Does the 12-String Make Everything Sounder Better?

[@yellowcat1310]

even though i was here before it started, clicked liked, i still missed the livestream. i hate having Stroke brain. between the stroke and the gabapenten the confusion never fully goes away.

[@jimdoner3443]

Praying for you , if thats okay with you 🙏

[@grievouserror]

I think I have to agree with the sentiments expressed by some others here. It's a great video, of course, but I think we've come to expect that by now. The 12-string didn't really help some of electric riffs and even took away some clarity, I thought, but it makes much more of a difference for the acoustic... the enhanced depth has always enchanted me. Even as a small child, listening to Jim Croce, I found the 12-string acoustics he used to be magical and one of things that first drew me to the guitar.

[@8MinuteAxe]

For sure. On some it sounded downright bad. Not to mention my clumsy playing on GnR. Thanks so much for checking out. I appreciate the long time support. Have a great holiday. Mark

[@dh2970]

First riff and I am already convinced - Yes!!!

[@brettjensen994]

If you are on the fence if you need a 12 string acoustic or electric watch this video!

[@Altan_Orgil]

Great video Mark. I think the acoustic 12-string versions make the most difference. The Norwegian Wood 12-string sounded it added another dimension to the overall sound.

[@colemowry8681]

Another stellar video from the inventor of The ROK-LOK

[@AmandaTimes2023]

Thanks Mark, another great video and chat session. Have a happy Sunday!

[@cbrocetti6916]

I was right there with you on what sounded good or better on the 12 string. How Sweet Home Alabama would sound if Roger McGuinn had joined the band. Wow! Thanks!

[@CthulhuInc]

you had me at "LED", mark haha! say, why is it that utub never alerts me when you have a livestream? is it, is it my breath??? and great video! you already know that I am a 12 string convert, but, right now, the holy grail is finding a 12 string bass - i can't play all my fave cheap trick songs without one! i hope your holiday season is shaping up nicely - i have a root canal to look forward to in january! take care and, as always, love from canada!

[@alkitzman9179]

You mean an 8 string Bass

[@CthulhuInc]

@@alkitzman9179 no, i meant 12 - tom petersson enjoys using a 12 string bass 😊

[@bobv.375]

Great video Mark! Have a great holiday season.

[@robnoonan6541]

Double the fun! I played my 12-string for almost 3/4 of my three hour set Friday night. There’s not much reason to parse out which songs are on a six and which on the twelve any longer. Great video!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Nice. I was gonna ask about the T5Z. Getting your money's worth huh?

[@blakewilliams3702]

Great video. Cool concept. All song were different with several being much better with the 12 string.

[@petaks01]

Thanks for another video Mark!

[@jimdoner3443]

About half I liked better , about half I didnt , on the 12 string, and I love and have 12 strings

[@roberthudson9942]

great video Mark and I love the questions makes it fun

[@jltrem]

Got my first 12 string in 1977, an acoustic. I must admit that until the advent of electronic tuners I didn't play it all that much due to frustration with tuning issues. After the ability to keep it in tune and the pleasure that an in tune 12 string brings and realizing that keeping it down tuned to D standard not only improved the sound, but made it easier to play, it gets a lot more use.

[@TheVitalEdge]

Ya know, Mark, I am so impressed with your ability to cover so many different styles of playing. Add to that your proficiency with both 6 and 12 string guitars. (I’m watching your right hand, my friend - and your fretting hand ain’t shabby either). The song selection: starting with ‘I Want to Change the World’ (one of my favorite right hand exercises) sounds so much better with the 12 and in Norwegian Wood, the 12 adds an almost sitar quality like George played. Yea some songs needed the crisp, sharp sound of the 6 string (with pedal effects helping). Being predominately an acoustic player, I thought that the 12 added to all the acoustic riffs as the additional sonic dimension of the 12 string sound helps ‘lift all boats’. Lastly, in this era of beat driven music, all your videos give me a deeper appreciation of the capabilities of guitar sounds in general and the special place that the 12 string has in guitar driven music. Many Thanks!

[@jeffanderson8384]

I'm also a big fan of twelves. I have three, one for standard tuning and the other two for alt/open tunings - which sounds amazing!

[@tafester]

Sweet I love it ,In your face you go bro!

[@stankruger6823]

Brilliant video. One of your best! Love the concept. Could be a series?

[@8MinuteAxe]

I really appreciate the kind words. Mark

[@garym5676]

Thanks for another great video Mark, To me it was Norwegian Wood and Zep's Babe I'm gonna Leave U!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Gary. I'm finally getting proficient at Babe I'm Gonna Leave You. I appreciate your time and comment. Have a great holiday. Mark

[@michaellubrecht7224]

I'd pretty much agree with your assessments, Mark. Where you need detailed articulation of lead notes, the 12 string can sometimes just muddy the sound. It really shines when you're looking for more depth. I do think that the Blue Oyster song required a touch more cowbell, however.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Michael. Well put. I have to admit, I kind of couched the GnR tune on the 12 but the rest of the tunes that sound "muddy" and herky-jerky are just my poor execution. The 12 string acoustic translates much better (the material too). Thanks so much for your time and comment. I hope you and your family have a nice holiday. Take care. Mark

[@gerryr8713]

Wasn't Norwegian wood originally a 12 string song? Could have sworn it was... Also, some of the 12 string songs failed only because of the reverb missing on the Rickenbacher

[@learnfromthemastersmusicou7241]

Cool idea, and I appreciate the fact that you were willing to rate it whatever way seemed truly the best sound, rather than just giving the nod to 12-string. That said, it seems to me that part of the problem with the electric 12 string in particular was that it just needed to be tamed, rather than eliminated. I could see it having a place if one could do multiple tracks, but make it less prominent in the mix than the corresponding electric six string. Just a thought. As always, appreciate the joy from music that you convey, and its contagiousness!

[@howardklein9834]

Good video. As a 12 lover and owner, they are the most temperamental b(rats) out there. My Martin 12 is tuned down a half a step but SHE wanted a full step! Just to let me know it she bowed the neck down. Love her but such a brat! 😀

[@kingrobert1st]

I have a custom 12 string acoustic and when I had it made I told the luthier I will always tune it down 2 steps too D. I did that for about 35 years and in the end I had to have a bridge operation because the top had bellied up too much. (due to excessive moisture in the tropics) Now it's permanently down 3 steps to C# and actually I prefer it that way. Leo Kottke was always down quite a few steps. Brings out the bass and allows you to use a heavier gage string.

[@JudahSullivan]

Omg that 12 string when playing “Beat it “😍🔥 gave me chills mane! But amazing insights to 12 string . I love that muddy and unique sound is best way I can put it

[@NDFlyFisher]

How did you get the picture of my dad for the SHA piece😂😂😂😂 I heard that phrase quite often as a teenager. An excellent comparison and an objective assessment of the 12s capabilities. As much as I love my 12 strings not every song sounds as good as the 6 string version. But the 12 string sound is so iconic that for the most part you can’t go wrong using one in place of a 6 string. Great video Mark! A unique look at the 12s capabilities.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Lmao. My dad wanted me to play Al Caiola songs! Have a great holiday. Mark

[@PeteLamont]

I love 12 string always. The interesting byproduct of your videos is taking a serious look at the Dr Z amps. Your playing is always fantastic. Thanks for doing what you do and putting out the content that you do!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Pete. Your comment made my day. I really appreciate the kind words. It's funny how many people jump at the chance to criticize. Usually that puts both sender and sendee in a negative place. FYI, I bought my Dr. Z used and the doc still responds to my emails within 48 hours. Look at Bad Cat too. Especially if you're looking for more gain. Thanks. Mark

[@PeteLamont]

@@8MinuteAxe I find that in general the guitar community can be very negative, so many people who don't really interact with other people musically or can be really competitive. Not everyone, and certainly not the people who are typically actually creating the content, but there is a lot of negativity out there. Your videos always give me something to think about, a new approach to something that has been done before. They are refreshing. As "they" say, "don't let the haters get ya down". Whoever "they" are...

[@roklok9856]

excellent use of the rok lok again!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Of course

[@jed1166]

I have performed, “I’d Love to Change the World”, hundreds of times on stage with a 6 string. I recently bought the last Rainsong 12 string they will make, and performed the song again last week on the 12. To make it even better, I had a friend play little leads / fills on his Godin 12 string. It sounded cool, and the audience loved it!

[@8MinuteAxe]

That's awesome. The guy repping Rainsong at NAMM was so nice. At the time they didn't have any 12 strings made except for a double neck that I believe was done as a one off. Did they go out of business? You mentioned you have the last one. You may have the only one. As of April 15 of this year there were none. I appreciate you sharing. You've piqued my curiosity. If you feel like answering please email me as I don't get notifications from YT when somebody responds to my response. Take care and be well. Mark

[@jed1166]

@@8MinuteAxe how do I find your email address?

[@clemlabelle8740]

Love it. Great idea and I agreed with your choices. Sweet Child and Life in the Fast Lane should never be played on a 12 string. Lol

[@8MinuteAxe]

Especially the way I play it.

[@stephensparks3621]

Interesting! I don't have an Electric 12string (yet), however, EQ could be adjusted better in this competition. To my ear there were not enough low and high with abundance of med making it out of balance. Playing my acoustic with K&K mini pickups I am able to balance it pretty well. Will have to get a 12 string Electric to see what I could do. Or you can test it out with your arsenal. Aside from that, Great Job Buddy and keep up the good work.

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

Contrasting the 6 and 12-strings was a great idea, and I agreed with your conclusions. Maybe everything doesn't sound better on a 12-string, but enough does to make it worthwhile to have at least one 12-string on hand at all times.

[@TheBluesman56]

Great stuff! Thanks Mark, as always! I agree that the 12 string adds a new dimension to all this songs, but it definitely works better with some rather than others. For example Norwegian Wood, Babe I’m Gonna Leave You and one or two others (sorry, short term memory tends to fail after two!) but a worthwhile experiment. Thanks for sharing

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey brother. Good to hear from you. For sure the acoustic songs are better. I appreciate the long time support. I hope you have a great holiday. Mark

[@TheBluesman56]

@@8MinuteAxe thanks for your reply buddy. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. I look forward to more of your 12 string adventures in 2024 🎸 🎶 😎✌️

[@eddiecarter9831]

I think most acoustic songs sound at least a little better if not extremely better on 12-string. I don't think it works well with most electric that are already played on 6-string. Clean 12-string electric is pretty awesome. I think maybe it's the distortion that makes the difference, in my personal opinion. I guess the riff too makes a difference. The Byrds made great use of the electric 12-string, but those parts were mainly acoustic type riffs, if that makes sense.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Eddie. That's an excellent point delineating between electric and acoustic. Such different beasts and I totally agree. Thanks so much. Mark

[@pkoven]

great concept and well executed as usual, Mark. all the acoustic ones really stand out. some of the electrics don't sound much different, some do. but none of the songs sounded worse on the 12 string save for Sweet Child. but you didn't go all the way and play both guitars in 12 string on Layla and Life in the Fast Lane. that would have been the ultimate.

[@8MinuteAxe]

You're right. You and a couple others make a great point. The electric "upgrade" to the 12 isn't usually an upgrade, especially with single lines. Thanks! Mark

[@don6538]

Hey Mark, Overall I would tend to agree with you, but it does make for different sounds and variations. I play all my repertoire on either 6 or 12 string guitar, and keep one of each in DADGAD intervals too, but the 12 strings are tuned to D#, so the DADGAD intervals on 12 string start with C#. I play "Walk don't Run" in both DADGAD and standard tuning, so that gives me 4 different variations of that song to play around with. CCR songs sound great on acoustic 12 string. And I fingerpick all my instruments using my nails as picks.

[@stevenkarnisky411]

Apples and oranges is the comparison that comes to mind. Seems to me that fast single note riffs can sound muddy on a twelve, while the doubled strings can fill out the sound in many others. Amp and pedal settings make a huge difference, too, as well as the player's skill. And of course, the songs can be rearramged to accentuate the sound of one or the other type. Interesting thoughts. What makes you other guitarists out there lean toward a six or a twelve for any given song?

[@8MinuteAxe]

For sure Steven. Especially when it comes to use of the electrics on single line runs. Downright silly at times. Thanks for the support. Always appreciated. Mark

[@RudeRecording]

Love 12 string on just about anything! I've remade a few garage band classics with a 12 string Strat I built myself from Warmoth parts. Can't play a Rick and I'm uncomfortable playing an acoustic. I wish that Fender would add a 12 string to the Acoustasonic line. Love my Acoustasonic American Telecaster. 12 strings RULE!

[@besalon9931]

Great video

[@8MinuteAxe]

Ty ml

[@davebooth5847]

Honest and fair comparisons. I think I might actually hate you for rocking that reverend airwave so much better than I can do on mine :) I do need to nitpick one thing though - in a lot of these conparisons you played the 12-string *like a 6 string*, you didn't actually USE the doubling, choosing when to hit it and when to just take the main string. In the one track where you fingerpicked the 6 and then went to a flat pick on the 12 that was even more obvious. I'm probably biased here, because fingerpicking on a 12 is very much "my schtick" (mostly because me and flat picks just dont get along) but it opens up so much more of the dynamics of a 12.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Dave. I'm primarily a fingerstyle player. I don't do any on the channel because it doesn't really fit the 12 string and classic rock theme. You may notice that I reverse the third string on all of my 12 string acoustics as I play traditional style with the index playing the third except for D shift or downshift. I'm sure there are plenty of videos where I don't strike both strings. It's not intentional. Just poor execution or more likely lack of focus. The number one thing I try to impart to my students is to be intentional. Play a pentatonic solo. Nothing wrong with it. But be intentional in note choice. I couched sweet child intentionally. Any other clunkiness is just bad playing.:) I appreciate your time comment and support. Mark

[@davebooth5847]

@@8MinuteAxe A suggestion - *try* to mess with hitting one string of the double intentionally when playing fimgerstyle 12. I will hold my hand up and say I CANNOT pull it off unless I'm really on my game and well rehearsed but when it does work you can do some amazing things.

[@josephmilsark123]

Great video Mark. Love the cowboy hat. Merry Christmas.

[@FarrellMcGovern]

Whole Lotta Love - Sounds great on 12-string I'd Love to Change the World - Another win for the 12-string. Eat It - Sounds really interesting, Van Halen's riff works well on both, but for different reasons. (aka Beat It 🙂) Norwegin Wood - Awesome on 12-string, but the 6-string also works well Babe I'm Leaving - Definitely *better* on 12-string! Life in the Fast Lane - The 12-string makes it sound like a riff from a country song! Layla - Doesn't quite work on 12-string Don't Fear the Reaper - I like it on 12-string, but it makes it sound more like a Roger McGuinn/ Byrds tune. Hey Bulldog - Ah...no. Sweet Child of Mine - Fail Free Ride - 12-string would sound better if there was more bass in it. Sweet Home Alabama - Another Byrds sounding transformation

[@8MinuteAxe]

You echoed my sentiments to astounding similarity. Even the Bryds and Eagles comments. Very interesting. Thanks. Mark

[@andremoreira1834]

did you sould the jazzmaster xii?

[@AdamBurseMusic]

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

[@PaulBridges-v9t]

Great video Mark. I agree with you on which ones sounded better on a 6 string. I liked the 12 string version of Norwegian Wood and on Hey Bulldog I thought the 12 string gave it depth.

[@8MinuteAxe]

FYI, they do NOT pay me a dime. Never have.

[@thethinkingmindz]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Most educating, well-put together video: Quality from every angle. I can appreciate the 12 string guitar in ways I never did before. thanks for that. What's your recommendation for strings for 12 strings acoustic guitar: Guild for example.

[@8MinuteAxe]

That's really nice of you. I sincerely appreciate your time and comment. I hope you and your family have a nice holiday. Mark

[@8MinuteAxe]

Guild upper end are great. I've never played their entry level models but I'm sure they're pretty good. If theyre laminate look at the mitchell as it has a solid top. The Yamaha 820 is a bargain as well. Vangoa is still the best at the entry level PP, especially when you factor I'm their customer service and extras.

[@dougdery5186]

I enjoyed this video, however I believe Sweet Child of Mine would sound better if played lower on the fretboard. It would utilize the lower octave strings to greater advantage. The downside is that it would require different fingering.

[@brianmorton4127]

lol That's great! On some of them it was instant Byrds. Love the 12 string!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Brian. Byrds for sure. I made all the songs for the Byrds.;) take care and have a great holiday. Mark

[@davegreeley]

Love this Mark. 🤠🤠🎸🎸🎶🎶🎵🎵❤❤✔✔👍👍

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thanks Uncle Dave. Always good to hear from you. I hope Santa is good to you and your family. Take care and be well. Mark

[@dennisssnider]

As always Thank you! Would you consider a video on stings for a 12 string? Sound, quality, tonal quality? I have my favorites for my Taylor but it is still just a guess on my part since I am not hard on strings.

[@sonnyj.6153]

You sir, make me want to get 12 strings guitar.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Sonny. Every video makes me want to get a guitar. Thanks so much for your time and support. Take care and have a great holiday. Mark

[@matthorley5510]

Ohhhhh yes yes it does ! Hahaaa thanks Mark another awesoeme video

[@davemiller3345]

12 strings have a unique sound all their own, would be interested in seeing a well known 12 string riff compared to a six string. Personally 12 strings make everything sound better. But may not be as easily played as a 6 string. Good video, thank you for posting.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Dave. I've done a few videos with the opposite idea. Probably time to do another now that I have a better collection of guitars and my 12 string playing is less sloppy. Thanks for the suggestion. I appreciate your time! Mark

[@SvanurSævarsson]

👍👍

[@kingrobert1st]

I sold my 6 string a while ago. Now I only play 12 string. And I agree...everything sounds way better!

[@8MinuteAxe]

That's a bold move Robert.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hit send too early. I'm definitely not there yet. Even with owning 14, it's still a 2 to 1. Lol

[@jimkelehan1366]

I was at first thinking that every song would sound better. But that wasn’t the case. Am I biased against the new sound? A tough one to answer. I play some of these songs on my twelve, so I’m use to it. Examples, “I’d love to Change the World” and “Norwegian Wood”. Why not do the reverse? Do the original 12 string, then do it in 6 string.

[@kingrobert1st]

I play Gary Moore's Still Got The Blues For You on a 12 string acoustic including solo but better still Pink Floyd's Shine On You Crazy Diamond tuned down 3 steps and in the key of F# Both versions sound awesome!

[@HotHelmet]

Love that 12 string taylor

[@skyline-s7z]

what song is the one starting at 2:56?

[@yellowcat1310]

rewatched this one. i seem to have the same ear and judged them all the same as Mark did

[@robertthompson6958]

“By guitar players better than I am”. Honestly I don’t think they can possibly be much better.

[@phoenixmediaforge]

Mark, please tell me what stand you are using for the HB! The ones I've tried allow it to tilt to the left because of the shape.

[@8MinuteAxe]

I'm working out right now. Shoot me an email at [e-mail] and I'll send you the link later. You can find on Amazon. :)

[@mjklein]

@@8MinuteAxethanks man! Have a good workout!

[@mjklein]

Email sent.

[@LumpyDiz]

Mark, you’ve converted me. I’m wearing a hat when I play from now on.

[@sandrataylor51]

I think that you may be preaching to the converted Mark, but I can't imagine that a good 12 string player could make a 6 string song worse, only as good as or better.

[@jed1166]

I think it depends on the song and where my vocals go… I like a darker sound on “It’s Been a While”, so 6 string. But play the 12 string on “I’d Love to Change the World”, “Nights in White Satin”, and others, where my vocals go higher.

[@bsaj1]

Liked!

[@bsaj1]

Liverpool Manchester united soccer game on tv!

[@coconutmilk6254]

What’s the first that he played

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey CM. Whole Lotta Love Led Zep. Thanks for checking it out. Take care and have a great holiday. Mark

[@coconutmilk6254]

Thank you man I love your channel and still talk to your fans thank you

[@rohindey]

Norweigian wood sounds so much better with the 12 string

[@8MinuteAxe]

It's more fun to play, too. Thanks so much for checking it out. I hope you and your family have a great holiday. Mark

[@rohindey]

@@8MinuteAxe thanks all the way from India, Mark. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season with your family too!

[@lawrencebuchholz6184]

Killer

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Lawrence. I really appreciate you checking it out. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I hope you have a nice holiday week. Please take care and be well. Mark

[@explorervango880]

My 2.5 yrold granddaughter stood up and clapped for GNR.

[@8MinuteAxe]

She can probably play it better than me too. :) have a nice holiday. Mark

[@explorervango880]

@@8MinuteAxe she WANTS to play it. She holds my CS Tele and finger picks. Other hand can’t reach the frets yet.

[@dadgad1046]

I think the hat makes it sound better... :)

[@8MinuteAxe]

It's funny, I always looked at people that wore hats and wondered how it started. I will tell you this since I'm now on the inside (laughing at myself). I feel like an imposter. Maybe I'll cross over soon. Thanks so much for checking out the video. I do appreciate it. Have a great weekend and stay safe. Mark

[@hairymary9709]

#wina12string #winaguitar

[@christoguichard4311]

The Ten Years After and Zep songs definitely sounded better on the 12 string.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Chris. Ten Years After really popped. I should have done it in mono for a more apples to apples. Thanks so much for your time and for adding to the commentary. Have a great holiday. Mark

[@siam_g.d.s]

All the acoustic songs sounded better with the 12 string but many of the electric guitar ones didn't sound as good as their original 6 string ones

[@gettyshiloh]

Eh..... electric 12 would have done better with improved eq settings

[@KRW628]

Norwegian Wood was NOT a tie. Not even close.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Such a great song, isn't it. It may be the song that I've played the most that's still fun to play. :)

[@jed1166]

Mark, I’d like to email you about RainSong. How do I find your email address?

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey! My email is [e-mail]. send a pic too when you have time. Much appreciated. Mark

[@jed1166]

@@8MinuteAxe will send email tomorrow!

[@nutsocket]

12 string sounds great