12-string - Tuning?

[Mountainmirrors]

Greetings!
I just bought my first 12-string from a friend. The bottom 4 strings are easy to tune to octave. But when I get to the high E and B strings, it's not happenning that way...
How's it tuned?

 

[Even]

both strings are exactly the same (in standard tuning). same note, same pitch.

 

[Fangar]

Yep, Unison. I might add that I would not tune it to standard pitch. I would recommend D.

Good luck

Fangar

 

[XerXes]

tune them all to fifths.
or whatever. hmmm sounds like an idea. . . .gotta go.

 

[TheGuitarMan]

Yeah, what Fangar said. Both strings should be tuned at the very least one half step down from standard tuning. You can always put a capo at the first fret.

 

[Chrisjob]

Why tune down?

 

[Kramer]

Why tune down?

Less tension on the body and neck of the guitar.12 strings adds a double load of tension from top to bottom....I have seen the bridge peel right off the body of the guitar on cheaper 12 strings that were tuned to standard tuning.

You should also loosen all the strings up on the guitar before storing the guitar away for long periods of time.

I tune to E flat most of the time unless I just have to tune to standard for a certain project or gig.

 

[Chrisjob]

Oh.....neat

 

[Dom Franco]

What brand of guitar is it?

If it's a Gibson, Martin, Taylor or such I wouldn't hesitate to tune up to concert pitch. If the bridge starts lifiting on one of these well made guitars, then a visit to a luthier is called for. A good guitar repair guy can reglue the bracing and restore the action to original condition.

Of course if it's a cheapo import, It would not be worth the money to repair it. In that case you'd better not tune it up to pitch and risk pulling off the bridge.

Dom

 

[TheGuitarMan]

CAPO. USE A CAPO.

 

[Fangar]

CAPO. USE A CAPO.

I second that.

Or I guess you could...Tune it up to G. Break that bastard to bits. Then go to a luthier, cause hey it's worth it...



Fangar

 

[mocharock]

I personaly play an Alivarez 12 string and I am playing with different tuning styles. Right now it has 8 strings and is in a open G tuning. Basically I took off the bottom 4 strings. It provides a really "warm" sound.

Every one tunes different. Be different. Tuning to E is hard on the neck like everyone has said. (it also will not stay in tune for very long as well I have experienced)