Why a 12 string

[The Bard Rocks]

The attraction for me is that they add a different sound (but you can use your already-acquired guitar stills to play them). The sound is also fuller, as if there were two people playing, in harmony. Like a duo with one singer. And that sound seems to fit certain songs better than others. Some just do not feel right to me if not played on a 12 string.

Yet I do not use mine regularly in day-to-day playing. When on stage or recording it plays a much greater part of my musical life. Many of the songs I use it for are ones I've played forever, ones that don't get much practice time.

[Bluemonk]

You might as well ask why a mandolin. Or why a banjo. It's a different instrument, a different sound entirely. Either you like it or you don't, or you're indifferent, but that's why.

[12FanMan]

I don't gig or play in alternate tunings. All I do is play melodies with a chord here and there, but I've been doing that for more than 50 years. I can't barre the thing. The only guy I ever knew who could was a guy a couple years ahead of me in high school. He had polio, and used hip-high crutches. That gave him the hand strength, I imagined, could snap a guitar neck if he so chose. Barre chording a 12 was easy to him.

I came across my first 12 in a Florida pawn shop in the summer of '72. There was a lot of great music caressing the airways back then. Some of those songs wouldn't leave my head until I plucked them out with my Conrad 12.

I was 19 then. I dunno what it was, but when there were emotions inside of me that needed to come out, nothing but a 12 would do that for me. Don't ask me why, but it's no different today. At the end of a day, when I'm a bit tense, my FG-820-12 drains the chains and sends me to sleep relaxed and content. May not make sense, but who cares? It works for me sans further analysis.

[martingitdave]

My enjoyment of the 12 string started as soon as I learned to play the guitar. My best friend's father was a music lover and gave him a new Yamaha 12 string. No one in the family played.

So, I would go over to his house and tune the 12 string (they were amazed by this accomplishment alone) and play his father's favorite Beatles songs. It was a good time.

I eventually got one as an adult and added it to my folk repertoire. It's also nice to have a 12 string when you play in an ensemble, or a duo. It adds texture. And, if that's not enough check out all the music from the 60s and 70s. Or, go back further to the Leadbelly, Guthrie, Seager days, etc.

[Bear Davis]

To answer your question they are simply a different sound and flavor. Also I do not personally think there are "12 string songs" as any song can be played on any guitar.

Here is a short clip I made of a Don Henley song that was originally written on piano with Bruce Hornsby. There are no rules

[mike in lytle]

Originally Posted by Bear Davis

To answer your question they are simply a different sound and flavor. Also I do not personally think there are "12 string songs" as any song can be played on any guitar.

And what kind of 12 string is that? Sounds really good!
Mike

[Steve DeRosa]

Here's a few good reasons:

[Bear Davis]

Originally Posted by mike in lytle

And what kind of 12 string is that? Sounds really good!
Mike

Thanks Mike, it is a cheap Martin x series 12 string. I think I got it for 400 bucks used.

[Glennwillow]

For me the attraction of a good 12-string is the sound. I just love the sound.

- Glenn