Tuning a 12-string guitar can seem like a daunting task, especially when compared to its 6-string counterpart. The doubled courses of strings on a 12-string guitar—where each standard guitar string is paired with another, either an octave higher or at the same pitch—create a rich, full-bodied sound. However, this also means there are twice as many strings to tune, and achieving perfect harmony among them is crucial for a pleasing musical output. A guitar tuner, whether it’s a clip-on, pedal, or software-based tuner, is an essential tool that simplifies the tuning process. In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of tuning a 12-string guitar with a tuner, ensuring that your instrument sounds its best and is ready for any musical endeavor.
Understanding the 12-String Guitar String Configuration
A 12-string guitar has six pairs of strings, and understanding their configuration is the first step towards successful tuning. The pairs are typically arranged in specific ways to create the characteristic sound of the instrument.
E Strings: The thickest pair of strings, the low E strings, consists of one string tuned to the low E note (the same as the low E on a 6-string guitar) and another string an octave higher. This doubling gives the guitar a deep, resonant bass sound.
A Strings: Similar to the E strings, the A string pair has one string tuned to the A note and another string that is an octave higher. Together, they add warmth to the lower mid-range of the guitar’s tone.
D Strings: One of the D strings is tuned to the standard D pitch, while the other is tuned either an octave higher or, in some cases, to the same pitch. This pair contributes to the fullness of the guitar’s sound in the mid-range.
G Strings: The G string pair often has one string tuned to the regular G note and another string tuned to a higher G, usually an octave above. This creates a bright, shimmering effect in the mid-high range.
B Strings: Both strings in the B pair are usually tuned to the same B pitch. Their unison tuning helps maintain clarity in the higher frequencies of the guitar’s sound.
High E Strings: The thinnest pair, the high E strings, are also tuned to the same E note. They provide the crisp, bright top-end that is essential for many melodies and chords.
Choosing the Right Tuner
The effectiveness of your tuning process depends significantly on the type of tuner you choose. There are several options available, each with its own advantages.
Clip-On Tuners: These are popular due to their convenience. Clip-on tuners attach directly to the headstock of the guitar and detect the vibrations of the strings. They are highly portable, making them ideal for gigs, rehearsals, or practicing on the go. Clip-on tuners are also relatively affordable and easy to use, simply turn them on, clip them onto the headstock, and start tuning.
Pedal Tuners: Commonly used by electric guitarists, pedal tuners are placed on the floor and connected to the guitar via a cable. They offer high precision and are often preferred in live performance settings where quick and accurate tuning is crucial. Many pedal tuners also have additional features, such as the ability to mute the guitar’s signal while tuning, preventing any unwanted noise from reaching the amplifier.
Software and Mobile App Tuners: With the advancement of technology, there are numerous software applications available for computers, smartphones, and tablets that can function as guitar tuners. These apps are convenient as they are easily accessible on devices that most people already own. Some software tuners even offer additional features like the ability to adjust the tuning pitch, view graphical representations of the tuning, and practice with a metronome.
Preparing Your Guitar for Tuning
Before you start tuning your 12-string guitar, it’s important to prepare the instrument properly.
Check the Strings: Inspect the strings for any signs of wear, breakage, or fraying. Worn-out strings can affect the tuning stability and the overall sound of the guitar. If you notice any damaged strings, it’s advisable to replace them before tuning.
Clean the Fretboard: A clean fretboard not only looks better but also helps in achieving a smoother tuning process. Use a soft cloth and a specialized fretboard cleaner to remove any dirt, grime, or excess oil from the fretboard. This can also improve the sustain and tone of the guitar.
Adjust the Action (if necessary): The action of the guitar, which refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard, can impact the tuning. If the action is too high or too low, it can cause intonation problems. You can use a string action gauge to measure the action and make adjustments using the truss rod and bridge saddles if needed. However, this is a more advanced adjustment, and if you’re not confident, it’s best to consult a professional guitar technician.
The Tuning Process
Now that you have the right tuner and your guitar is prepared, it’s time to start the tuning process.
Start with the Low E Strings: Hold the guitar in a comfortable playing position. Pluck the low E string pair gently. Look at the display on your tuner. If the needle or indicator is to the left of the center, the string is flat (too low in pitch), and if it’s to the right, the string is sharp (too high in pitch). Use the tuning peg on the headstock corresponding to the low E string to adjust the pitch. Turn the peg slowly, while continuously plucking the string, until the tuner indicates that the string is in tune. Repeat this process for the second low E string in the pair to ensure they are both tuned to the same pitch.
Move on to the A Strings: Once the E strings are tuned, move on to the A string pair. Follow the same procedure as with the E strings. Pluck the strings, observe the tuner’s display, and adjust the tuning pegs until both A strings are in tune. Remember to listen carefully for any discrepancies in pitch between the two strings.
Tune the D Strings: After the A strings, it’s time to tune the D string pair. As you tune each string, pay attention to how they sound together. The two D strings should blend harmoniously, creating a rich, full tone. Make small adjustments as needed to ensure perfect tuning.
Proceed to the G Strings: The G string pair can be a bit trickier to tune due to their higher pitch. Take your time and be precise when adjusting the tuning pegs. Pluck the strings one at a time and use the tuner to guide you. Once both G strings are tuned, play them together to check for any unwanted dissonance.
Tune the B Strings: Since the B string pair is tuned in unison, it’s important to get both strings exactly the same pitch. Pluck each string and make fine adjustments to the tuning pegs until the tuner shows that they are perfectly in tune. Listen closely for any differences in pitch, as even a slight variation can be noticeable.
Finish with the High E Strings: Finally, tune the high E string pair. Just like with the other string pairs, use the tuner to guide you in adjusting the tuning pegs. Once both high E strings are tuned, play all the strings together to check the overall tuning of the guitar.
Fine-Tuning and Checking for Intonation
After you’ve tuned all the strings, it’s important to do some fine-tuning and check the intonation of the guitar.
Fine-Tuning: Play a few chords and listen carefully for any out-of-tune notes. Sometimes, when you tune one string, it can affect the tuning of adjacent strings. If you notice any discrepancies, go back and make small adjustments to the tuning pegs of the affected strings.
Checking Intonation: Intonation refers to the accuracy of the pitch across the entire fretboard. To check the intonation, play an open string and then play the same note at the 12th fret. On a properly intonated guitar, these two notes should be in perfect harmony. If there is a noticeable difference in pitch, you may need to adjust the bridge saddles. This is a more complex adjustment and may require some experimentation. You can use a specialized intonation tool or follow online tutorials for more detailed instructions on adjusting the intonation of your 12-string guitar.
Maintaining the Tuning of Your 12-String Guitar
Once you’ve tuned your 12-string guitar, it’s important to take steps to maintain the tuning.
Limit String Bending and Vibrato (initially): When the guitar is freshly tuned, try to avoid excessive string bending and vibrato, especially in the first few minutes. These techniques can put additional stress on the strings and cause them to go out of tune more quickly.
Store the Guitar Properly: When not in use, store your guitar in a suitable case or stand. Avoid exposing the guitar to extreme temperatures and humidity, as these can cause the wood to expand or contract, affecting the tuning stability.
Tune Regularly: Even if you’re not playing the guitar, it’s a good idea to tune it regularly. Changes in temperature, humidity, and simply the passage of time can cause the strings to go out of tune. By tuning your guitar regularly, you can ensure that it’s always ready to play when you pick it up.
Conclusion
Tuning a 12-string guitar with a tuner may seem challenging at first, but with practice and patience, you’ll be able to master the process. By understanding the string configuration, choosing the right tuner, preparing your guitar, following the tuning process carefully, and maintaining the tuning, you can enjoy the rich, beautiful sound that a 12-string guitar has to offer.
