12-string players -- do you down tune, and should I?

[Guitars44me]

Good questions!

I always tune down, as I play solo, and rarely need to be in standard pitch with anyone else. Obviously, a capo at the second fret will take care of that, if needed.

D works great for me, my voice is usually really comfortable there. And I must say my left hand likes it better too…

Although, I recently scored a very nice 1995 Taylor, Leo Kottke SM 12 string. My Luthier, Tim Luranc is having fun setting it up to be played in the key of C.

Not sure whether it’s gonna work for my voice or not, but it’ll be fun finding out!

I say, give it a try and see if it works for you! You’re the only you there is, so no one else’s advice will really cut the mustard. You got a try it for yourself

Have fun and tune that thing often ! 12 strings require a lot of attention.

Cheers.

Paul

[Glennwillow]

My preference is to tune a 12-string at normal concert pitch. I do not care for that down-in-the-basement, muddy sound of a down-tuned 12-string. When I owned a Harmony 1270 12-string that was not designed for tuning at standard pitch, then I tuned it down 3 or 4 half-steps below normal. But as soon as I acquired a Guild F212 back in 1975, I started tuning to standard pitch.

My current 12-string is a Guild F-512 and it's at standard tuning. I do use light gauge (10s) PB strings that are designed for a 12-string at concert pitch.

- Glenn

[Daniel Grenier]

No right answer here. It's all on YOU and what YOU want and like etc ... Anyway, my 12 string is pretty much never in std tuning (unless it must when accompanying someone). Otherwise it's in some form of ALT tuning because that's what *I* like and prefer but that should mean nothing to you (or anyone else). Good luck and enjoy all those strings.

[Talk2Me]

I use standard tuning on my cheapo 12 string unless the material I'm playing calls for something else. Never had a problem doing that. Whether you "should"? I'd say no need and therefore no "should" but do as you please and what works for you and what you're playing.

[The Orb]

I have a fantastic Yamaha LL16-12. When tuned to standard pitch, it plays as easily as a six-string guitar and can handle the tension. But when tuned down to Eb, it has a more full-bodied sound.

[mike o]

I’m down a 1/2 step. Easier to play and I believe it sounds better. No worries about other musicians being it just me and the wife in a duo. BTW my Mustapick is a semi bari down a whole step . Not unusual for these to be in drop D or others with my 6. Love me some bass notes.

[brad4d8]

My F212 has been at concert pitch since I got it in '65, much of that time with medium strings. Did have a neck reset about 10 years ago, but not unusual for any guitar at that age. Keep XLs on it now. As others have posted, it's your guitar do what feels/sounds best to you.

[gfspencer]

I have six Martin 12-string guitars. The are all tuned to standard pitch. I use extra-light or light gauge strings.

[ghostnote]

I don’t, but not for any particular reason. I might give it a try someday if I feel like experimenting.

[L20A]

For many years, I kept all of my 12 string guitars tuned to E standard.
Recently though, most of my guitars are now tuned to either D or D#.

My old voice had gotten lower and I can't sing as high as I once did.

Todays 12 string guitars are built to handle E standard tuning but some people prefer the lower tone.
Neither way is better, just different.

In the end though,
I would think that a 12 string that lives it's live tuned to D tuning
would last a lot longer before stress/tension related problems show up.

[Silly Moustache]

I tune both of my 12 strings one tone (step) to dD-dd
I use 12/12 - 30/54 strings on both.

This gives me a different dynamic to my 6 strings and enables me (without a capo) to sing/play in D, F, or Bb which is a pleasant change.
I occasionally use a capo but increasingly rarely.

Or even in Gm :

[leew3]

Originally Posted by rmp

nope..

standard tuning,

yep, same here. Mine is a Taylor 150e, so not a $99 special, but surely an affordable 12 string-at least when I bought mine about 5 years ago.

[donlyn]

12-string players -- do you down tune, and should I?

Originally Posted by MRich

* *

Now, I've heard that "modern" 12-strings are built so that they can handle the tension of standard tuning, and the main problem with standard tuning is breaking the "octave" G if you use the wrong/wrong gauge strings.

I've heard many people say that if you have a 12-string, you should down tune by at least a half step (i.e. the E is tuned to E flat, etc.) and just capo on the 1st fret for "standard" tuning. I've even heard some people say to tune down a full step, and capo on 2.

Right now, I've got it in standard tuning.

What's your preference?

Way back in the day (1960s) I used to tune down two semi-tones to 'D' with my 12 string guitar. Seemed like the common wisdom for the times. Old habits die hard, and I still tune down my 12 string guitars, but only one semi-tone to 'D#'. I just like the lower growling sound, easier play for my old hands, and still not trusting the manufacturers that much. They are my guitars after all. Two Taylors and two Guilds are what I have to choose from. Frankly I like them all, so it really doesn't matter that much. Three full-size 17" wide Jumboes and a Grand Orchestra (a wider waisted full-size Jumbo). All are strung {.010 - .047}.

And I do use a G7th Newport 12 string capo with the compensated string pad to bring them up to 'standard' with a 1st fret capo. I don't really do that too much, but that capo works great with my 12 stringers. No need to re-tune when applying or removing the capo.

I fingerpick all my instruments using my nails as picks.

And should you tune down?
Sift through all the info, thoughts, and reasons provided. Sleep on it, and the answer will come to you.
Your mileage may vary.
De gustibus non disputandum.

Be well and play well,

Don
.

[Wade Hampton]

I tune my 12 string D to D. I just prefer the sound of a 12 string down there, nice and growly as opposed to jangly and over-bright.


whm

[musicman1951]

Standard tuning. But 50 years ago a great many of us tuned down a step.