6-String Guitar vs. 12-String Guitar

Guitars are fascinating instruments, and those who desire to make beautiful music can choose from a vast range of guitars. One of the most fundamental choices a guitarist must make is whether to play a 6-string guitar or a 12-string guitar.

If you’re a guitar enthusiast or musician, you may have already had the pleasure of playing both types of guitars. But for those new to guitars, it’s worth exploring the differences between these two types of instruments. 

Let’s look at the fundamental differences between these two types of acoustic guitars.

6-String Guitars

Whether electric or acoustic, six-string guitars are the most popular choice for a guitar. From classic rock anthems to contemporary pop tunes, this legendary instrument has served as the foundation for countless popular songs. The 6 string guitar can produce a variety of sounds, from soft strumming to shredding solos, due to its six strings and adaptable tuning.

Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting out, the 6-string guitar is an excellent choice. It’s a perfect instrument for expressing your creativity and connecting with others through music. You can play it solo, in a band, or even jam with friends around a campfire.

12 String Guitar

Looking to add more depth and richness to your guitar playing? Look no further than the 12-string guitar! With its wider octave higher neck, and twice as many strings as a standard guitar, the 12-string offers a unique and expansive sound that will take your music to the next level.

The additional strings of the 12-string guitar provide a fuller, richer, and louder sound, adding depth and complexity to your chords and melodies.  While the extra strings may seem daunting at first, you will experience playing the guitar on a newer level once you get a hang of it

From the folksy strumming of Bob Dylan to the epic ballads of Led Zeppelin, the 12-string guitar has been used by some of the greatest musicians of all time to create unforgettable music. It’s no wonder why so many players are drawn to its enchanting sound.

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

The 12-string guitar and 6-string guitar differ significantly when it comes to design and playability.

Headstock:

12-string guitars have longer headstocks as compared to 6-string guitars, which allows them to have more space for tuning six additional pegs.

Tension

Due to the fact that there are 12 strings, there is twice as much tension in 12-string guitars than 6 string guitars. In order to prevent breaking and warping, the guitar needs greater support and sturdiness. Typically, a stronger truss rod and a strengthened neck are used for this.

Neck Design

To account for the additional space, 12-string necks frequently differ considerably from traditional six-string guitar six-stringed ones. A wider neck is often preferred, occasionally adopting a different neck shape.

Scale Shortening

To lessen the higher string tension and stress brought on by employing doubled strings, the fret scaling and scale length are often shortened in 12-string guitars. Longer strings result in heavier tension.

Wider Fretboard

Most 12-string guitars are constructed with larger nut widths, creating a little more space on the fretboard to accommodate the extra strings.

Which Guitar Is Better – 6 String Or 12 String?

Are you looking to unleash your inner rockstar or serenade your audience with a soulful acoustic performance? Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting out, the age-old debate of 6-string vs 12-string guitar can be a tough one to crack.

 But fear not, as we explore the unique qualities and characteristics of each guitar, you’ll be well-equipped to make the right choice for your musical aspirations and playing experience!

Picture yourself shredding a blistering solo or strumming sweet melodies, the 6-string guitar is a staple for any musician. Its versatility and ease of play make it the go-to for many genres, from blues to country to rock. With each string playing a distinct note, you’ll be able to effortlessly switch between chords and nail those intricate riffs.

But what if you’re looking for something a little more exotic? The 12-string guitar could be just what you need to take your sound to the next level. The additional set of strings provides a rich, layered sound that’s perfect for folk, acoustic, and even classical music. The paired strings create a chorus-like effect that’ll transport your audience to a different realm of sonic bliss.

Ultimately, the choice between the 6-string and 12-string guitar comes down to your personal preference and style. Both instruments have unique qualities and can provide endless musical possibilities. So, whether you’re a shredder or a strummer, the guitar is the perfect tool to express your creativity and bring your musical vision to life!

6-String or 12-String Guitar For Beginners?

If you’re a total beginner, someone who’s never played a note in their life, it’s highly recommended that you go with a 6-string. Especially if you’re a younger player since your hands and fingers are still not ready for this.

Beginners who have been playing regular 6-string guitars for a while will be able to adapt to 12-string guitar techniques more easily.

One of the key factors to note is the price of the twelve-string guitars, as they’re often more expensive on average and require more investment for string replacement. While we’re at it, restringing and tuning are quite a chore on 12-string guitars and take at least double the time compared to 6-strings which might not be feasible if you’re just starting on your guitar-playing journey.

However, if you’re more interested in folk, folk-rock, and blues music, and are really fond of the 12-string tone, then they can go down this road instead.

Since there are no strict written rules about this, anyone can choose the instrument they feel like playing. But they should bear in mind that 12-strings can be more challenging.

Some people argue that you can use a 12-string guitar with only 6 regular strings on it. However, their necks and the overall string spacings are intended for 12 strings, and this may present additional difficulties for beginners.

Can A Beginner Play a 12 String Guitar?

Absolutely! Learning to play the guitar can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but deciding which type of guitar to start with can be a tough choice, especially for beginners.

Although 6-string guitars are typically advised for beginners, some daring newcomers could be drawn to the challenge of playing a 12-string guitar. The unique sound and character of a 12-string guitar can be truly captivating, and there’s something undeniably cool about mastering an instrument that not everyone can play.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that playing a 12-string guitar can be more challenging than playing a 6-string guitar. It takes time and effort to develop the strength and dexterity needed to play those extra strings, and the higher $$$ of a 12-string guitar can also be a factor to consider.

That being said, if you’re up for the challenge and willing to put in the work, a 12-string guitar can be a fantastic choice and the best guitar for you. You’ll be able to create a rich, full sound that’s sure to impress everyone around you. Just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve as you navigate those extra strings!

Ultimately, whether you choose a 6-string guitar or a 12-string guitar, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of learning to play. With time, practice, and dedication, you’ll be strumming your favorite songs and making beautiful music.

About Zager

Zager Guitars is a family-owned third-generation guitar builder that has been building guitars in Lincoln, Nebraska, since 1902. It has been rated in the top 5% of all guitar brands and has been featured in Time Magazine, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, FOX, and a multitude of national and international news media.

Many players have tried our guitars over the last 50 years because of muscle and joint pain, MS, arthritis, nerve damage, fibromyalgia, carpel tunnel, shoulder and back pain, broken fingers, and even missing fingers. Our string heights are lower, allowing you to come down on the strings from a more perpendicular angle, so you no longer have to reach over other strings muting them out.

One thing that’s very different about our guitars is the spacing between the strings side to side is slightly wider, which creates more room for the string tension from your fingers, so when you’re forming chords, you’re not accidentally leaning on strings that you don’t want, creating buzzes and rattles.

Zager 6-String Guitars 

All of the models that zager guitars offer consists of 6- string acoustic electric guitars. A few of the best sellers include

Zager ZAD80CE

Layered with solid Ceder, the ZAD80CE Rosewood  is one of the best selling acoustic electric guitars in the market. With its easy playability and affordable pricing its a good fit for any guitarist.

Zager ZAD50CE

The ZAD50CE bets no one when it comes it reliability,playability and affordability. Bang for a buck! 

Zager 12-String Guitars

The 900 series of Zager Guitars consist of 12-string acoustic-electric guitars. They are built in the 900 series full size for the best sound, due to the amount of time and dedication involved in making the 12 strings model.

Zager ZAD900CE12

Built-in Rosewood with a fishman aura sound system, the ZAD900CE12 is among the best-selling acoustic-electric guitars in the world. It is the deepest, richest sounding guitar and is 15% more powerful than our 80 Series.

Zager ZAD900VECS

The ZAD900VECS is a full-size guitar made of solid Sitka Spruce Indian Rosewood with maple binding, abalone, and pearl inlay.

FAQs

What Is The Advantage Of a 12-String Guitar?

Typically 12 String Guitars play folk, country, and rock songs. The additional strings of 12-string guitars provide a richer sound that can be compared to a 12-string instrument.

Is a 12-String Guitar Harder To Play Than a 6-String?

The 12-string – acoustic or electric – guitars are much more difficult to play than the 6-string guitars. The strings are wider along with the  neck thickness vary. The closeness also differs in the 12-string guitar, compared to a typical 6-string guitar.