How to Tune Your 12 String Guitar plus Tones for Tuning | Tom Strahle | Easy Guitar | Basic Guitar

[@mb13972]

Many people have said you spend half your life tuning a 12 string and the other half playing it out of tune.

[@TomStrahle]

Haha.

[@inmemoryofgstringbender]

Ive seen this comment from a lot of people now

[@rickvia8435]

That IS funny...

[@nicelady51]

Ukes are the same way. I thought 12's were meant to be picked, not strummed. Course, it's your guitar, you can do what you want. The amount of tension on the neck changes as you tune, hence, causing strings already tuned to go out of tune, as you tune. Worse, because of the tension on the neck, you should loosen the strings if not playing again soon. Then, you start all over again. The 12 is more a test in patience and fortitude to finish what you started, not putting it down and playing something else. Also a bit like meditation if you can get past the urge to turn it into firewood.

[@TomStrahle]

@@nicelady51 Also true with guitars with tremolo or whammy bars. You have to go through the strings about 3 times. Thanks for watching Roxana.

[@rtesimpson]

Very nice 12 string...I've got a Seagull S12, which is the only 12 string I've ever owned that holds its tune for months and is always in turn when I pick it up...Great video, look forward to the next...

[@pkoven]

those long tones at end were an original idea, and they really helped. thank you

[@terryburks6839]

Just got me a 12 string Seagull Coastline , Your video really helped alot. thanks. now on to learning to play it.

[@christoft1848]

Thank you ,that has helped a lot..especially the twelfth fret trick...that high g scares the life out of me.

[@TomStrahle]

You and everyone is afraid of that high g.

[@silvertip8k278]

I hate that high g...broke one today replacing a set of strings...because i broke a high g string...

[@WhistlingGary]

A little joke for you. How long does it take to tune a 12 String guitar? ... Nobody knows.

[@TomStrahle]

Haha.

[@lougarner8428]

FUNNY! And BRUTALLY TRUE! :)

[@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020]

i came here cos i popped the higher G string so I got a new one. i was taking slow turns trying to tune it bit by bit, i looked like i was disarming a bomb.

[@TomStrahle]

I’m exactly the same.

[@BennettL-q2l]

Every set of strings should come with an extra high g string. Very easy to break. Thin little buggers.

[@terada1444]

Hi And thank you. Those sounds at the end made it so much easier to tune.

[@kennyballantyne7404]

This video really helped me with the 12 string I have inherited, thank uou

[@joettesolano3470]

Decided to pause and get some coffee 💪

[@TomStrahle]

Not so subliminal advertising.

[@robinicus1133]

I LOVE the sound of a well-tuned acoustic because, when you play, you sound like there's someone next to you playing right along. Tres cool. Excellent video, man. That Taylor sounds sweet. Luckily, my 12-string has a built-in Fishman tuner/EQ. The guitar is a V-Glorify, Chinese made/USA designed, and it sounds fine.

[@TomStrahle]

I thought a joke was coming - “I LOVE the sound of a well-tuned acoustic... and this isn’t it!” Haha. Thanks for watching.

[@davidlink3743]

@@TomStrahle Gy7 7y

[@slap_A_flamingo]

Amazing video man. Thanks for explaining it as well.

[@Gears.and.Gadgets]

Great video thanks for the information. I've got a fender 12 string acoustic. Just love it.

[@sisco0304]

we usually put unison’s on all 12 strings for except low E we just put one string and it sounds great

[@davidmlang1]

Great instruction, Tom, great video, thanks

[@fireshot2187]

Just ordered one from fender can’t wait to get it

[@garygarner482]

Elixir strings are the best I've found, I use them on my Kensington Tanglewood and it turned my soapbox into a music box,the Elixirs are kind of weird feeling at first,Really slick feeling, but once you get used too them they are worth the money, they are great for finger picking, but as I found out picks destroy the coating

[@DBK415]

I've gotten the octave g up to an A. It was a 9. Yeah even tuning to G# can snap it. Nice Taylor guitar.

[@timjohnson6198]

I was always taught to tune a half step off standard as it can really put stress on your neck.

[@savedbyJesusgirl93]

Great video! I’m hoping to get my first 12 soon. And I love that Taylor 😍 Is it a 655 or an 855? The 855 is my dream guitar.

[@AnthonyB331]

Great explanation, came here right after breaking my high gstring 🤦 wish i watched your video first. Will need those elixirs too. Gotta say the ending part with the tones was interesting haha

[@incontenibl3bandabrisa958]

Same here 😂

[@ATXDad2017]

Thanks for the help!

[@KaptainCanuck]

Since you neglected to say so. You tune the thick strings ALA six-string standard tuning and strings 3-6 tighter to the next higher same pitch or tune the six thinner strings as normal (440, etc) and then tune the thicker ones looser on octave lower (reduces some neck and string tension to the bridge). I have the Snark tuner and they do not know what frequency you want. You can tune down a step to a step (two frets) and a half (3 frets) to relieve tension on my Briarwood (Peavery) 12-string.

[@Smitty-op4ld]

Why so many thumbs down with no comments to explain. It's horrible, etiquette to thumbs down a video without giving your critique in the comment unless it's obvious! YESHUA GOD ALMIGHTY bless you for this lesson.

[@therugburnz]

Do many people other than me play all six courses in unison. I had to out of necessity because I had a broken truss rod. I used two sets of silk & steel tuned down. It's kinda-sorta cool.

[@TomStrahle]

Not that I know of but I’m intrigued.

[@aum3.146]

love this guy

[@stuartphillips6183]

More 12 string videos on the way? Approaches for recording/arrangements, for example? I try to think of a 12 string as a different instrument (like a mandolin/ harp hybrid) and go from there but I think your ideas would be extremely helpful. Thanks for all your videos, especially the Cool Tool strand!

[@TomStrahle]

Let me think on that.

[@lowellcalavera6045]

Tom Strahle Did you stop doing KZbin?

[@SnuSlavin]

Thank You...God Bless.

[@cybercyborg1]

I want to tune my 12 string a whole step down. Can you provide instructions and “tones” to accomplish this? Thanks for the help. Cannot seem to find anything legit out here on how to do it.

[@steveburrow4709]

Makes me want to go out and get a 12 string. 🙂

[@artboy789]

I saw one for sale for $200 on Facebook marketplace, but now after reading the comments, will not try one out

[@Stephan74]

I always decide to re - string when I'm drunk big mistake.. I hate the higher g 😭

[@TomStrahle]

Haha. Isn't pretty much everything one does while drunk a big mistake?

[@kingrobert1st]

Thats the magic string gives the 12 string its charm.

[@Alex-xg2od]

My dad is actually right now drunk trying to tune his 12-string that has new untouched strings since 4 months. Im nervous to watch because im afraid hear a string break 😂

[@TomStrahle]

@@Alex-xg2od Don't drink and tune (12-strings).

[@rusianalf]

even with a step down i still broke the g-string.

[@Axegammeray]

That keeps happening with my Harley benton 12 string! I can't find out why though, if you know how to fix it plz let me know!!

[@dakotadailey4069]

i use a b string for the light g

[@dba4292]

Hoooooooooly HEdoublehockeysticks does that guitar sound sweet! I kept hearing new ideas and songs while you played. I have a double neck SG on it’s way.

[@TomStrahle]

Amazing! 18 strings to tune! Haha.

[@lowellcalavera6045]

Man...This is appreciated, but...would appreciate an explanation of what you're seeing on the tuner when you move between the "normally" tuned strings and it's companion octave string. The problem isn't picking it up when it's already tuned, and making a couple of minuscule adjustments, brother, it's picking it up out of tune, and needing to get there from far away.

[@KaptainCanuck]

Like when a full set of new strings are put on,. He seems to be showing how to fine-tune an already in-tune guitar. This is an unfocused video and not good for newbies.

[@lucydayLucida]

@@KaptainCanuck yes, this!

[@paulahavens2764]

what tuner did you buy for the 12 string guitar? Does the string tuned to the octave or is it something you do to make it the octave? Does the tuner show octave notes on the screen? thanks.

[@TomStrahle]

The high strings are thinner so they are easier to get up an octave. The tuner was an Intellitouch tuner which sadly isn't made anymore, but the Snark tuner is good too - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGmcnKiZbt-Uo7M Tuners won't tell you what octave generally, just the note pitch. Hard to explain, sorry.

[@TheRealJohnSouth]

"I kept breaking the G-string..." --- mmmkay ***sipping Coffee***

[@TomStrahle]

Still have the scar.

[@durango-CODEBUILDER]

cool vid man cheers!

[@TomStrahle]

Thanks Barney!

[@mesfintaye8313]

thank you

[@teachmetruth3539]

What is the best sounding affordable 12 string guitar out there?

[@paulsabiker]

Dude I hear she talks to angels by black crows instantly before 10 seconds????.... awesome vid

[@TomStrahle]

So hard for me not to play that in this tuning.

[@paulsabiker]

@@TomStrahle I bet!!!

[@1985cora]

so waht im gathering: is it a mandolin but one string is a higher octave?? as in like u play it like a mandolin? and also are the chords the same

[@TomStrahle]

Not really at all like a mandolin. Just in that there are pairs of strings. The tuning is different, the range is different and 12-string has some strings in octaves.

[@greggriffiths9053]

So you just tune 2 E 2A and so on just like a 6 string guitar was there a difference between the octave or you just tune like normal.

[@proberaum7015]

What do you think about musette tuning for a twelve string?

[@TomStrahle]

Enlighten me.

[@proberaum7015]

@@TomStrahle kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGTJXpKsa66eeKM www.mandolincafe.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-40948.html

[@TomStrahle]

That's so funny. I didn't know it had a name. I usually do tune the top two string pairs a little out of tune or they just sound like single strings. But I didn't mention that in the video because I didn't want to confuse the issue. Thanks for enlightening me!

[@proberaum7015]

@@TomStrahle You might be musette by nature. ;-) Greetings from Berlin/Germanistan

[@wretch1]

I'm trying to imagine someone owning a 12 string but not a tuner lol

[@larrylehman751]

Great video

[@gc857]

I am confused as hell now LMAO !

[@boris2342]

United Airlines break guitars

[@williamharrison248]

My 12 string is gathering dust , life is too short .

[@TomStrahle]

Haha, right!?!

[@hapax87]

Why is the high octave string over the lower octave string? I just got a 12 string, after playing 6 strings for 30 years, so, just wondering if it make a difference..

[@TomStrahle]

I think if it were below the pick might brush over the higher string because the lower string is bigger. Interestingly, Rickenbacker's come from the factory with the high string below the low string.

[@smokinjoe4709]

How the hell do you ring out one of the low E strings without ringing out the other?

[@seggyc6513]

I'm having a hard time when tuning that G string. I broke the higher octave G string twice when tuning it. So I ended up to tune the G strings in same tune 😭

[@TomStrahle]

I’ve broken soooooo many G-strings in the past. On my cheap 12-string back in the day I had to tune it down a whole step and then capo at the first fret.

[@seggyc6513]

@@TomStrahle yes, I’m also using a local cheap 12 string guitar. I can’t use the full sound of my 12 string guitar because of this higher octave G string, when the tune reached F# the string broke. Thank you for the suggestion. I would like to try that.

[@zacatecas4126]

How do I raise it an octave higher? What does that even mean? Is there an actual number like G3 or G4?

[@TomStrahle]

The strings will do most of that work for you. In a 12-string set of strings the octave up strings are a lighter gauge (skinnier). Don't try to tune up an octave normal strings, they'll break. Regarding the keyboard value of the guitar it would be E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4, a 12-string set would be E2 E3 A2 A3 D3 D4 G3 G4 B3 B3 E4 E4.

[@terryburks6839]

Having trouble tuning the high D, doesn't seem to fit and it throws everything off

[@rikutsu_]

Have you ever had problems with high G string? Mine always breaks

[@TomStrahle]

All the time. Less now. In fact back in the day I use to tune down a half step and capo at the first fret. I usually have extra .009's around in case.

[@rikutsu_]

@@TomStrahle thank you for the advices :)

[@freemanrabe4689]

You can harmonize it no need for a capo but it depends on the song you'd be playing. I alter the tuning of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd strings. 12 strings guitars are good in open chords.

[@mauropineda6589]

Just bought a Takamine 12 string and the G string broke as soon as I tried tuning it, brand new guitar lol 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@philbarrows424]

I like to tune the B and high E octave strings a little flat Makes for more shimmer. Anyone agree??

[@TomStrahle]

That's actually right. The E and the B should be slightly out of tune or they sound like one string.

[@philbarrows424]

And i figured that out on my own🤪👍🏻

[@altonreid9726]

Try using different gauges for those 2 strings. Helps with the chorus effect since the different sizes are vibrating at different speeds.

[@jtjjbannie]

But how do you tell one octave over another?

[@captbss]

I was thinking about this but now I don't want one the tuning is a pain in the ass

[@Billsingsong]

How come you do not Tune it a whole step lower so to ease the tension on the 12th String

[@TomStrahle]

No need. I've never had an issue with the neck on this Taylor. And most of the time when I'm playing 12-string I'm reading music for a film or game or something and I don't want to transpose if I don't have to. Slows me down.

[@jeffreyschmoldt7798]

You can't hear all the tones at end. Lets say 440 is standard on regular strings just like a six string. Do you know where the setting is for higher strings.. Say like 435 or? Instead of 440. I have played 6 string for years, and just bought a old 12 string Alvarez, without strings on it, so it's a new game lol

[@TomStrahle]

The low pitch tones may not be heard on your phone or laptop. If you put your ears in or play through bigger speakers that should do the trick.

[@jeffreyschmoldt7798]

@@TomStrahle I figured it out with the 12th freet thanks

[@ahg1358]

The worst thing about a 12 string is the tuning , other than that there's no difference in the playing I have no problem with interchanging 6 to 12 I'ts all good .

[@goncalonunesfonseca6091]

I can't play only one string... I aleays play the pair!😪

[@TomStrahle]

You are suppose to play both strings. So you are doing it right

[@kingrobert1st]

You tune your 12 string to EADGBE it will belly up and warp the neck after a few years.

[@TomStrahle]

I suppose it depends on the quality of the guitar. But my Taylor 12-string has been tuned EADGBE since 1997 and it plays better than ever.

[@kingrobert1st]

@@TomStrahle EADGBA?

[@TomStrahle]

@@kingrobert1st Sorry Robert, typo. Fixed.

[@absolving]

Has anyone ever dared to tune a 12 string up? I wonder.

[@wretch1]

12 stringers are best tuned a step down.

[@jefftinney3131]

Notorious hard to play? A 12 string? Easier than a 6 string. Much easier.

[@walknblind]

He doesn't know apparently that 12 strings are generally turned down a half step from a normal 6 string...thats why he is breaking his G sometimes..too much tension with regular A440 tuning

[@rodroyal1779]

Confusing

[@rudy8278]

I broke my octave G!

[@stevepope5484]

Ok?

[@gibby7233]

why dont you tell us how to tune then tell; us about harmonic, just show us how to tune wjithout stories adding on stuff

[@guitarman3968]

If you want to warp the neck of the guitar, go with standard tuning. Disappointed.

[@TomStrahle]

Had that guitar for decades. Not warped.

[@markl2322]

I'd never heard of the 12th fret trick, so I tried it out. Guitar went way out of tune. So I tuned by using the tones at the end. Guitar went way out of tune. Thanks for nothing.

[@jaiguru8487]

Really?its 2 min job mate!christ youre making it sound as if its neurosurgical performance in a theatre🤣🤣🤣,try to tune it without a thingy, its simple all you need is a good clean ear

[@juliandancingshadow4959]

Just tune the guitar and explain as you go, bla bla bla

[@TomStrahle]

Sorry.