12-String Tips You Must Know

#12stringguitar #12string #twelvestringguitar #12strings #guitartips #guitarlesson #guitartuning
In this video I'm going to show you how to unlock (or UNLESASH) the true power and magic of the 12-string by implementing a few simple tips. If you own a 12-string guitar, this video is a must watch. I've combined all of my best tips in one video! If you don't own a 12-string guitar, this video is a must watch because you're seriously missing out. The reason that many guitar players can't justify buying a 12-string is because the players that do own one...ARE PLAYING IT THE WRONG WAY! There's a reason that the 12-string was used extensively by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, The Who, Tom Petty, the Byrds, and of course Led Zeppelin. There's a reason that 20% of the songs on most TOP 100 ROCK SONGS OF ALL TIME countdowns contain a 12-string. Do yourself a favor and spend 10 minutes watching a video that will completely change your attitude and approach when it comes to playing a 12-string. Blow off the dust, put on some new strings, and get ready for some kick ass 12-string sounds.

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VANGOA 12-STRING GIVEAWAY FEB/MARCH 2024 (updated 2/24)

Thank you so much for your time and support. I truly appreciate it. -Mark

[danmccarthy]

Your comments about attitude, determination and insistence on getting all the notes to ring are the most valuable pieces of advice for me.

[biffgordon]

You are right about using arpeggios. On a 12 string less can be more! Your method of swapping G strings for finger picking is a good idea, but another option is to use the Carter Family Lick (similar to claw hammer banjo). Hit the bass notes with the thumb and strum the other notes with index and middle fingers.

[alkitzman]

Good advice on this video Mark. I have been playing for 40 years and in the last 15 years probably play a 12 string 75 percent of the time. Yes it does take extra effort to hold down especially Barre Chords on a 12. The main point of the sound is the octave strings ringing. So clean fingering is essential. One thing I would add to your tip list. Play triad chord shapes especially if you struggle barring a 12. Sorry to hear about your loss . Glad to hear a new video weekly going forward

[XFDCC]

Been kicking around getting a 12 string well ever since I saw one of your 12 string videos. Guess it’s time to buy one.

[TeleMark]

Great to pause and remember the basics. Good job Mark. Thanks

[warrennz]

I'll add one tip. When you tune a 12 string without a capo then put a capo on, you'll find the thicker strings go up in pitch slightly more than the thinner ones. This is particularly noticeable on the low E and A strings. By habit, I lower them a bit when I put a capo on, comparing them to the octave string next to them.

[resomony]

Best tips I've seen yet for the 12 string.

[thefunkgorilla]

Sounding Great Mark!! Id love to see/hear a video on John Paul Jones' twelve string work.
Hope your world is good.

[kennytamburro]

Nice video, I own a Vangoa 12 string, the high gloss black one with the gold hdwr . I tuned to standard tuning and I thought the guitar would explode . Installed a bridge doctor, tuned down 1/2 step and all is good . I capo the first fret with a tension capo to play with others in standard tuning . Un believable the build quality, intonation, playability, and beauty at this price point ! My neck is 1 7/8 width, perfect for a 12 string . Tone is great for a laminated top ! ( I am 76 years old, been playing guitar since 1963 )

[blakewilliams]

Another great video, Mark. It’s fun to see you tear it up on a 12!

[charlesmanthy]

Great Video Mark! Sorry for your loss, you are in my prayers.

[tpaine]

All good points…..Would love tab for the solo examples..Walk right in was my first fascination with 12 string way back in the 60s

[jim]

Another video full of great tips, Thanks Mark! And the Rok-loks rock!

[davebooth]

Total agreement, Mr Ranally!

Everything you say here is how to make a 12 sound great.

Add one - LEARN TO TUNE YOUR 12 BY EAR.

Get it into tune with itself, let it sing! It's not hard, particularly if you learn to tune with harmonics. That way you're not just a slave to your tuner, you're TEMPERING the tuning of your guitar and it wakes up and soars.

[stephencook]

Great comments! Especially the light picks. I have a decent horde of .6 LePiks (discontinued brand), a purple fibrylon pick shaped a little bit like Africa, good grip area, mandolin pick point, strong enough for healthy picking, soft enough for your "strike all strings" tip. I do wear them out but the supply shrink is slow. I keep close track of them, with very few "pick walks". I do not lend them out, knowing they will walk.
Overarching tip, beginner to pro, never ever settle on a cheap 12 (notice I did not say inexpensive), because a bad neck, lifting bridge, bad bracing, intonation issues, or no sustain in the box is double the headache / heartache of a cheap 6, and will kill your 12 string drive. How it feels, sounds and plays is way more important than how it looks.

[michaeljarvis]

Just now picked up an electric 12, right away I noticed that my usual heavy picks were just not likely to work out. So seeing that tip about the picks was good to hear. I knew I kept a bunch of assorted picks around.

[KeesPrins-zpmt]

So good to hear someone sing the praises of the 12-string guitar. I think it is not being used enough. I love the sound of it. It is really harder to play, though, as you pointed out with the "donut" tip.

[MrGmooney]

Great stuff! I always tune my Alvarez twelve string down a full tone, much easier to fret and protects the bridge from too much tension.

[dennishurt]

Thank you Bro! I've been playing since my early teens and always wanted to learn the 12, was intimidating. I'm 54, and went and bought a Mitchell 12. I am so jazzed to learn. I'm starting with you. I feel I would benefit the most from you because how you put it. Again THANKS BRO

[IndieTimberStudio]

I have my Gretsch Hollowbody Guitar from GearFest 2019 and it's still my favorite guitar. I've been using this for every kind of music like rockabilly, jazz and any parodies I made including Blink 182, Primus, Green Day, Crash Test Dummies, and more.