6-string or 12-string acoustic guitar, which one to choose? Both have pros and cons, and both are great instruments, depending on what you’re looking to accomplish with the guitar and how much you’re willing to spend. In this article, we’ll go over both guitars, which will hopefully help you make an informed decision on which one to buy.
The main difference between both guitars:
The main difference, of course, is the number of strings. On a standard-tuned 6-string acoustic guitar, there is a low E, an A, a D, a G, a B, and a high E, in that order. A 12-string acoustic has two low E, two A, two D, two G, two B, and two high E strings, all in that order. 12-string guitars have the ability to be tuned to two different tunings, while 6-string guitars do not. On the other hand, 12-string guitars also have a lot more stress on the neck, and as a result, the neck tends to warp after a few years of use.
Which one should I choose?
That’s a good question, and it depends on a few different things, all of which are discussed here:
The advantages of a 6-string
For starters, 6-string guitars are much easier to learn than 12-strings. This is due to the number of strings and how close together they are in the 12 strings. It is almost impossible to perform certain guitar techniques (such as bends) on the 12-string guitar, and much more difficult to tune the guitar and change strings. Also, string selection is complicated by the number of strings. Therefore, 6-string guitars are really ideal for those looking to play solo acoustic guitar, i.e. those who want to play a lot of single notes (not just chords) and use guitar techniques like bends/slide/hammer-ons. /pull -offs, etc. Beginners will also find it easier to learn to play guitar on a 6-string guitar than on a 12-string, for the reasons mentioned above.
The advantages of a 12-string
Despite what was said in the last paragraph, 12-string guitars have quite a few advantages. 12-string guitars produce a very rich and bright sound. This is because they have twice as many strings as 6-strings. Chords strummed on a 12-string guitar will sound much richer (better) than chords strummed on a 12-string. Also, the 12-string guitar gives you the option of using two different tunings. You can’t do that on the 6 string. Beginners can learn to play 12-string guitars, but it will take a bit more practice to master than 6-string. However, if you can master a 12-string guitar, a 6-string guitar will be very easy to play.
What to consider
Most musicians who play 12-string guitars use the 6-string guitar as their main instrument. They usually bring out all 12 strings when a song calls for a big, bright rhythmic sound. So if the songs you want to play include mostly chords (and the songs require a very rich sound), then a 12-string guitar would be a good buy, even if you’re a beginner. The learning curve on a 12-string would obviously be steeper, but it would still be doable and worth it. However, if you’re looking to play songs with chords and single notes, or simply want an instrument that isn’t as complex and difficult to learn, a 6-string guitar is your best bet. You may also want to consider the cost. Good 12-string guitars typically cost $100-200 more than good 6-string guitars. If you’re on a budget, you’ll probably want to go for the 6-string guitar.