Tuning 12 String Guitar With Tuner

Tuning a 12-String Guitar: A Comprehensive Guide Using a Tuner

Tuning a 12-string guitar can seem daunting at first, with its doubled courses of strings, but it's a manageable process with the right approach and a reliable tuner. This guide will walk you through the steps, offering tips and tricks for achieving that perfect tuning and avoiding common pitfalls. This article covers using a tuner – whether it's a clip-on, app-based, or even a dedicated tuning pedal – to achieve accurate tuning.

Why Use a Tuner?

While experienced players might rely on their ears, a tuner is invaluable, especially for beginners. It provides precise pitch readings, ensuring each string is tuned correctly relative to others. This is especially critical with a 12-string guitar due to the increased number of strings and the potential for intonation issues. Using a tuner eliminates guesswork and ensures a more consistent and enjoyable playing experience.

Choosing Your Tuner:

Several types of tuners exist, each with advantages and disadvantages. Consider these options:

• Clip-on Tuners: These are compact, easy to use, and attach directly to your guitar's headstock. They provide a quick and visual reading of your tuning.

• App-Based Tuners: Smartphone apps offer versatile tuning options, often including various tuning methods and alternate tunings beyond standard tuning. They’re convenient and often free or inexpensive.

• Dedicated Tuning Pedals: For serious players, a pedal tuner offers greater accuracy and is integrated into your effects chain.

Step-by-Step Tuning Process:

Regardless of the tuner type you choose, the tuning process is similar. Remember, tuning a 12-string guitar usually involves tuning the unison strings together. This means the two strings of each course should vibrate at the same frequency.

1. Prepare Your Guitar: Ensure your guitar is properly seated and that the strings are not excessively loose or tight.

2. Select Your Tuning: Most 12-string guitars are tuned in standard tuning (E A D G B e).

3. Start with the Thickest String (Low E): Pluck the thicker of the two low E strings and adjust the tuning peg until the tuner indicates the correct pitch. Then, tune the thinner of the two E strings to match the thicker string. Listen closely to ensure both strings vibrate together harmoniously.

4. Proceed to the Next String (A): Repeat the process for the A string course, tuning both strings simultaneously to match the correct pitch.

5. Continue Through All Strings: Work your way up the neck, tuning each course of strings in order – A, D, G, B, and high E. Always tune the unison strings together; they should sound as one.

6. Fine-Tune and Retune: Once you’ve tuned all strings, play a chord or two and listen for any inconsistencies. It's common to need to fine-tune some strings slightly after the initial tuning as they settle.

Troubleshooting:

• Strings Buzzing: Excessive buzzing often indicates a poorly-tuned instrument, or possibly a problem with action (string height) or fretwork. Check your tuning and address any potential issues.

• Difficulty Tuning: If you're struggling to keep strings in tune, this could mean the guitar needs a professional setup. Worn tuning pegs can also contribute to tuning instability.

Maintaining Your 12-String Tuning:

New strings will stretch and require more frequent tuning. Over time, strings will lose their tension naturally. Regular tuning will help maintain the guitar's intonation. Playing regularly helps the strings settle into their tuning.

By following these steps and using a tuner, you can confidently tune your 12-string guitar and enjoy playing this beautiful instrument. Remember patience is key, especially when dealing with the added complexities of a 12-string's multiple courses.