What does 12 mean for guitar strings?
So for example; 12-53 means the thinnest (treble) string is a . 012 gauge and the thickest (Bass) string is a . 053. In the string industry we use these numbers just as a guide, you’ll often hear people say “I use 12’s on my Guitar” meaning they will use a 12-53 or 12-54 or 12-56 gauge set of strings.
What strings are used on a 12-string guitar?
But with a unique twist: a 12-string guitar usually has the E and B strings tuned in unison, but the other four lower strings are paired with an upper octave with a much thinner gauge. The result is an instrument that sounds enormous.
Do 12-string guitars use regular strings?
A twelve-string guitar (or 12-string guitar) is a steel-string guitar with 12 strings in six courses, which produces a thicker, more ringing tone than a standard six-string guitar. Typically, the strings of the lower four courses are tuned in octaves, with those of the upper two courses tuned in unison.
Are 12-string guitar strings different?
Construction differences The neck and body on a 12-string also have to be reinforced a bit more to handle the extra string tension, and sometimes the necks will have a shorter scale to reduce tension as well. The biggest difference you’ll notice as you play is the width of the neck.
Are thinner guitar strings easier to play?
Thinner strings are easier to bend, pick, perform legato and arpeggios and to add flavour to your playing. The downside is they don’t sound quite as chunky or produce as much power as their thicker equivalents, especially on the lower-tuned strings.
Which is better 6 string or 12-string guitar?
A 6 string has fewer strings, therefore, a narrower neck resulting in better playability. In comparison with a 12 string guitar, the player frets one note with two strings causing a wider neck and decreased playability. However, a 12 string has a richer and natural ‘chorus’ tone due to coupled octave strings.