What’s the difference between 6-string and 12-string guitars?

In the world of guitars, the traditional six-string configuration is by far the most common you’ll find in stores or anywhere else. But if you’ve been around guitars a bit, you probably know that 12-string guitars exist, too.

So what’s the difference between a 6-string and a 12-string guitar, and why would a player choose one over the other?

12-String vs. 6-String Guitar: Difference in Sound

The most important difference between these two types of guitars is pretty clear: one has six strings, the other twelve. Where a 6-string guitar has one string for each note, a 12-string has a pair of strings for each note. For the two highest string pairs (B and E in standard tuning), each pathe reir usually consists of two strings of the same gauge (thickness), and both strings of each pair are tuned to the same pitch (unison). For the four lower notes (E, A, D and G in standard tuning), each pair consists of two strings of different thicknesses, with the lighter string of each pair tuned to the same note in a higher octave.

This configuration typically yields a brighter, more harmonically textured sound with a stronger attack than a 6-string guitar will produce. The response from a 12-string guitar can sound more blended compared to a 6-string, which tends to generate more clarity and definition between notes. Twelve-string guitars are often appreciated for their shimmering musical character—it’s a sound that leaps out at the audience, whether played live or recorded. You might recognize the distinctive sound of a 12-string guitar in songs like Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here,” Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’,” David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” and Led Zeppelin’s “That’s the Way.”

12-String vs. 6-String Guitar: Difference in Design

The sonic differences between 6- and 12-string guitars are immediately clear when you hear each instrument played. When it comes to design, the contrasts might be a little harder to spot. Generally, you can expect 12-string guitars to differ from 6-string guitars in these ways:

Longer headstock/peghead:

Most 12-string guitars feature a longer headstock to make room for the additional tuning machines.

More bridge pins:

Typically, 12-string guitars feature a bridge hole for every string, which is held in place with bridge pins (usually made from wood or plastic).

At Ariose, we’ve created a double-strung configuration for some of our acoustic 12-string guitars that allows each pair of strings to be held in place by a single bridge pin. That means fewer holes in the guitar’s top (the soundboard), which yields stronger projection by preserving more of the guitar’s vibration energy. It also creates a consistent string break angle, which helps create a more even response.

Wider fretboard:

Most 12-string guitars are built with a slightly wider nut width, providing a bit of extra space on the fretboard to accommodate the additional strings. This can make the neck feel a little “chunkier” in the player’s fretting hand.

For instance, the Ariose (a 6-string acoustic guitar) features a nut width of 1-¾ inches. The 12-string model from the same series of guitars, has a nut width of 1-⅞ inches.

Shorter scale length:

When tuned up to playing pitch, guitar strings exert a great deal of force on the guitar’s neck. Doubling the number of strings on the guitar adds more string tension, for which the neck must compensate in order to keep the strings at a playable height above the fretboard. To reduce the string tension and improve playability, some (but not all) 12-string guitars may be built with a shorter scale length (the length of the string from saddle to nut).

12-String vs. 6-String Guitar: Which is best for me?

Ultimately, your choice of which kind of guitar to buy is a subjective one, and only you know what feels, sounds and performs best for your playing style and practical needs. Here are a couple factors to consider as you decide.

Ability level:

Newer players may struggle with the wider neck and higher string tension that come with a 12-string guitar. They may require a bit more effort to properly hold down the strings for fretting notes and chords, and this may be difficult for inexperienced players still developing strength in the fretting hand.

More advanced players will have an easier time playing a 12-string guitar. Specialized techniques like fingerpicking are more difficult with paired strings.

Musical application:

Most players seek out 12-string guitars because they want to incorporate that shimmery, octave-rich sound into their musical toolkit. It’s an easily recognizable sound that stands out on recordings and in live situations, and 12-string guitars are often purpose-driven—that is, a player might buy one because they have a particular musical idea or need in mind.

When you think about guitars, the good old six-string is usually what springs to mind first. You see them everywhere – in music stores, on stages, you name it. But if you’ve spent any time in the music scene, you might have also come across the lesser-known 12-string beauties, right?

So, what’s the deal with these two types of guitars, and why would someone choose one over the other?

Sound – The Big Difference

Okay, let’s get into the juicy part! The most obvious difference is the number of strings – six versus twelve. A typical 6-string guitar has one string per note, keeping things straightforward. On the flip side, a 12-string packs a punch with two strings for each note. For the two highest pairs (think B and E if you’re using standard tuning), you’ve got two strings of the same thickness tuned to the same pitch. But for the lower four (E, A, D, and G), that’s where it gets interesting: each pair has one thicker and one thinner string, with the lighter one tuned an octave higher.

This setup gives a 12-string guitar a bright, full-bodied sound that’s just dripping with character. They have this lush, rich vibe to them, kind of like when you hear the shimmering notes and realize the guitar is about to steal the show. In contrast, six-string guitars project more clarity, making each note pop out a bit more distinctly. Think of all those classic tracks that made great use of a 12-string – Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here,” or Bowie’s “Space Oddity.” It’s a sound that just resonates with you!

Design – What to Look For

Now, while the sounds are pretty easy to spot, the design differences can be a little more subtle. Let’s break it down:

Longer Headstock: Most 12-string guitars come with a longer headstock to fit in all those extra tuning machines.

Bridge Pins Galore: 12-string guitars typically have a bridge for every single string, with pins that hold them in place. At Taylor, we’ve come up with a nifty double-strung configuration for some of our 12-strings that lets pairs share a bridge pin, resulting in fewer holes. This not only looks cleaner but helps with the guitar’s sound projection.

Wider Fretboard: You’ll also notice that many 12-string guitars come with a wider nut, making the neck feel chunkier when you’re fretting. For example, take the Ariose, which has a nut width of 1-¾ inches. Then there’s our 12-string, which expands that to 1-⅞ inches.

Shorter Scale Length: To balance out the extra tension those additional strings create, some 12-string guitars have a shorter scale length. This makes it easier on the fingers, keeping the action comfortable even when the strings are under a bit more pressure.

Choosing Your Guitar – What Fits You?

At the end of the day, it all boils down to what feels right for you. It’s totally a personal choice that depends on your style and what you’re looking for in a guitar.

Skill Level: If you’re just starting, a 12-string might feel like wrestling a bear – the wider neck and higher string tension can be tricky! You’ve got to build up some muscle in those fretting fingers first before tackling one. But if you’re already a bit seasoned, you’ll find it much more manageable.

Musical Goals: Many folks look at 12-string guitars for that unique sound – it’s basically a magical layer of richness that draws listeners in. It can truly elevate your music, especially if you have a specific sound or vibe in mind that you want to capture.

So, whether you’re dreaming of jamming with friends or cooking up the next big hit, just remember that the guitar you choose should resonate with you, literally and figuratively!