Gonna be honest with you. The first few minutes I thought you were full of yourself. Then, you opened a whole new world for the 12 string for me and for many others. Thank you for your time and your skill.
That's always everybody's favorite thing that I ever play on a 12 string. It's a song from an old band from back home in Indianapolis. They were called Buccaneer. Cool 12 string intro though and I can't help but play it every time. lol I love that part. The song has about a full minute intro of that stuff.
One thing I have learned with my 12 string is that I prefer tuning it one whole step down. There isn't as much tension on the guitar overall and it's so much more comfortable to play. Plus if I want to play along with a song that's in standard tuning all I need to do is put a capo on the second fret. Thank you Scott for another spectacular lesson.
Hi Scott, thanks - that was a good introduction to the 12 string topic. I do not own 12 string yet, but seriously considering buying one. Also, as I am novice with guitar - thanks a lot for the music lesson as well, it was great.
I was really lucky; first time I picked up a 12 I could finger pick on it (something I was told later you can't do). I find them easy. It's odd that if you pick them, it makes a difference which 12 string you have because some have the thin string at the bottom of the pair and some have the thick string. (If I remember correctly Rickenbackers are arse-about-face and sound good for it)
Awesome 🎵🎸🎼⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ On my 12 string for some reason towards the back frets my strings are higher up off the frets , is this accurate or can there be some adjustment to the neck make it closer to the frets, i see theres adjustment bar for allen wrentch fitting to bowe out? not sure which way to turn it , could it be my strings are to tight on my guitar? , i used a tuner to tune my guitar , it tune the guitar good , just trying to learn of a 12 string so i can use it in my music collaboration creativitys. Great Lesson , I Appreciated : You Rock Thank You 🎼🎸🎼⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Yeah, it sounds like your truss rod in the neck needs to be tightened. That will bring the neck up closer to the strings. You can tighten it until some notes start to "fart out" on you and then loosen it little by little until all the farts go away.
Really interesting. Thinking strongly about a 12. But I play to myself and there are songs you can get. But you’re right mostly guitarist solo should not. I don’t think so. The onanistic guitarist can fall in love with it and thank you for showing It’s a picking thing which I love when not thrashing amp stuff. Thanks. Great video.
Hey Scott, I was just wondering why you are not a fan of electric 12 strings. I am currently about 21 minutes in and working through the video when I have time, so if you answer in the video my mistake. Lol.
Hi there Tom. I really tried to like them for the longest time. I've had a LOT of 6/12 doublenecks. I wanted to grow used to THAT sound, but the electric 12 string just always sounds too harsh SOMEHOW. I wish I could pinpoint what that is from exactly. It's just a personal thing. I just like hearing the sound of a quality chorus instead. If it's going to be a 12 string, I just really like it to be acoustic since it sounds REAL. Sure, the electric is real, but it just isn't my thing. Personal taste is all.
Hi Scott, good video but I would like to add that playing a 12 string is in the craft of the musician. I good instrument and skilled player can really make a 12 string shine as a solo guitar. No other instruments required. Also I would like to say that strumming a 12 string with 'feeling" is acceptable as long as it's not being played as a camp fire strum. Equally you can also finger pick a 12 string which sounds awesome. The truth of the matter is that it does require a bit more effort and skill to accomplish a 12 string but with the right 12 string and technique the 12 string is a wonderful instrument that can be played on it's own.
I'm with you Jim. I learned the James Taylor trick of using crazy glue to turn my fingernails into picks and play blues fingerstyle on acoustic. On 12 string it is awesome.
I applaud you for taking the time to actually tell us "how to" and not just showing us ( beginners , like me) like most tutorials ! You are a rare bird indeed . Keep up the great work and may God bless you for your efforts .
I've just got a 12 string acoustic and I think strumming chords (especially open chords) sound great, in fact this is the main reason I bought a 12 string. I do agree though that gentle strumming is better than thrashing it like a 6 string, as the 12 string is louder than a 6 it is not necessary to hit the strings so hard anyway and of course the 12 string could be amplified if required (using a mic or by installing a pickup if it's not an electric/electro acoustic guitar).
Terrific Video. I recently got a Taylor 362CE -12 which is a 12 Fret with just the Six Hole saddle (2 strings each hole) and it stays in tune very well. Your video is very good, very informative and I really enjoyed it a lot.
*""THAT IS ALSO-CORRECT ONCE-AGAIN, ""YOUPLAY A TWELVE-STRINGGUITAR VERYSLOWLY, ""YOUKISS EVERYSTRING OR TOUCH EVERYSTRING ONE AT A TIME, ""A TWELVE-STRING GUITAR IS A VERYBIG-SOUND ESPECIALLY WHEN-AMPLIFIED AT A LARGE-VENUE OR A CONCERT-HALL OR A SMALL-VENUE AT 5000-SEATS""!!!!!!!!!!!*
Thanks Clive! Yeah, I often forget that my 12 string is back there. Someone watching one of my videos pointed it out to me and asked me to do a little something on 12 string playing, so...he reminded me that I even had it. lol It sounded great when I pulled it off the wall. I wish I had time to play it more.
Thank you and I thank you right back for continually checking out the stuff I toss out there. I love that folks actually find some of it interesting. lol
Firstly, I like to say that you look a bit like Meatloaf (nearly not as burly), and Jack Black. Don't take that to heart. I like Meatloaf! At any rate, I've been playing for almost five years now (still a hack), and I purchased a 12 string about three and a half years ago. I love it and the sound that it produces. As I stated, I am pretty much a hack and I have only strummed it because it does sound better than a 6 string, even strumming. I do disagree with some of your comments about the strumming of a 12 because, as you claim, that it doesn't ring out as much as individual plucking. If so, why did Roger Hodgeson strum a 12 for 'Give a Little Bit'? Why did Gerry Beckley of 'America' use a 12 to strum 'Sister Golden Hair'? Why did Gordon Lightfoot strum a 12 for a lot of his hits? Hmm...? Just being devils advocate. I appreciate this video lesson, and going forward, I will try to apply your teaching techniques to good use. Thanks for the great tutorial! Cheers!
I must Totally agree with you!... The video lesson was great but yes, there are MANY times when a 12 stringed guitar is strummed and sounds absolutely beautiful! Another example that comes to mind is Steve Howe of the band YES where he plays a 12 on 'And You And I' off the Close To The Edge album... The Harmonics at the beginning of the song are simply amazing!... SE
Strumming on a 12 string can sound great but you need a light touch and play delicate , don’t bang it, specially if you’re a singer a 12 string is great to be accompanied by!
*""THOSE-12-STRINGS-LIKE C.F.-MARTIN AND LARAVEE AND COLLINGS EASTMAN HAVE THAT-GREAT-BIGSOUND, ""ESPECIALLY THAT D-28 MARTIN, ""THAT D-28 MARTIN HAS A GIANTSOUND, ""IT IS BIG AND BOOMY AND GAUDY""!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*
Lol playing a 12 string isn't THAT different. You just have to be a bit more aware of what your doing. If you're a guitar player it shouldn't take you much to pick a 12 and play it. And I think you can strum all day on a 12, it sounds great and unique. But to each his own I guess
Hey Scott, Dave here from Michigan. Started playing on a 12 string at 16 "63 now". Still have my 66 guild. Want to let you know how much I admire you as a person, instructor, and player, have been spending hours upon hours with you when I can. God bless. Dave
Cool my friend! I love to talk (as you can tell), but so many You Tube "know it all's" Keep hitting me with the SHUT UP AND PLAY thing (as they all do). But, I figure that folks that know it all....don't need lessons anyway, so I'll keep teaching them as a real teacher does. lol I'm so glad that this helps. Thanks again for asking for these things. Scott
Listen to Doyle Dykes finger style version of Classical Gas and it will blow your mind . He has to be one of the top 12 string players there is right now .
check out John Frusciante of the Chilli Peppers on Breaking the Girl. This a great example of how a 12 string can be strummed herd and still sound excellent.
When you talk about strumming a 12 string George Harrison did a good job. Personally what I find with 12 string strumming is use either a lighter pick or better still don't use a pick. It works pretty well.
Its just my opinion that if you use a super thin pick you can strum regular chords but that aside i agree that no matter what you cant play it like a six string , you can play it similar but not the same
I hear you. Did I mention, MAN I HATE RICKENBACKERS? lol That whole company could be erased from history and it wouldn't bother me a single bit. They are easily on my list of most worthless "real" guitars ever made. Then again, nobody from the Beatles really ever used a real instrument of any kind that I recall. lol Nope, not a Beatles fan either. Just never did anything for me in the slightest. They could be erased too and it wouldn't bother me. Sad, I know, but true.
There’s stuff you must know and stuff you should know, but the real value is in stuff you could know. The bits tht make the real difference, so thanks for that. 😊
I am 73 and played 6 string for a long time. I use to play in a band back in the late 60’s and our lead singer played an electric Gretch 12 string. I played bass and never noticed what he was doing, but we did a lot of Byrds music. I just picked up an acoustic 12 string and this was the single best lesson I’ve ever had. Thanks
Got my first 12-string after being a 6-string player for decades. I knew it wasn't like playing a 6, I thought it wouldn't be so hard to figure out. Well, I was kind of lost or stuck. This makes much more sense and opens up the world to play the 12 like it's supposed to be played. This is basically solo playing with some chord strums and arpeggiated, changing, chord structure with some techniques, like rakes. Watch out, World! Here I come.
I started on a 12 string, a 6 string is easier. It is like going from playing on a 6x12 snooker table all day and then moving down to a nighttime bar table to play 8 or 9, or straight pool to earn extra money . Thanks for this awesome video Brother \m/ !
Watched a few Guitar tuition vids in my time , I’m 67 now, seen a good selection , gotta say Scott Groves’ vids are probably the best, most informative, down to earth practical guitar lesson / tutorial videos you’ll ever find on the internet, a massive thanks to him , for sharing his vast , invaluable, very highly detailed information on every aspect of the topics he covers , in his brilliant free tutorials ! I’m a bass player , fifty years and counting - semi pro level , and also a beginner intermediate guitarist and find his guidance , tutorials very useful, informative, and humorous in sections ! More power to your elbow sir( as we say here in the UK ! Thank you Scott Groves!
Exactly. It only takes a couple of seconds to find out how it truly needs to be played, for those that don't quite get it...then that's where this lesson comes in handy. lol
I have been playing a 6 string for about 8 yrs; I bought a 12 string 2 days ago, and it has been driving me crazy and kicking my ass. (I have been strumming the shit out of it) I'm currently halfway through your video and can not explain how useful this video is! Thank you! What was that little riff you were playing near the 12th fret around 14:28 mins into this video?
I have been playing guitar (6 string) for two years and addicted - I like to pick my strings in a crazy pattern that sounds Good - will that scale to the 12 string?
I enjoyed your lesson. I got the impression long ago that a 12-string was a rhythm instrument untill I heard Leo Kottke. The one thing I don't understand is why you tune your twelve to standard tuning when dropping it down makes it easier to play and gives a more bassy and rich tone.
I've just bought a Crafter MD-50 dreadnought style12 string guitar from a second hand shop. It was tuned to regular E but I could not see any sign of the bridge coming away luckily, but I have tuned it down to D to be on the safe side. I like the sound of open chords and i'm not keen on using a capo so to accompany songs that are in regular tuning I 'transpose' (I think that is the right term) the chords. For example if the music i'm playing along with has C F and G chords I play D G and A shapes on the tuned down 12 string which of course are really C F and G chords because the guitar is tuned down a step (I hope i'm explaining this properly).
Really liked it, when I first found your video stopped seeing it since I misjudged the intro, today I saw it, practice the lessons there I was able to follow you along, thanks for the lesson. Yes, I’ve played for many years a six string both electric and acoustic, not so much my 12 string... I think I can start enjoying more. I have a Seagull 12 strings, and yes I have to tune it every time I grab it. Great job on the lesson. Thanks
I hear you my friend. It's always the girls that end up playing 12 strings for some reason. I guess because they are simply easier to play with your fretting hand. The Tenor guitars are cool. I'll have to get me another one of those. I don't have one at the moment. You're going to make me spend more money. lol
o sexist. Girls play them because they are more nuanced and complex than 6 strings. Girls don't get the same satisfaction as boys wanking on loud 6 strings. We require more diverse range of sound.
Thank you for this video Scott. I sat, I listened, I learned! Do you believe in down-tuning these puppies? I have been reading some 12 players prefer dropping a full step and capo'ing it at the 2nd to play in standard. I think they are worried about broken strings and neck bowing but if you have a good quality 12 string then standard should be fine right? You are 100% right, they are not great for everything but they sure do sound pretty when picked. Cheers
Good point on those goof Rickenbackers. Horrible guitars. lol Never liked any of them. You are lucky to be able to finger pick a 12 string. I've got some little fingers and can't get in between them to pull it off. I finally just gave up on it and lived with what I CAN do on them. lol
Personally speaking.... I would never tune my Acoustic 12 string to E. It is far too much tension for ANY acoustic, and eventually WILL cause belly bulge, (Bowing of the top of the guitar at the bridge) raising the bridge and the strings which will raise the action and eventually destroy your guitar.
When they go out of tune a little bit then the guitar sounds like one of those charming sounding pianos that are played in the Saloons in the Western movies. There were apparently no piano tuners in the wild west.
This is a superb video. So informative, helpful, and right between the eyes with his honesty. Plus, he is an intelligent and gifted musician, IMHO! Thank you for helping so many. I hope you leave these videos on youtube.
Thank you for the instruction, thinking about buying a 12 string, and this information really helps. I'll have to disagree though, about the 12 string not being a viable solo instrument. Just listen to Leo Kotte, he's the king of the solo 12 string in my opinion. Also, a really good rendition of the style your teaching is the song Remember, by the Greg Kiln Band. Some of the greatest picking on a 12 string I've even heard! They were really a great band, but as far as know their no longer touring thee days.
Some times I don't use the unison strings when playing' I've learned how to avoid picking on them on certain songs and play it like a regular 6 string' sometimes I'll mix up playing only a unison string or a regular string individually and then blend in playing a paired set of strings along with the individual ones on certain songs. That's how I learned because of BG flat picking and it carried over to the 12 string if that makes sense. I don't know if that's a good thing or bad thing or if I'm just weird learning how to play that way. Is that a common way for some players on a 12 string?
Thanks for the tips. On my own with my new 12 string guitar.. makes sense now , standard tuning but a higher octave on the E , A , D @ G .. B @ E the same.. thank you... simple . New guitar new strings out of tune normally with a 6 string.. got myself a Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat... gonna have a lot of fun with this one !!!
If it's cheap, that's ok, but it has to be a GOOD cheap one. If you don't know what to look for, the guitar will HONESTLY probably fall apart (the bridge will come unglued and possibly put your eye out) in a matter of a month). So, you can not count on the sales person at all to tell you the truth about the guitar. The BEST buys are not going to be at the music store. They will be off of Craig's List at the very end or beginning of the month when people are not going to be able to pay rent.
Nope, they will be shut down soon. lol Just as Pepper2Jason said, I leave ALL video comments open at the beginning, I get to ban a few dozen people during that time and then I shut them down so that I don't have to baby sit over 500 videos. lol
......and a ton of people sound astounding using auto tune. I've heard plenty of examples and great sounding songs and performances with them using it.
I don't know where you got your information. All of my acoustics are electrics and I have the expression system in my Taylors. I think you read a response to someone else. As far as auto tune goes...I don't think you know what it is. Have you not heard it in the Peavey AT 200 guitars? It keeps every string perfectly in tune and does away with out of tune guitars. Auto Tune is the future of "In Tune" guitars. I've owned over 3, 000 guitars and am a expert on guitars. Again, whatever you read....wasn't meant for you, or you think that every response is for you? I'm not you, so I can't really tell what you are actually thinking.
@@groovydjs I will disagree on that, as I've experienced it in person. Mail man came in as I was about to buy a 12 string, he said "can i give it a try" I said Ok. Man he played Folsom prison blues like a dream, and I think it sounded great. But of course that was only one song, and I'm sure like you said it can sound like crap a lot of the times... But not all the time.
Danelectro and Rickenbacker electric 12 strings have the high string in the pair on the bottom. Interesting. I love my acoustic 12 string, but there are tunes like, (excuse my age), Mister Tambourine Man, where an electric one sounds better. Just sayin'
LOL, yeah, they are junk guitars for sure. Most guitars that people are so amazingly proud of are just like that. The guitars will fall apart or break of you do this or that. Hell, EVERY acoustic I have will hold up through any humidity or temperatures. As soon as I paid big money for that Martin I have, less than 2 weeks went by with it on my wall and the entire front split in half. Just a humidity issue. You have to baby them SOOOOOO much that you can't actually take it to a gig.
That's for sure my friend. They really have some magic in them. People look at me like I'm crazy when the ask me what acoustics to get and when I tell them to go find an old Alvarez Yairi, they are speechless. Then they go to search for one out of curiosity and they come back and ask why they cost so much when they've never heard of them. DAMNED KIDS. LOL I just tell them...BECAUSE THEY ARE WORTH IT. I love those things. Alvarez has actually done some cool electrics with the Dana Scoop too.
I was given the 12 string guitar my dad played for over 25+ years. When I told him I wanted to learn to play he handed it to me and said here you go! It is a Lotus and it really sounds great. My dad went to the music store and played every single 12 string guitar they had including all of the major players and he chose the Lotus over all of the others and he worked at Gibson in the 60's/70's He played it in his band and they never put a mic on it because his voice mic picked it up enough. When they put a mic down at the sound hole he would drown everyone else out.
My total pleasure. The best necks in the world do not have truss rods, those are the graphite necks. No need for them. They are the strongest things ever made and will never warp. So, to find one that way....then you've got a superb axe!
There will be cool performances. That goes without saying. But, I'm basically talking to the beginners etc. here. It's still not a great solo instrument in my opinion. SRV, I'm just not a fan. I don't dislike what he did, but I didn't find anything extremely special either. I just don't listen to other guitarists much. If I hear a lick from someone (which is rare since I don't listen to music AT ALL), then I'll snag the lick and use it in something down the road. I hope that helps a bit.
Yes I agree with Fernando, thanks for taking a steady approach explaining the do's and don'ts. had my 12 string for around 10 years, so much in love with it but what a beast to keep in tune. Always loved the sound of 12 strings but had so much trouble with snapping the high G string, finally listened to Scott tune his 12 string and now got it bang on. Big thanks to Scott Grove, give us 12 stringers more video's please.
Yeah, looks like we got a few things in common except I got a few years on you. I'm now 65 but don't give up on me yet. I still like to play and sing. I don't go out and gig anymore but I got a small "studio" in my garage. I have 8 electric and 2 acoustic guitars. I have a Gibson B.B King Lucille, Epiphone Sheraton 2, Fender Coronado, Fender American Deluxe Ash Stratocaster, Telecaster, Martin D-16 acoustic, Takamine Acoustic/Electric 12 string. My wife always asks me "How many guitars do you need?" And I reply "Just 1 more." My next one will be a Rickenbacker 360 Electric 12 string. Oh yeah, I forgot my Epiphone Les Paul Ultra 3. Have a great day and thanks for replying.
I can't begin to tell you how many questions were answered in this video. Not just 12 string but a lot applies to any guitar. I am always mesmerized when guys are playing the same notes higher on the neck like that, and now it seems really possible for me. Thanks again, I needed something like this to help me get back into playing. Just picked up a 12 string stella for very little, and am excited to get it strung up and start playing.
I just learned more in 58 mins 14 secs than in the past 3 years. Thank you Sir. its going to take a few views to soak all of this valuable info up so pls dont remove. I'm still trying to master the Boston riff at the beginning. Thanks again. AJ
Recall a compass with a pencil in it, as was used in grade school, to construct a circle. If you set the device to 10" with a ruler and then scribed a circle, your diameter would be 20" and the radius is 10". Your guitar neck is just a small arc, or slice, of that circle.Each selected radius 7.5, 9, 10, 12 etc. would yield different size circles and arcs.The fretboard is just a portion or arc of a given circle's radius.So, the s.7" Radius seems a LOT more curved and the 12" a lot more Flat.
Hey Scott, Great video btw as usual.. and I had to laugh when you said strumming it (and then grinding on all the strings back and forth) sound like crap. the reason I say that is because today I bought my FIRST 12 string guitar, China build Fender... and the first thing I did when I got home was do the G, C and D pattern and said almost the same thing.. man this sounds bad.. lol next thing I wanted to mention was I noticed my saddle was different than yours, my E and B strings were on a slanted piece and the B was reversed from the E.. I got it from a pawn shop and it looks like a moron used a hammer to "tap" in the pegs, they are almost completely flush on a couple.. :(
Hi my friend. Nope, we didn't get to make the trip. We have to wait until Spring. Too many people sick back there and they didn't feel it would be much of a visit to simply watch them laying in bed. lol
Hi my friend. Yeah, just take the saddle out and sand off the bottom of it and keep putting it back in to find out when you are getting it close to perfect. I use a Dremel style electric sander to do it in like 10 seconds. It's a beautiful thing. Your Ibanez EW12 100% has a truss rod. You'll see it inside of the sound hole. Grab a flash light and look at the neck through the sound hole and you'll find it.
Been learning to play no for 3. Years now an always avoided 12 strings just got one in a trade nothing special epiphone dr212 trying to keep in tune an keep it basic an choosing when to use it thanks for your lessons been watching for about a year now thanks appreciate ur work Scott 🎸
Wow Scott . This is exactly why I ask for these lessons. Never knew any of this stuff. And when I pu a 12 string in a pawn shop or music shop I"ll stop banging on it. And yes keep talking dont assume we just know it. Thanks Again.
I had to get a whole new top put on it and it can't even leave the house because of the strict temperature and humidity restrictions on such a FINE instrument. Needless to say, no more Martin guitars for me. I'll be grabbing the Carbon / Graphite acoustics from now on. No more truss rods to deal with, no more ANYTHING to worry about with them. They are made perfect and they stay that way no matter if you live in the desert or the North Pole. Now THAT is a guitar!
This is a great tutorial, not only for playing 12 string but for learning arrangments in acoustic bands, the idea of finding the space for parts and not just doubling up, is vital for any band and makes for a much more rewarding sound for both players and audience. Less is absolutely more here. The number of bands i see that don't get that is why most don't progress past the basics. Space and tiny bits of silence is actually what we listen to, to make sense of the whole thing. 12 string is just part of that, and this video goes a long way to understand the basics of arrangements. (particularly acoustic, but any ensemble really) Nice work here.
Thank you very much. It's nice to hear from someone that understands the SPACE issue. A lot of folks say "so and so does a lot of wacky strumming and so and so makes it sound great". Sure, there are famous folks that use these, but they do get taxing on the ears if they are overbearing throughout a whole song. I appreciate your take on the whole thing.
I've owned a 73 12 string Alvarez, since it was born. Never poayed a 12 before but everything about it came natural. The hamonics of the one octave tuning are also a natural thing. Don't make it more complicated than it needs to be. Just keep it natural.
Gonna be honest with you. The first few minutes I thought you were full of yourself. Then, you opened a whole new world for the 12 string for me and for many others. Thank you for your time and your skill.
Actually your initial impression of Scott was the right one.
That's always everybody's favorite thing that I ever play on a 12 string. It's a song from an old band from back home in Indianapolis. They were called Buccaneer. Cool 12 string intro though and I can't help but play it every time. lol I love that part. The song has about a full minute intro of that stuff.
One thing I have learned with my 12 string is that I prefer tuning it one whole step down. There isn't as much tension on the guitar overall and it's so much more comfortable to play. Plus if I want to play along with a song that's in standard tuning all I need to do is put a capo on the second fret. Thank you Scott for another spectacular lesson.
Thanks for sharing. Which string gauge are you using?
I agree. Anybody who “teaches” people to use standard tuning on a 12 string isn’t as good as they think they are.
@12-stringchords Sure. Go with that.
Hi Scott, thanks - that was a good introduction to the 12 string topic. I do not own 12 string yet, but seriously considering buying one.
Also, as I am novice with guitar - thanks a lot for the music lesson as well, it was great.
Thank you sooooo very much!! Getting my first Dean 12 string guitar. Wanted a Martin but a little too expensive. Great teaching dude!!
I was really lucky; first time I picked up a 12 I could finger pick on it (something I was told later you can't do). I find them easy.
It's odd that if you pick them, it makes a difference which 12 string you have because some have the thin string at the bottom of the pair and some have the thick string. (If I remember correctly Rickenbackers are arse-about-face and sound good for it)
Awesome 🎵🎸🎼⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
On my 12 string for some reason towards the back frets my strings are higher up off the frets , is this accurate or can there be some adjustment to the neck make it closer to the frets, i see theres adjustment bar for allen wrentch fitting to bowe out? not sure which way to turn it , could it be my strings are to tight on my guitar? , i used a tuner to tune my guitar , it tune the guitar good , just trying to learn of a 12 string so i can use it in my music collaboration creativitys.
Great Lesson , I Appreciated : You Rock Thank You 🎼🎸🎼⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Yeah, it sounds like your truss rod in the neck needs to be tightened. That will bring the neck up closer to the strings. You can tighten it until some notes start to "fart out" on you and then loosen it little by little until all the farts go away.
@groovydjs Thank you I Appreciated .
Really interesting. Thinking strongly about a 12. But I play to myself and there are songs you can get. But you’re right mostly guitarist solo should not. I don’t think so. The onanistic guitarist can fall in love with it and thank you for showing It’s a picking thing which I love when not thrashing amp stuff. Thanks. Great video.
Hey Scott, I was just wondering why you are not a fan of electric 12 strings. I am currently about 21 minutes in and working through the video when I have time, so if you answer in the video my mistake. Lol.
Hi there Tom. I really tried to like them for the longest time. I've had a LOT of 6/12 doublenecks. I wanted to grow used to THAT sound, but the electric 12 string just always sounds too harsh SOMEHOW. I wish I could pinpoint what that is from exactly. It's just a personal thing. I just like hearing the sound of a quality chorus instead. If it's going to be a 12 string, I just really like it to be acoustic since it sounds REAL. Sure, the electric is real, but it just isn't my thing. Personal taste is all.
No wonder my guitar sounded terrible with new strings, hadn't tuned it for the octaves on top four strings, thanks much better.
So the two highest strings are identical, hm why is that? Wouldn"t it sound even better if the were different?
You can tune the guitar down a full step and then tune the top high E and B strings up an octave on those pairs.
Hi Scott, good video but I would like to add that playing a 12 string is in the craft of the musician. I good instrument and skilled player can really make a 12 string shine as a solo guitar. No other instruments required. Also I would like to say that strumming a 12 string with 'feeling" is acceptable as long as it's not being played as a camp fire strum. Equally you can also finger pick a 12 string which sounds awesome. The truth of the matter is that it does require a bit more effort and skill to accomplish a 12 string but with the right 12 string and technique the 12 string is a wonderful instrument that can be played on it's own.
Glenn Campbell/ Gordon Lightfoot
I'm with you Jim. I learned the James Taylor trick of using crazy glue to turn my fingernails into picks and play blues fingerstyle on acoustic. On 12 string it is awesome.
I applaud you for taking the time to actually tell us "how to" and not just showing us ( beginners , like me) like most tutorials ! You are a rare bird indeed . Keep up the great work and may God bless you for your efforts .
Totally agree with you
Exaxtly what I was thinking
Instablaster
Scott, what's that wonderful 12 string song you play at 14:46? You just demonstrating or is that an actual song?
Heyyy you ever found out?
I've just got a 12 string acoustic and I think strumming chords (especially open chords) sound great, in fact this is the main reason I bought a 12 string. I do agree though that gentle strumming is better than thrashing it like a 6 string, as the 12 string is louder than a 6 it is not necessary to hit the strings so hard anyway and of course the 12 string could be amplified if required (using a mic or by installing a pickup if it's not an electric/electro acoustic guitar).
Terrific Video. I recently got a Taylor 362CE -12 which is a 12 Fret with just the Six Hole saddle (2 strings each hole) and it stays in tune very well. Your video is very good, very informative and I really enjoyed it a lot.
*""THAT IS ALSO-CORRECT ONCE-AGAIN, ""YOUPLAY A TWELVE-STRINGGUITAR VERYSLOWLY, ""YOUKISS EVERYSTRING OR TOUCH EVERYSTRING ONE AT A TIME, ""A TWELVE-STRING GUITAR IS A VERYBIG-SOUND ESPECIALLY WHEN-AMPLIFIED AT A LARGE-VENUE OR A CONCERT-HALL OR A SMALL-VENUE AT 5000-SEATS""!!!!!!!!!!!*
Thanks Clive! Yeah, I often forget that my 12 string is back there. Someone watching one of my videos pointed it out to me and asked me to do a little something on 12 string playing, so...he reminded me that I even had it. lol It sounded great when I pulled it off the wall. I wish I had time to play it more.
Thank you and I thank you right back for continually checking out the stuff I toss out there. I love that folks actually find some of it interesting. lol
Firstly, I like to say that you look a bit like Meatloaf (nearly not as burly), and Jack Black. Don't take that to heart. I like Meatloaf!
At any rate, I've been playing for almost five years now (still a hack), and I purchased a 12 string about three and a half years ago. I love it and the sound that it produces. As I stated, I am pretty much a hack and I have only strummed it because it does sound better than a 6 string, even strumming. I do disagree with some of your comments about the strumming of a 12 because, as you claim, that it doesn't ring out as much as individual plucking. If so, why did Roger Hodgeson strum a 12 for 'Give a Little Bit'? Why did Gerry Beckley of 'America' use a 12 to strum 'Sister Golden Hair'? Why did Gordon Lightfoot strum a 12 for a lot of his hits? Hmm...?
Just being devils advocate. I appreciate this video lesson, and going forward, I will try to apply your teaching techniques to good use. Thanks for the great tutorial! Cheers!
I must Totally agree with you!... The video lesson was great but yes, there are MANY times when a 12 stringed guitar is strummed and sounds absolutely beautiful! Another example that comes to mind is Steve Howe of the band YES where he plays a 12 on 'And You And I' off the Close To The Edge album... The Harmonics at the beginning of the song are simply amazing!... SE
Strumming on a 12 string can sound great but you need a light touch and play delicate , don’t bang it, specially if you’re a singer a 12 string is great to be accompanied by!
*""THOSE-12-STRINGS-LIKE C.F.-MARTIN AND LARAVEE AND COLLINGS EASTMAN HAVE THAT-GREAT-BIGSOUND, ""ESPECIALLY THAT D-28 MARTIN, ""THAT D-28 MARTIN HAS A GIANTSOUND, ""IT IS BIG AND BOOMY AND GAUDY""!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*
Lol playing a 12 string isn't THAT different. You just have to be a bit more aware of what your doing. If you're a guitar player it shouldn't take you much to pick a 12 and play it. And I think you can strum all day on a 12, it sounds great and unique. But to each his own I guess
It is a much cleaner sound.
My dad taught me and he actually told me basically the same thing
you are teaching here. Kudos!
You are so very kind! Thank you very much. I'm so glad you liked this one and can use it. You made my day!
Hey Scott, Dave here from Michigan. Started playing on a 12 string at 16 "63 now". Still have my 66 guild. Want to let you know how much I admire you as a person, instructor, and player, have been spending hours upon hours with you when I can. God bless. Dave
Yep, this Alvarez is amazing. Like EVERYBODY, they make duds and they make the real champion guitars...this one is a huge winner for sure.
Cool my friend! I love to talk (as you can tell), but so many You Tube "know it all's" Keep hitting me with the SHUT UP AND PLAY thing (as they all do). But, I figure that folks that know it all....don't need lessons anyway, so I'll keep teaching them as a real teacher does. lol I'm so glad that this helps. Thanks again for asking for these things.
Scott
Listen to Doyle Dykes finger style version of Classical Gas and it will blow your mind . He has to be one of the top 12 string players there is right now .
Yeah, those Rickenbacker's suck so bad. lol Just an awful design and horrible sounding instruments.
check out John Frusciante of the Chilli Peppers on Breaking the Girl. This a great example of how a 12 string can be strummed herd and still sound excellent.
This is called "arpeggio". I do this all the time with my Rickenbacker 360/12.
When you talk about strumming a 12 string George Harrison did a good job. Personally what I find with 12 string strumming is use either a lighter pick or better still don't use a pick. It works pretty well.
Its just my opinion that if you use a super thin pick you can strum regular chords but that aside i agree that no matter what you cant play it like a six string , you can play it similar but not the same
People might think you were giving an acoustic guitar lesson but you and I both know this is a deep life lesson, clever fellow that you are.
Scott, I so appreciate you talking to us . This is the way for me to learn. 🎸. Keep doing what you do . Thank you 😊 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸
I hear you. Did I mention, MAN I HATE RICKENBACKERS? lol That whole company could be erased from history and it wouldn't bother me a single bit. They are easily on my list of most worthless "real" guitars ever made. Then again, nobody from the Beatles really ever used a real instrument of any kind that I recall. lol Nope, not a Beatles fan either. Just never did anything for me in the slightest. They could be erased too and it wouldn't bother me. Sad, I know, but true.
There’s stuff you must know and stuff you should know, but the real value is in stuff you could know. The bits tht make the real difference, so thanks for that. 😊
Absolutely!
I am 73 and played 6 string for a long time. I use to play in a band back in the late 60’s and our lead singer played an electric Gretch 12 string. I played bass and never noticed what he was doing, but we did a lot of Byrds music. I just picked up an acoustic 12 string and this was the single best lesson I’ve ever had. Thanks
much respect old timer. Im 60 been playing an old Gretch
Got my first 12-string after being a 6-string player for decades. I knew it wasn't like playing a 6, I thought it wouldn't be so hard to figure out. Well, I was kind of lost or stuck. This makes much more sense and opens up the world to play the 12 like it's supposed to be played. This is basically solo playing with some chord strums and arpeggiated, changing, chord structure with some techniques, like rakes. Watch out, World! Here I come.
I started on a 12 string, a 6 string is easier. It is like going from playing on a 6x12 snooker table all day and then moving down to a nighttime bar table to play 8 or 9, or straight pool to earn extra money . Thanks for this awesome video Brother \m/ !
Watched a few Guitar tuition vids in my time , I’m 67 now, seen a good selection , gotta say Scott Groves’ vids are probably the best, most informative, down to earth practical guitar lesson / tutorial videos you’ll ever find on the internet,
a massive thanks to him , for sharing his vast , invaluable, very highly detailed information on every aspect of the topics he covers , in his brilliant free tutorials !
I’m a bass player , fifty years and counting - semi pro level , and also a beginner intermediate guitarist and find his guidance , tutorials very useful, informative, and humorous in sections !
More power to your elbow sir( as we say here in the UK !
Thank you Scott Groves!
😅
I'm going to have to print this comment and save it in my scrapbook. SOOOO very kind of you my friend.
I can do that my friend. KISS had a few 12 string tunes...quite a few actually.
Exactly. It only takes a couple of seconds to find out how it truly needs to be played, for those that don't quite get it...then that's where this lesson comes in handy. lol
Whats the riff you play at 15.00?
I have been playing a 6 string for about 8 yrs; I bought a 12 string 2 days ago, and it has been driving me crazy and kicking my ass. (I have been strumming the shit out of it) I'm currently halfway through your video and can not explain how useful this video is! Thank you! What was that little riff you were playing near the 12th fret around 14:28 mins into this video?
I have been playing guitar (6 string) for two years and addicted - I like to pick my strings in a crazy pattern that sounds Good - will that scale to the 12 string?
I enjoyed your lesson. I got the impression long ago that a 12-string was a rhythm instrument untill I heard Leo Kottke.
The one thing I don't understand is why you tune your twelve to standard tuning when dropping it down makes it easier to play and gives a more bassy and rich tone.
I've just bought a Crafter MD-50 dreadnought style12 string guitar from a second hand shop. It was tuned to regular E but I could not see any sign of the bridge coming away luckily, but I have tuned it down to D to be on the safe side. I like the sound of open chords and i'm not keen on using a capo so to accompany songs that are in regular tuning I 'transpose' (I think that is the right term) the chords. For example if the music i'm playing along with has C F and G chords I play D G and A shapes on the tuned down 12 string which of course are really C F and G chords because the guitar is tuned down a step (I hope i'm explaining this properly).
Really liked it, when I first found your video stopped seeing it since I misjudged the intro, today I saw it, practice the lessons there I was able to follow you along, thanks for the lesson. Yes, I’ve played for many years a six string both electric and acoustic, not so much my 12 string... I think I can start enjoying more. I have a Seagull 12 strings, and yes I have to tune it every time I grab it. Great job on the lesson. Thanks
I hear you my friend. It's always the girls that end up playing 12 strings for some reason. I guess because they are simply easier to play with your fretting hand. The Tenor guitars are cool. I'll have to get me another one of those. I don't have one at the moment. You're going to make me spend more money. lol
o sexist. Girls play them because they are more nuanced and complex than 6 strings. Girls don't get the same satisfaction as boys wanking on loud 6 strings. We require more diverse range of sound.
John Denver was a Greats 12 Street picker
I went from 6 to 12 without any trouble.
My pleasure my friend. I've got another request to do tonight and then some for a great friend that I have skipped over for way too long.
Thank you for this video Scott. I sat, I listened, I learned! Do you believe in down-tuning these puppies? I have been reading some 12 players prefer dropping a full step and capo'ing it at the 2nd to play in standard. I think they are worried about broken strings and neck bowing but if you have a good quality 12 string then standard should be fine right? You are 100% right, they are not great for everything but they sure do sound pretty when picked. Cheers
Good point on those goof Rickenbackers. Horrible guitars. lol Never liked any of them. You are lucky to be able to finger pick a 12 string. I've got some little fingers and can't get in between them to pull it off. I finally just gave up on it and lived with what I CAN do on them. lol
Me too. I'll grow it back. I always do. At least twice a year.
You are so very welcome and come on back, it will be here.
Personally speaking.... I would never tune my Acoustic 12 string to E. It is far too much tension for ANY acoustic, and eventually WILL cause belly bulge, (Bowing of the top of the guitar at the bridge) raising the bridge and the strings which will raise the action and eventually destroy your guitar.
When they go out of tune a little bit then the guitar sounds like one of those charming sounding pianos that are played in the Saloons in the Western movies.
There were apparently no piano tuners in the wild west.
Awesome my friend. Everybody needs a 12 string around just for when they need THAT sound. To be stuck without one stinks. lol
@oovydjs
@UCFuEvs_baSE2v4QWtQL2dsw
Ever since I 1'st started Mandarin High School, I got a Cozart white 12 String Strat.
@oovydjs
@UCFuEvs_baSE2v4QWtQL2dsw
Ever since I 1'st started Mandarin High School, I got a Cozart white 12 String Strat.
This is a superb video. So informative, helpful, and right between the eyes with his honesty. Plus, he is an intelligent and gifted musician, IMHO! Thank you for helping so many. I hope you leave these videos on youtube.
I`ve just bought my first 12-string and your lessons are great! Regards from SWEDEN. =)
Thank you for the instruction, thinking about buying a 12 string, and this information really helps. I'll have to disagree though, about the 12 string not being a viable solo instrument. Just listen to Leo Kotte, he's the king of the solo 12 string in my opinion.
Also, a really good rendition of the style your teaching is the song Remember, by the Greg Kiln Band. Some of the greatest picking on a 12 string I've even heard! They were really a great band, but as far as know their no longer touring thee days.
Some times I don't use the unison strings when playing' I've learned how to avoid picking on them on certain songs and play it like a regular 6 string' sometimes I'll mix up playing only a unison string or a regular string individually and then blend in playing a paired set of strings along with the individual ones on certain songs.
That's how I learned because of BG flat picking and it carried over to the 12 string if that makes sense.
I don't know if that's a good thing or bad thing or if I'm just weird learning how to play that way.
Is that a common way for some players on a 12 string?
I am glad to find you. Thank you for the lesson. Awesome tips and it was worth the time spent.
You are so welcome!
Thanks for the tips. On my own with my new 12 string guitar.. makes sense now , standard tuning but a higher octave on the E , A , D @ G .. B @ E the same.. thank you... simple . New guitar new strings out of tune normally with a 6 string.. got myself a Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat... gonna have a lot of fun with this one !!!
If it's cheap, that's ok, but it has to be a GOOD cheap one. If you don't know what to look for, the guitar will HONESTLY probably fall apart (the bridge will come unglued and possibly put your eye out) in a matter of a month). So, you can not count on the sales person at all to tell you the truth about the guitar. The BEST buys are not going to be at the music store. They will be off of Craig's List at the very end or beginning of the month when people are not going to be able to pay rent.
Nope, they will be shut down soon. lol Just as Pepper2Jason said, I leave ALL video comments open at the beginning, I get to ban a few dozen people during that time and then I shut them down so that I don't have to baby sit over 500 videos. lol
Love my 12 string, thnx for the time and effort to teach us.
Respect your opinion, but there are plenty of examples of great sounding songs and performances strumming a 12 string.
......and a ton of people sound astounding using auto tune. I've heard plenty of examples and great sounding songs and performances with them using it.
I don't know where you got your information. All of my acoustics are electrics and I have the expression system in my Taylors. I think you read a response to someone else. As far as auto tune goes...I don't think you know what it is. Have you not heard it in the Peavey AT 200 guitars? It keeps every string perfectly in tune and does away with out of tune guitars. Auto Tune is the future of "In Tune" guitars. I've owned over 3, 000 guitars and am a expert on guitars. Again, whatever you read....wasn't meant for you, or you think that every response is for you? I'm not you, so I can't really tell what you are actually thinking.
agreed. give a little bit by supertramp for example. great song With a leading, strumming 12-string
@@groovydjs I will disagree on that, as I've experienced it in person. Mail man came in as I was about to buy a 12 string, he said "can i give it a try" I said Ok. Man he played Folsom prison blues like a dream, and I think it sounded great. But of course that was only one song, and I'm sure like you said it can sound like crap a lot of the times... But not all the time.
Danelectro and Rickenbacker electric 12 strings have the high string in the pair on the bottom. Interesting. I love my acoustic 12 string, but there are tunes like, (excuse my age), Mister Tambourine Man, where an electric one sounds better. Just sayin'
@ groovydjs Matthew just gave his opinion, and like he said: no offense. He's not being angry at all, just trying to maybe give some tips..
Yep, tips I don't need......he has a mouse like everybody else.....he can magically skip forward if he wants to.
LOL, yeah, they are junk guitars for sure. Most guitars that people are so amazingly proud of are just like that. The guitars will fall apart or break of you do this or that. Hell, EVERY acoustic I have will hold up through any humidity or temperatures. As soon as I paid big money for that Martin I have, less than 2 weeks went by with it on my wall and the entire front split in half. Just a humidity issue. You have to baby them SOOOOOO much that you can't actually take it to a gig.
That's for sure my friend. They really have some magic in them. People look at me like I'm crazy when the ask me what acoustics to get and when I tell them to go find an old Alvarez Yairi, they are speechless. Then they go to search for one out of curiosity and they come back and ask why they cost so much when they've never heard of them. DAMNED KIDS. LOL I just tell them...BECAUSE THEY ARE WORTH IT. I love those things. Alvarez has actually done some cool electrics with the Dana Scoop too.
I was given the 12 string guitar my dad played for over 25+ years. When I told him I wanted to learn to play he handed it to me and said here you go!
It is a Lotus and it really sounds great. My dad went to the music store and played every single 12 string guitar they had including all of the major players and he chose the Lotus over all of the others and he worked at Gibson in the 60's/70's He played it in his band and they never put a mic on it because his voice mic picked it up enough. When they put a mic down at the sound hole he would drown everyone else out.
I like this guy :-)
34:18 This Old Man aka I Love you from Barney & it kinda sounds like me playing it on a Bouzouki.
That's the first song kids would play on a Mandolin
My total pleasure. The best necks in the world do not have truss rods, those are the graphite necks. No need for them. They are the strongest things ever made and will never warp. So, to find one that way....then you've got a superb axe!
There will be cool performances. That goes without saying. But, I'm basically talking to the beginners etc. here. It's still not a great solo instrument in my opinion. SRV, I'm just not a fan. I don't dislike what he did, but I didn't find anything extremely special either. I just don't listen to other guitarists much. If I hear a lick from someone (which is rare since I don't listen to music AT ALL), then I'll snag the lick and use it in something down the road. I hope that helps a bit.
Yes I agree with Fernando, thanks for taking a steady approach explaining the do's and don'ts. had my 12 string for around 10 years, so much in love with it but what a beast to keep in tune. Always loved the sound of 12 strings but had so much trouble with snapping the high G string, finally listened to Scott tune his 12 string and now got it bang on. Big thanks to Scott Grove, give us 12 stringers more video's please.
Yeah, looks like we got a few things in common except I got a few years on you. I'm now 65 but don't give up on me yet. I still like to play and sing. I don't go out and gig anymore but I got a small "studio" in my garage. I have 8 electric and 2 acoustic guitars. I have a Gibson B.B King Lucille, Epiphone Sheraton 2, Fender Coronado, Fender American Deluxe Ash Stratocaster, Telecaster, Martin D-16 acoustic, Takamine Acoustic/Electric 12 string. My wife always asks me "How many guitars do you need?" And I reply "Just 1 more." My next one will be a Rickenbacker 360 Electric 12 string. Oh yeah, I forgot my Epiphone Les Paul Ultra 3. Have a great day and thanks for replying.
I can't begin to tell you how many questions were answered in this video. Not just 12 string but a lot applies to any guitar. I am always mesmerized when guys are playing the same notes higher on the neck like that, and now it seems really possible for me. Thanks again, I needed something like this to help me get back into playing. Just picked up a 12 string stella for very little, and am excited to get it strung up and start playing.
I just learned more in 58 mins 14 secs than in the past 3 years. Thank you Sir. its going to take a few views to soak all of this valuable info up so pls dont remove. I'm still trying to master the Boston riff at the beginning. Thanks again. AJ
Recall a compass with a pencil in it, as was used in grade school, to construct a circle. If you set the device to 10" with a ruler and then scribed a circle, your diameter would be 20" and the radius is 10". Your guitar neck is just a small arc, or slice, of that circle.Each selected radius 7.5, 9, 10, 12 etc. would yield different size circles and arcs.The fretboard is just a portion or arc of a given circle's radius.So, the s.7" Radius seems a LOT more curved and the 12" a lot more Flat.
Hey Scott, Great video btw as usual.. and I had to laugh when you said strumming it (and then grinding on all the strings back and forth) sound like crap. the reason I say that is because today I bought my FIRST 12 string guitar, China build Fender... and the first thing I did when I got home was do the G, C and D pattern and said almost the same thing.. man this sounds bad.. lol
next thing I wanted to mention was I noticed my saddle was different than yours, my E and B strings were on a slanted piece and the B was reversed from the E.. I got it from a pawn shop and it looks like a moron used a hammer to "tap" in the pegs, they are almost completely flush on a couple.. :(
You rite trying to learn 6 first ,why was it easier to start Metallica vs country what I'm interested in.
Hi my friend. Nope, we didn't get to make the trip. We have to wait until Spring. Too many people sick back there and they didn't feel it would be much of a visit to simply watch them laying in bed. lol
Bro What the hell! Wish you would have gave us your opinion on elect-acoustics...whats wrong with them!
Hi my friend. Yeah, just take the saddle out and sand off the bottom of it and keep putting it back in to find out when you are getting it close to perfect. I use a Dremel style electric sander to do it in like 10 seconds. It's a beautiful thing. Your Ibanez EW12 100% has a truss rod. You'll see it inside of the sound hole. Grab a flash light and look at the neck through the sound hole and you'll find it.
Yes, a lot of the higher end guitars do, but NONE of them can correct a 12 string. Too bad.
I have a 12 string strat that's easy to play because the strings are close enough to the fretboard.
Very helpful. I recommend playing this at 1.25 or 1.50 speed.
Nice to hear from you, ill try to practice. I was playing my 12 strings like a 6 strings guitar before. Thanks
Thank you. I hope you find the idea to your liking.
Been learning to play no for 3. Years now an always avoided 12 strings just got one in a trade nothing special epiphone dr212 trying to keep in tune an keep it basic an choosing when to use it thanks for your lessons been watching for about a year now thanks appreciate ur work Scott 🎸
My telecaster 12 has adjustable length for each string, and height adjustable left or right too.
Wow Scott . This is exactly why I ask for these lessons. Never knew any of this stuff. And when I pu a 12 string in a pawn shop or music shop I"ll stop banging on it. And yes keep talking dont assume we just know it. Thanks Again.
Wish I'd seen this when I was learning the 12 string. Unfortunately, don't think there was the internet in those days!
I had to get a whole new top put on it and it can't even leave the house because of the strict temperature and humidity restrictions on such a FINE instrument. Needless to say, no more Martin guitars for me. I'll be grabbing the Carbon / Graphite acoustics from now on. No more truss rods to deal with, no more ANYTHING to worry about with them. They are made perfect and they stay that way no matter if you live in the desert or the North Pole. Now THAT is a guitar!
This is a great tutorial, not only for playing 12 string but for learning arrangments in acoustic bands, the idea of finding the space for parts and not just doubling up, is vital for any band and makes for a much more rewarding sound for both players and audience. Less is absolutely more here. The number of bands i see that don't get that is why most don't progress past the basics. Space and tiny bits of silence is actually what we listen to, to make sense of the whole thing. 12 string is just part of that, and this video goes a long way to understand the basics of arrangements. (particularly acoustic, but any ensemble really) Nice work here.
Thank you very much. It's nice to hear from someone that understands the SPACE issue. A lot of folks say "so and so does a lot of wacky strumming and so and so makes it sound great". Sure, there are famous folks that use these, but they do get taxing on the ears if they are overbearing throughout a whole song. I appreciate your take on the whole thing.
I've owned a 73 12 string Alvarez, since it was born. Never poayed a 12 before but everything about it came natural. The hamonics of the one octave tuning are also a natural thing. Don't make it more complicated than it needs to be. Just keep it natural.
Yeah, the 12 string guitars generally come naturally and it's pretty easy to determine their strengths and weaknesses.