as well as a 6 string. It also has a split bridge which I had never seen before getting this guitar.

[@stanleykostrzewski7222]

Loved this ! Tip #3 in particular , some great ideas 💡👌

[@johnposega5319]

Great tips, all I need is the 12 string to go with them 😀

[@duckbrew]

I wanna learn that opening riff dude! That was kinda dope. I play Byrds-ee thing things too on my 12.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thanks so much for checking it out DV. It's the magic of open tuning. It takes a little patience tuning the 12 string to open tunings and you always have to go slowly with the high G but it's worth it. Of course, when you own thirteen 12-strinf guitars you can just keep one in each tuning. BTW, if you own that many 12-string guitars you're also an idiot. 🤔. Have a great weekend and take care. Mark

[@peterspokes4579]

I loved this, mostly because it showed me that I wasn't as expert as I thought I was with my Guild.

[@freesk8]

Thanks! :)

[@creativename6126]

I think the channel is really cool and guitars have always been cool to me, but I do not have the slightest idea how to play one. How do I get started?

[@kevincleary5953]

So considered excellent lesson😎

[@tophatter74]

The zep songs sound amazing.

[@Charles53412]

You always give great tips Mark !

[@Nancyloveguitars]

Great video! Thanks to the author for sharing. I wish you all an enjoyable weekend!😘

[@dufusbug]

Great instructional video, no bout a doubt that...but I couldn't help but notice that beautiful Taylor that you are playing and it's making me eat my heart out. Have a great weekend Mark!

[@poetink]

Thanks for the great tips!

[@thepnkflyd]

Thanks for the tips! 😎🤘🎸

[@corosantorosario]

Thank you. Very nice.

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

I watched this video some time in the past, because I noticed it already had a "like," but much of learning is repetition. I use a thin pick most of the time anyway, so I already have that tip down. I have not fooled around with open chords up an down the neck, so I will try that at my next practice time this afternoon. I do work on form from time to time to make sure all the notes are ringing out. I definitely will start using arpeggios more as they sound so good on a 12 string guitar. Only strumming can definitely end up being muddy.

[@gawinvanwaesberghe847]

#5, see what I'm doing there, just gobling up al the 12 sting guidance 😀Really great video's so far on 8 minute Axe. Just wondering, every 12 string video focusses on the classics (tambourine man, hotel California, free falling etc.) What about the impact of 12 strings on newer tracks like Chasing Cars or Pride (in the name of Love), losing my religion etc. I think those would also improve with a 12 string treatment (wink, wink, nudge, nudge)

[@secondvisions9759]

Thanks for the advice Ironically I've been forcing myself to adapt to bar chords while I've been learning to play my 6 string (less than 1 year) just did a layaway for my 12 string and looking forward to winning the giveaway before I can get mine 😆

[@craiggillies6228]

great video legend thank you

[@xHadesStamps]

Another tip: When playing individual notes with a pick, use down strokes only (at least on the low E, A, D, and G strings. B and high E are more forgiving there). When playing upstrokes, especially individual notes (as you have a tendency to pull your pick away from the guitar as you pluck), the chances are very high that you will miss the octave string entirely (especially with a thicker pick), and if you don’t, it won’t be as powerful as with down-picking. With strumming, the point of up-strums is to be less powerful than down-strums, so that’s actually an advantage. Plus, while you’re still likely to miss the octave string entirely, you’re nowhere near as likely when playing individual notes, as you don’t tend to pull your pick out and away from the guitar as quickly (although you probably still do before the sixth course). A lot of low-end six-string guitars have a poorly cut nut, as well, but a six-string is far more forgiving of that than a 12-string.

[@AdamBurseMusic]

Great video Mark 😀🤘🎵🔥🔥🔥

[@yellowcat1310]

gret vid, Mark

[@joevallee1]

Thanks for this video

[@RexRudolf]

How do you like your HB in the back? It's the same as mine.. :)

[@aliensojourner]

Thank you.

[@cynthiacisneros1694]

Thank you❣️

[@kenbash2951]

Set the string spacing across the bridge AND nut so that each pair of strings is as close together as they can be without buzzing against each other. You can make a 12 string almost as easy to play as a 6 string bit it will require a new nut and proper bridge adjustment which will probably involve cutting slight grooves in the bridge to keep the pairs as close as practically possible to each other. Then use a bit lighter gauge strings across the entire guitar than usual. The goal is to make it as easy to play as possible. That way you won't put the thing in your closet and never get it out again because it is too much of a pain in the ass to play:)

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

What model Taylor was that you were using in this one People talked about using a capo a lot and playing a different tuning also I see some of these tips but I don't know how accurate they all are What about the other thing a lot of people talk about putting it away when done playing to make sure that you detune it down?

[@ernestotoole1176]

What is the correct way for the STRINGS starting from the top thick E first, or thin E first..Because I've seen them strung both ways

[@MegaBaz12]

I'd just like to know is it tuned like a 6 string bottom e and high thanks

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Baz. You bet. The top two strings (high B and E) are both unison pairs. The other four string sets are octaves with the lower octave the same as a standard 6 string. So from low to high: E and high E, A and high A, D and high D, G and high G (that one likes to break!), B, B, E, E. I appreciate you checking out the video and I hope you have a great week. Thanks so much. -Mark

[@michaelquery7070]

New here, subscribed, great video!

[@Amexel]

what is that 12-string rickenbacker you have hanging on the wall behind you?

[@nerad1994]

How often do you need to get a setup? Every couple years okay?

[@8MinuteAxe]

You are talking to the wrong guy about that. I'm a stickler for intonation (probably as a result of the fact that I play a lot of 12-string) but I don't do a lot of setups. Believe it or not, I find that my electrics will need a tweak every year or so or even after a big change in the temperature (I'm terrible about controlling humidity, etc). My main acoustics (my two Taylors) haven't been touched since I bought them (in 99 and 2018 respectively). I don't think I've ever touched the neck on my Takamine or Breedlove either. Most pros will do a setup every year or so. The most important rule is that if ain't broke, don't fix it. If you're struggling to fret notes on a particular guitar, get it set up for sure. If you have any high end instruments, I would get a pro to do it. That being said, guitars are built to last and are very resilient. It's hard to do permanent damage until you do something stupid. I hope this helps a little. Thanks so much for checking out the video. I really appreciate your time and comment. Take care. Mark

[@nerad1994]

@@8MinuteAxe thank you, yeah, I’ve had my Fender acoustic since 2014 (so about 9 years) and I’ve never adjusted the action or used a humidifier and it still plays perfect. I just got a nice 12 string Martin though so I’m thinking I’ll be a little more diligent with storing it in its case with a humidifier lol

[@peytonduttenhaver7162]

So my dad just got me a charvel 12 sting acoustic and I’m an absolute beginner beginner can you make a vid for absolute starters

[@darrenhill3514]

So, with a 12 string are you just holding down both strings for chords? I guess I'm just really confused on the sound difference between each string...Maybe I just need to buy one and go from there lol

[@charlesjohnson812]

Forgive me if this has been answered but is that a Taylor 150e?

[@jimwalshonline9346]

What's the opening number; I wanna learn it.

[@franciscosalvucci7209]

What is the name of the song played in minute 3:15?

[@Funkman47]

Wanted Dead or alive - Bon Jovi

[@skip4618]

my number one tip for new 12 string players is take off all the octave strings EXCEPT the ones on the D and G strings thereby turning it into a 8 string … you have the “charm” of the 12 string sound without the difficulty of managing all those strings… if you want even less chimeyness fatten up octave strings (on the D and G) with a heavier gauge which result in more of an overtone … and if you really wanna have some fun put the fundamental string above the “overtone” string… and definitely play with a thin pick … like a thin cool or cactus tongue pick … you’ll never go back 😆 PS i forgot the MOST important tip …. get your guitar set up by a professional for the lowest action without a buzz possible… somewhere in the 4/64” range

[@rafita241]

Since I'm 13 I want a 12 strings, I wish to get one soon :)

[@kachoww5981]

What riff or song was that in the intro??

[@1daltizer]

I just got my 12 string guitar. I was tuning it and I broke the high G string. I need to replace it but I dont know which string to order. I dont want to buy a whole set just for the 1 string.

[@ericnorton1145]

Mark is the open chords the same on a 12 string as it is on a 6 string EADGBE?

[@esajuhanirintamaki965]

Sorry, Eric, I'm not Mark, but my answer is: - basically same but practically not same. Because the main strings are making their job, and the octave strings make their own chimey "coloring". That chimey is a factor why I have been in love to this specially formed piece of wood and strings already 50 years! One tip too: using extra thin string set. In my 26 yrs old Yamaha FG 411-12 it sounds very good, in my opinion. I would recommend .010 gauge set, D'Addario is guite good. One trick too is tuning down a whole step. With a capo in 2nd fret its playing sounds normal. This spares your twelvers top from warping, and strings doesn't pull bridge too hard. Tuning: as Mark said, get the clip-tuner, it is great! I'm tuned my A-note a bit lower, from 440 Hz to 436 Hz, it fits to my croaking singing voice. I think, that 6-string is like an army-owned bus. It is plain, it works, and is fitting to its job, and 12-string is same bus with leather seats, power steering, special metal-flake-paint, whitewall tyres and lots of chrome! And finally: being a 12-string player is like in a brother/sisterhood, which every powerchord-heavyrock-whacker doesn't rule or understand.

[@Violet-e1y]

please blink your eyes this is hazardous to my health

[@bronnies_archive]

😂😂