8 Must Know 12-String Tips

[@Charles53412]

Some capos have a tendency to cause an acoustic to become slightly out of tune once placed in position on the neck. If you take and press lightly but firm with the palm of your hand over the sound hole, you'll take the stretch back out of the strings caused by the capo and be in tune again. This technique works 99.99% of the time. Give it a try if this is an issue for you. That advice came from legendary guitarist Tommy Emmanuel !

[@8MinuteAxe]

Yep. I have an entire video on it and I mention it in another video. It does work well. I cut out the entire section on how to press down on the soundhole and always tighten up into pitch. I wanted to keep it around 8 and it was running at 10.5. Tommy is something else. And always so generous with his time. Like you. Much appreciated. mark

[@alkitzman9179]

Your are so correct on this Charlie

[@toughluck5522]

Tell me something I didn’t know

[@Charles53412]

@@toughluck5522 The Bombardier G7500 Global jet has the most advance Flight Deck in Aviation to date !

[@toughluck5522]

@@Charles53412 Thank you buddy!! :)

[@landiahillfarm6590]

Good call on the thinner pick! When I first learned to play 6-string, many MANY moons ago, my guitar mentor recommended a tiny little super hard pick, He said "It helps the pick dance across the strings in a solo". That may very well be true but I was never going to be a guitar hero, it was my job to play rhythm and sing with the occasional chance to embarrass myself with a solo and that was fine. It was when I finally stumbled across a very soft NYLON pick with actual crosshatching for grip that changed everything for me. Now I could aggressively strum without worry of the pick getting "caught" on a string [or worse yet breaking one!] , the grip was super comfortable and reassuring and it allowed me to relax and improve my singing. Ahh... seems like only yesterday! [too bad it was over 30 years ago! LOL]

[@tomg8888]

Great hints, especially the thin pick.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Talk soon. Riversong is a thing I guess. I was surprised that 3 people mentioned it.

[@ProfessorRockstar]

Low action and Extra-Light Gauge D-Addario strings are my secret weapon. My 1960s Yamaki acoustic has been my main acoustic axe for years. A friend found it a a garage sale for $85 and asked me to check it out for her. It had high-action and rusty strings, but I said, "Buy it and let me fix it up for you." Years later, I bought it back from her. Best 12-string I've ever played. I also have a custom Breedlove 12 that sounds amazing, but I really can't play bar chords up the neck on it. My Yamaki? no problem.

[@michaelirby1747]

Every tip that you gave should be taken to heart by every 12 string guitar player. It's the little things that you learn that can make a difference in how much you enjoy playing the 12 string. Thanks Mark for another informative video.

[@thepnkflyd]

Well said. Rock on! 🎸🤘😎

[@craigoog]

Light pick for sure! I also found for electric I like flatwounds, The main string don't overpower the octave strings. They really made it sound balanced.

[@Emperorjones]

Nice breakdown of tips. This old player hasn’t had 12 strings under my boney fingers in 50 years. You’ve inspired me to give it a go. Love that chimey tone your getting. Well done.

[@davewheel8974]

Thanks!

[@drewsorensen22]

Awesome tips thank buddy

[@stankruger6823]

Really good video. Perfect mix of tips and classic riffs. I really enjoyed this one Mark. Well done!

[@8MinuteAxe]

That was the goal Stan. I'm glad you think I struck the right balance. I really appreciate you!

[@nelsonhik]

Thanks Mark! I am still eagerly awaiting your video on amp settings and recommended pedals for the electric 12 string ! 😊

[@nelsonhik]

Still waiting!

[@howardklein9834]

Just got my Martin setup and I love messing around with capo tunings, also, my Yamaha 720/12 is open tuned to DADDAD.

[@truthstillmatters59]

Great video, Mark. Most of the things I have learned about my 12-string has been from your channel. Great advice.

[@8MinuteAxe]

I appreciate the kind words. You've been with me since the beginning. I can't thank you enough. Mark

[@DunedinMultimedia2]

Nice playing! Very informative, thanks for sharing.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Robert. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and got something out of it. I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. Take care and enjoy the rest of your week. Mark

[@dh2970]

Mark - great advice, thanks!!

[@NDFlyFisher]

This will be great. I have two 12 string guitars and love playing them. Any tips to help improve me are greatly appreciated. Thanks Mark!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Rick. Thanks for all of the support. Talk soon. Mark

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

Most excellent video Mark. I'll watch this again to make a list of all the riffs, and I'll let you know if there are any that I need tabs. I don't spend enough time practicing riffs, but this video was a motivation to start.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Whenever I'm in a rut or I haven't played in a while, I will try to play a classic riff perfectly. Something like the intro to purple haze.

[@besalon9931]

Great tips!! ❤

[@clemlabelle8740]

Another really solid video with tremendous playing and a lot of useful info. Thanks for always being generous with your time Mark.

[@BobbyHuff]

Great stuff Mark!

[@davewheel8974]

Hey, Mark, another clip well done, thanks for sharing your expertise. Though I've been playing for some time, I always learn something from you!

[@cegeddin]

I've always wanted an ovation guitar, and a 12-string. I just took a hard test, and wandered into a pawn shop afterwards for some decompression. I found this really well priced Ovation Balladeer, and walked out with it a few minutes later. I've had it a couple weeks and am now searching for ways to do it justice. Thank you for this!

[@AdamBurseMusic]

Great video Mark, that was awesome man 😀🤘🎵🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thanks brother. You're always so generous with your time. I send good Karma your way Have a great week. Mark

[@charlesmanthy9697]

Great tips Mark, thanks for the string info! I use EB Earthwoods on both of my Orangewood guitars and love 'em. I will have to put your recommended set on the Vangoa when it arrives. I never thought I would like a sunburst finish acoustic but that Vangoa looks pretty cool!

[@stevenkarnisky411]

I follow all eight recommendations. My Alvarez acoustic twelve stays in G, D, C standard, or Joni Mitchell tunings. A previous owner fitted my Goya twelve with a trapeze tailpiece, so I can keep it in standard tuning, due to no stress on the bridge. I use D'Addario extra light strings, and change them when they start to sound dead. Neither of my acoustic twelves is exactly a high quality guitar, but with proper setup, and good strings. They have excellent sound. Of course, having clean strings keeps them sounding good, longer. There are a couple products to clean strings. At least wipe them down, top and bottom! You would be surprised how much gunk gets on the bottom side of strings.

[@robertcarhartjr6234]

It’s been a minute since I’ve commented on your channel, but I really appreciated this episode. I tend to use thicker picks on my 6-string (.88 Dunlop Max Grips) and sometimes use them on my 12, but hadn’t thought to go really thin. Definitely worth trying out, as well as tuning down a half/whole step. Thanks as always.

[@ffggddss]

Thanks for another great one! As a long-time 12 player, I want to emphasize & amplify what you said about alternate tunings. They really are much more fun on a 12! Fred

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Fred. Have you ever listened to Ralph Towner. I just discovered him about two months ago. Very interesting stuff. And the idea of playing all 12 strings individually is insane. The world of the 12 string is so much more vast and rewarding than most people think. Good to hear from you my friend. Please take care and be well. Mark

[@blakewilliams3702]

Holy smokes….your videos are getting better and better! This has the most useful information gathered for us average players! Thank you for putting stuff out there for us week after week.

[@jesseserna8424]

I just bought a 12 string Takamine acoustic electric and it has a great sound..thank you for the tips..

[@malcolmbrewer]

Nice tips Mark thanks, much enjoyed

[@MoviesNStuff]

In my search for more 12-String Songs, (Inspired by Mark) I realize how beautiful they sound, but also how finicky they can be, Highly recommend this video. As the great Pete Seger (who i think said this) “You spend half your life tuning a 12. And the other half Playing it Out of Tune

[@captaincrankysdock9730]

Try playing your C & G open sus4 chords, "up[side down". Gsus4, play C @ 3rd fret A-5. . For Csus4, play F @ 3rd fret D-4. That gives you the octave sus4, the same as it would on a 6 string using e-1 & B-2. Test drive that scheme on Badfinger's "Baby Blue".

[@TheBluesman56]

Some great and very useful tips Mark - thank you for taking the time to post them. Also, as usual, some great and inspirational playing of your own to keep me motivated 👍😎 12 strings rock 🤘

[@the-northern-light]

Thanks man much good advice. I am a fellow 12-string enthusiast. A few more tips I might add: #9: Upgrade to a 12-saddle bridge for 12-string electrics #10: Consider reversing the string course to Rickenbacker-style (for those who don't have a Ric) #11: Try flatwound strings as opposed to roundwound in order to capture the 1960's sound of McGuinn etc.

[@sylvainrichard1577]

wow i like your ovation 12 frets

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Sylvain. I just donated that guitar to my brother. I say that jokingly. My brother and I do trade up guitars with each other although he's not that serious about it. I really appreciate you checking out the video and I hope you have a great weekend. Please take care and be well. Mark

[@dennisssnider]

Good video I am not a fan of the Taylor 12 string capo (I have one) it takes a long time to tighten down and is just not user friendly if you are taking the capo on and off during a gig. I structured my set list so that any or all songs with a capo come at the end. I recommend trying a spring clamp style. Take your 12 to the store and try all they have to find the right one.

[@calebcollins1699]

I have been playing special music for my church for a couple of years now and I have been wanting to move into playing the music for the main service. I have always felt that the 6 string I play sounds a little too small of a sound for solo play during the main music service I have been researching the 12 string as a possible way to enhance the sound. I am now looking into getting a 12 string just because of your videos. So thank you sir.

[@feadorasgonk]

Always loved the full sound from a 12 string,so now I have one and am learning to play it. All of these tips are very helpful, especially for a novice like myself.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Again, many thanks for letting me know that you're getting something out of these videos. It really does make it worth the time. :). Mark

[@christoguichard4311]

I'm really enjoying this channel and your videos about 12 string. Ive been playing guitar since 1972, but wish I'd started utilising a twelve much earlier than I did. They really ARE so fullfilling to play. 😊

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Christo. I'm so glad you're enjoying the channel. There are so many cool people in the community. About 75% of my core followers are guy between the age of 50 and 75. Just about every one of them is incredibly supportive, and it really makes doing this a lot more fun. Let me know if you need any tabs or if there's anything that I can do for you. Everything on the channel is 100% free. Please take care and have a great weekend. Mark

[@kenvorland]

Awesone playing on my 12 strings i tune to Eb and all strings in unison gives a douvle guitar sound eock on

[@lelandstronks319]

Great tips.👍

[@davemiller3345]

I have a vanguard 12 string, and love it. A good deal for a decent guitar.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Dave. There is no shortage of Wellmade guitars these days for insanely cheap prices. The guy was challenging me the other day about my solid wood Harley Benton and I told him that I'm just stating the facts. I've been playing long enough to have a pretty good idea what solid wood looks like. Lol. If you need any tabs for that 12 string I've got plenty. Everything is 100% free on the channel just shoot me an email at [e-mail]. Have a great weekend, take care, and be well. Mark

[@awikinsongwithfrankleguen]

Thanks. very helpful.

[@davidnellis8893]

I would love a vangoa 12 string!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey David. You're in the running for one now. I have given away 27 to date. Those who have stuck around long enough have almost all won to a man or woman. I usually have different parameters on how to enter each month's contest. sometimes Vangoa gives away more than one each month occasionally it's a six string or some other guitar related product .I hope you get some time to dig into the channel a little although that's not required to win I pick all names randomly. Please take care and have a great weekend. I appreciate your time in common. Mark

[@StratsRUs]

Well done. I love 12 Strings. I strum very softly so the dynamic range is wide. The work you put in to the video is great !

[@richardwheeler3768]

I have wanted to add a 12-string to my collection for quite a while. I believe that it would be a great asset when playing worship music at church! Now to find the perfect one.....

[@jamesfrancisco3130]

Great advice all around, Mark. I like to use various thicknesses of picks... even on my 6 string acoustic. For nice strumming sound on a recording, the 46mm dunlops are great, but for electric I like the 60mm. The point also changes things. And hard picks are great for you shredders. Well, that's my 2 cents worth. This was a very practical video, Mark, and one I will watch several times to take notes.

[@8MinuteAxe]

I feel the same way. I always use a thick pick when I'm soloing on the electric. Take care and have a great week. Mark

[@rossgill7462]

Good video as usual, Mark. Great tips. About capos, a year or two ago you agreed with me when I said I found a Shubb 6 string electric capo worked best for the narrow neck of my Ric but which is your preferred acoustic capo? You also answered one of my questions with your bonus tip. I'll have to give the Ernie Balls a try. I have one question still remaining, however. What are your preferred strings for your 12-string electrics? I've only used Rickenbacker strings so far but I'm open to trying some others when it's time once more to endure the aggravation of putting on new ones when I have some time for it.

[@divinsights]

amazing! I ordered these strings today and didn't even watched the video until now 😄

[@David-cm4ok]

Dude’s got all the guitars.

[@larryswanson8443]

I can always pick up something that helps. Great video

[@alkitzman9179]

Hey Mark I was golfing missed this live. For your viewers if your using a 12 string you need to get a capo designed for them. They are slightly longer and have a stronger spring than a 6 string capo. Remember 12 strings generally have wider necks and your holding down 12 strings. Also read Charles S. comet about a way to keep the 12 string in tune while using a capo.

[@redheadgoins7411]

Mark, love the videos as always-keep them coming.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey brother. This is the longest I've gone without putting out a video since I started the channel. I was at NAMM two weeks ago and I came home to some serious medical stuff with my family. Hopefully, things will work out and I can get back on track. I sincerely appreciate you always showing up and supporting the channel. I am so grateful for your time. Please take care and have a great weekend. Mark

[@Vincent-wt3pg]

Wanted Dead or Alive is my go to tune . Great tips and playing

[@treyhollenbeck1966]

Do you have any string recommendations for electric 12 string?

[@55TeleMark]

Excellent as always. Do the Silk and Steels create less tension? Do they “die” quickly? Thank you for your channel.

[@geohaber]

Love that Ovation 12 string!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey! It's a beautiful guitar and I was the second owner. Yes, was. I gave it to my brother. He really wanted a good quality 12 string and he likes ovations more than I do. I got a custom legend back in 1990 and that was my only acoustic for 10 years. I played a million gigs with it. But, I never really liked the way it played. Once I got my first Taylor, it sat in its case for 18 years. I sold it a few years ago to a friend who had it completely restored (it was already in pretty good shape). The Ovation 12-string is a 1974 Glen Campbell Signature. Thanks so much for checking out the video. I really appreciate your time and comment. Take care and be well. Mark

[@geohaber]

@@8MinuteAxe I always liked Ovation since the 70s when they were so popular with Glen Campbell, Cat Stevens, Melissa Etheridge, Nancy Wilson and Neil Diamond. I know their cache has fallen a lot since then. I have two Ovations but my 12 string is from Cort. I also have an Epiphone dreadnaught. My electrics are a Gretch, PRS, Gibson Les Paul, and a Schecter. I really enjoy your videos and have picked up some great riffs from your channel.

[@riffs_reviews_n_mods]

As always solid tips and tricks my friend, keep the video's coming.

[@cherpendarvis-studios]

Thank you for your helpful video!

[@lancedahle1]

thanks for the great tips and awesome riffs, your guitar sounds awesome

[@gregggriffin397]

Mark, I found it interesting that you tuned down your Ovation. If I remember correctly, they were the first 12 string guitars that could be tuned to standard without concern about damaging the neck because of their truss rod application. They may have had 2 in the neck but I’m not certain after all the years gone by. I’ve always tuned mine down a full step (D,G,C,F,A,D) and capo on the 2nd fret. Added bonus - play songs in key of F by removing the capo and playing G formation.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Greg. I was scrambling to finish a video and thr Ovation was the closest guitar at hand that I didn't need to film more footage. I thought the same thing: this is not really the best guitar to demonstrate a lower tuning with. My point would have been made better and it would have been more logical to tune down the Tak. Good catch.

[@c138599]

I just learned a LOT from this brief conversation. Thank you both.

[@Julianna_So_Unique]

Make a video on how to best tackle setting intonation with two strings per saddle.

[@8MinuteAxe]

I've been doing twelve string videos for three years. I've probably done 150. On that time I have received 1000s of comments and many suggestions. That may very well be the best one. It's very Tricky. I'm by no means a great guitar tech but I have had that issue and a combo of getting a slight offset and striking a happy medium is the best I can offer other than a slightly compensated nut. If you know the best way please email me at [e-mail]. I'll definitely make a video with that in there. Thanks so much. Mark

[@Julianna_So_Unique]

@@8MinuteAxe I appreciate the kind reply. So many of our favorite tunes were recorded on 2 strings per saddle. Or maybe they used a separate "Nashville" Strung guitar in the studios. I shall keep my eye out. I don't want to get a saddle like the Rickenbacker 1993 plus, it seems disingenuous. Plus, those guitars are overpriced in my opinion. Keep fighting the good fight. 🎸🎸🎸

[@8MinuteAxe]

The rick I use in many of my videos was on a long-term loan from a generous viewer. They are absolutely overpriced. I was at NAMM a couple of weeks ago and when I inquired about doing promotional stuff they were by far the least receptive, bordering on dismissive. They claim that there's a 2 year wait on all of their models. I hope that's not true. The guitars don't even play well. The Reverend Airwave 12 is one of the few 12-String guitars that was designed from the ground up to maximize all that's great about the instrument. Please take care. Mark

[@CthulhuInc]

terrific, mark! these are the things i need to know - and, yes - mr tambourine man IS on my "must-learn" list, me being a child of the 60s and all! and love seeing the rev! did i already say my rev is the mulberry model? looks great - sounds great! love from canada!

[@craiggillies6228]

Thank you legend great video.

[@charliepoe4935]

You have so many 12 string guitars!

[@venky193]

I dont even have a 12 string... but i so enjoyed this video man... good stuff 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Venky. I really appreciate you taking the time to check out the video and I'm glad you enjoyed it. I have about 150 videos related to different 12 string stuff if you're interested and if you play a six string guitar I have plenty of tabs available for free. I hope you have a great weekend. please take care and be well. Mark

[@venky193]

@@8MinuteAxe thanks buddy.. .will surely check them out.. I'm sure ill learn something for my 6 strings too!!

[@zdunne]

Not sure how tuning a 12 string to new standard tuning (CGDAEG) would affect the action or cause tension on the neck?

[@stevenkarnisky411]

An acoustic twelve, with the strings anchored with pegs on the bridge, exerts enormous pressure on the bridge, and through it, to the soundboard. Probably almost twice the force of a six string. Eventually, many twelve strings will pull the bridge toward the nut, in the process bending the soundboard and sometimes pulling the bridge partly off the body! Also, the strings get higher and higher from the fretboard. Tuning your strings DOWN takes some of the pressure off the bridge. A luthier once explained to me that tuning even one string down a step takes many pounds of pressure off the bridge. The looser strings also sound really good. They are also easier to bend. Look up Jimi Hendrix playing "Hear My Train A Comin'" on an acoustic twelve. He was tuned two full steps down, plus a bit more. The sound is perfect.

[@michaelrosawatkins3928]

That Rickenbacker "WOW "

[@waynetykocki3964]

I’ve just come over from Quora I’ve the Danelectro with a broken string and now thanks to reading you post feel inspired to restring the beast this evening. I’ve not been a huge 12 string player but saw this and thought I really should try it out ( thoughts of Led Zeppelin and the birds etc

[@waynetykocki3964]

@Bjuiytgk65 Hi I’m not sure if this is how I reply as I can’t see a number

[@waynetykocki3964]

I think the number to Dm you didn’t work as I’m in England UK 🇬🇧

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Wayne. Shoot me an email at [e-mail] if you have any questions or need help with anything at all. I have tons of tabs too. Everything is 100% free. I was at NAMM a couple of weeks ago and Dano is supposed to FINALLY send me a 12 string to review. I have probably received 100 requests for a review of it over the past two and a half years. What do you think if it. Do you own or have you owned any other 12 string electrics. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and to support the channel. Please take care and be well. Mark

[@sandrataylor51]

Is there a better example of the classic 12 string sound than Mr. Tambourine Man, that to me is the one for sure.

[@8MinuteAxe]

The riff that made the 12 string famous. I owe a lot to that song. :)

[@mstack1949]

@@8MinuteAxe Me too! So much so I still covet the Ric RM12. I bet you have one!

[@sandrataylor51]

@@mstack1949 It has to be the 360/12 for me, it is at the top of my list of must haves for when I win the lottery ,or when Mark becomes a billionaire through Rok-Lok and gives lots of guitars and other goodies away to his fans. 🎸🎸🎸🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@yellowcat1310]

another great vid. looks like you've recovered and are doing good.

[@freesk8]

Another good one, Mark! Thanks! :)

[@jimwalshonline9346]

Twelve-strings ROCK!

[@shaylee2b]

#Cool Tips.. Maybe I'll try the Silk and Steel Ernie Ball strings

[@ShiningHourPop]

Good tips. I found using a thin pick on my Rickenbacker 12 it didn’t “dig in” enough to play both strings when playing arpeggios and often I would hear just the regular note and not the octave. I almost have hold the pick flatter at an angle. Perhaps like you said, some experimentation is needed. 😊

[@roklok9856]

all hail Rok-Lok

[@Aaron-yh1vf]

Tons of great tips, Thanks for the fantastic video as always! You probably get asked this a lot but out of your entire arsenal of 12-Strings do you have a favorite one or at least a go-to in particular? I recently picked up the Squire Jazzmaster XII and absolutely love it!

[@billybaru82]

Love me some Zebra ! 😊

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Billy. I never get sick of playing that one. Even if it does take 20 minutes to tune it each way. Thanks so much for checking it out and supporting. Take care and have a great day. Mark

[@olfoogy]

Does it matter if you put the heavy gauge string above the light gauge string.....😊 Or do you string it backwards😮

[@tmo7734]

An important tip for those who own an electric 12-string, install a 12-saddle bridge.

[@8MinuteAxe]

OMG. That's too funny. I am literally searching for a better price on an aftermarket Ric saddle. I just bought a 330/12 used and it's kinda banged up and the intonation is way off. Anybody that has a sensitive ear can't play the 12 without one. Great call! Thanks! Mark

[@darthenx2585]

Thanks for the video Mark. Just found your channel today in search for a 12 string guitar. You have a lot of good information. 👍 Am a day late for the giveaway tho 🤣

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Darthen. I give away a vangoa a 12 string package every single month. I have given away 27 or 28 to date. Each month I have a different set of rules on how to enter. Don't worry they're all really easy. I'll make sure that your name is in the running for this month contest. I've fallen a little behind this month actually this is the longest I've gone without putting out a video since I started the channel it's a combination of some family issues and I went to Nam couple of weeks ago anyway thanks so much for the positive feedback I really appreciate your support of the channel please take care and have a great weekend Mark

[@warren52nz]

Here's a good one. Tune the 12 string down one tone as recommended in part of this video and put a capo on the 2nd fret from the 1st to 8th string and play an F9 in one "stab". The first chord to "Hard Day's Night". So this would look like an F chord without the the bass (9th to 12th) strings with your pinkie on the "3rd" fret (G).

[@rrip1]

Cool license plate

[@Davuitar]

Great video, your videos have got me interested in buying my first 12 string. Do you ever play music that's along the lines of Stan Rogers, Gordon Lightfoot, etc?

[@stevenkarnisky411]

I play some Gordon Lightfoot, and got to see him last year. Always plays a twelve, and always capos second fret!

[@1111MJR]

Great lesson, Mark. Thanks. I've watched it three times. Will email you for the tabs. Is the Vangoa giveaway still available for people outside US/Canada?

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey man.. SO good to hear from you. I feel like I haven't seen you around in a while. Yes, please email me and let me know what tabs you need. If I don't already have it I will either find it or tab it for you. Take care and be well. Mark

[@roachd]

All great tips Mark. I especially like trying different tunings. Have you tried D Modal (DADDAD) for songs like 4+20 and Suite Judy Blue Eyes? I also agree with the thinner pick. I use Dunlop Delrin .46. They stick to my fingers better. Thanks Mark. Great video.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Dave. It's really good to have you back in the fold. I have used the DADDAD tuning before. Suite Judy blue eyes is a fun one and I also use a similar tuning for who's behind the door by zebra. Please take care and have a great weekend. Mark

[@allanparker8515]

So what strings do you use on your electric 12 strings? would be nice to know as well. Thanks

[@MonsieurVersatile]

Excellent tips. What strings do you use on the electrics?

[@erretts.nashjr189]

Great info. What do you think is the best 12 string capo ?

[@kaushvaidya7429]

Tippy Tipper…..Tips!!!

[@jreagle58]

Just subscribed. I'm in the market for my 1st 12 string. Do you have a recommendation for what you feel is the best electro acoustic 12 string in the $300-$500 range?

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey JE. So sorry about the delay getting back to you. I was out in Anaheim at the name show a couple of weeks ago and I've been dealing with some family stuff. There are a few reasonably good choices in that range check out the Harley Benton knock off of the Rickenbacker 325 I've got a couple of videos on it it really stays in tune well it's a pretty good guitar definitely for the money. You can also pick up a used Danelectro, Gretsch or. Eastwood. I've also done a few videos on the Eastwood. I think it's the best of that bunch. There are a bunch of other cool knock offs but you have to do your homework to see which ones are built reasonably well. Thanks so much for checking out my videos and supporting the channel. I sincerely appreciate it. I hope you have a great weekend. Please take care and be well. Mark

[@albertn9549]

Hi, thanks for the tips. What would you recommend for a capo? Thanks

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey albert. I found the only reliable cable for the twelve string is the kyser. It pulls a little and occasionally Requires a bit of retune but all the notes are clean. The shubb capos are good as well. I wasn't Able to get the G7 to work as advertised. Everybody raves about them perhaps it's user error. I really appreciate the support I hope you have a great weekend mark

[@garym5676]

Hi Mark, Another great video!-Thanks. BTW, did you change the strings on the Airwave and if you did what did you use as the Ernie Balls seem to be for acoustics -GM

[@cliffwittenberg806]

I looked the Softs are 9s

[@tulsacfi]

#4...Thanks for the tips. What capo do you recommend?

[@garyvanremortel5218]

Kyser 12.

[@MrRegularAmerican]

So when you change your strings do you take them all off, clean the fretboard, then put the new strings on? Or do you replace one at a time?

[@8MinuteAxe]

I always take all the strings off. I've been lucky. I currently have fourteen 12-string guitars. All of them are typically tuned to standard (I have a couple in open tunings but I don't believe any are tuned down. The only time that I would err on the side of maybe taking off half, change, taking off the other half, change is with an entry level guitar that may not have the greatest bridge. I change my strings a lot (I own about 40 guitars, 15 that I play regularly). I don't always clean although I should. I clean probably every third change. I am by no means a luthier or even a good guitar tech. I play professionally but I'm not picky and I've never been so I rarely do major set ups and other than always working on getting better intonation, I just play. I really appreciate you taking the time to check out the video. I hope you have a great week. -Mark

[@MrRegularAmerican]

@@8MinuteAxeHey thanks Mark. Some guys say if you take all the strings off the sudden loss of tension does this that and the other with the neck. I have always taken them all off of my 6 strings without any problem, so I was wondering what you did with your 12 string ( I have one). Thanks for answering and I like your videos.

[@martyrdanielson]

I'm looking to buy a 12-string, but I can't find any. Is that because you have them all?

[@cliffwittenberg806]

What gauge stings do you use. Thanks 7:29

[@nomore2226]

.5????!! Damn. I'm using an almost 1. Lol. Gotta stop using my bass pick for everything. Lol.

[@thomaspaine6496]

It is possible to play with a finger picking style although many 12 string players will tell you it's impossible. Get an expensive capo the squezzy types don't work well.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Who says that you can't fingerpick a 12-string? I don't know anybody that says it's impossible. I have 100s of songs on my channel that are fingerstyle, even some using a thumb pick. Everything from Leo Kottke to John Butler, Glen Campbell, Doyle Dykes. I open this video playing fingerstyle. What many players don't do, is attack the string sets evenly. And if came from a traditional fingerstyle background like O did, reversing the third string sets is a must (although I do know some players that just use the D position shift all the time). As far as Capos, the most important thing is getting a proper 12 string capo. If by squeezy you mean Kyser, theirs is probably the best although it does pull on the low E a little so you have to do the tommy Emmanuel push that I talk about in the video.

[@thomaspaine6496]

@@8MinuteAxe lI didn't mean it as an insult. I am a bass player but I spend most of my time playing solo 12 string. I see no reason to play 6 string as most people do that already. The attack from either direction from basically my finger nail achieve different effects. I always loose picks so I just use my fingers for everything. A good 12 string dreadnaught can sound as big as a band