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12 String Electric Guitars – Information And Playing Technique

12 string electric guitar is just that, a guitar with 12 strings. These 12 strings are arranged in 6 courses and it is thought that a 12 string guitar has a much more ringing and richer tone and sound quality then a standard 6 string guitar. Because there are two strings on each course there is a chorus effect as the frequencies are slightly different on each string.

Tuning a 12 sting guitar is a bit different then your classic guitar. The two bass strings are tuned an octave apart while the two treble stings are tuned in unison. The tuning of the second string in the third course is up to the player. Each player has his or her own preferences and they may tune or remove strings to their discretion.

Because the tension needed to play a 12 string guitar is so strong most 12 string guitars will warp in a few years, though this is more common with acoustic 12 string guitars. In order to prevent this warping some may have non-traditional support systems which can cause the guitar to look a little odd.

The 12 sting guitar is never used for a lead part in an ensemble because it is very difficult to pluck the string individually. You also cannot bend a note very easily and remain in tune. The 12 string guitar is primarily used as an accompaniment or for rhythm. Many times you will see a 12 string guitar used in folk songs.

The appearance of 12 sting guitars in history follows a bit of a cycle as it is popular for a decade or so and then disappears for a while. This guitar became popular most recently in the 1980s when it was used in progressive rock music by t the Cure, XTC, R. E. M., The Smiths and more. However once the 1990s came about musicians lost interest.

Some famous songs that require a 12 string guitar in order to switch between tones at a live performance include Xanadu, Hotel California and Stairway to heaven. The most used and popular 12 string guitar was brought to everyone's attention by George Harrison. He played the Rickenbacker 360/12. This guitar is still the most popular 12 string electric guitar today.

Some available 12 string electric guitars include Eastwood Classic 12, Taylor T5 Standard 12 String Electric Guitar in Honey Sunburst, Fender Stratocaster XII Electric Guitar, Dean Boca 12 String electric Guitar, Gibson Memphis EDS-1275 Double Neck Electric Guitar, Epiphone G-1275 Custom Doubleneck Electric Guitar, Lug 12 Sting Electric Guitar and Rickenbacker 12 string Electric Guitar.

Before learning how to play a 12 sting electric guitar you should first be a very good player on a regular guitar. As with any well made instrument a 12 string guitar can be expensive. Generally they cost around $1, 000, though you can find 12 string electric guitars that cost $2, 000 or more. You do not want to buy an electric guitar to just have around the house but should use it fairly regularly and make sure to keep it in good condition, this way it will last longer. You will have ablast learnign how to play a 12 string electric guitar as it gives you more versatility with your playing.