12-String Acoustic Guitar Questions & Answers

Date: Thu, 05 Feb 2004 20:03:01 -0500
Subject: having problems with my 12 string...question for mickey.

i just received a new johnson twelve string and i am having a hard time tuning it (as usual). i am tuning to dgcfad and trying to capo fret #2 and i cannot get a clean chord out of it. it should be the standard chord shapes with the capo on right? i have tried all other frets also and have had no luck. i am a little confused. any help would be much appreciated. i don't want to try to tune it up to standard and break it.

dan bright

Greetings Dan,

Yes, with the capo on, you should be able to repeat the very same chord shapes you would use without the capo...if the capo is on the 2nd fret, then you'll be exactly one whole step above...meaning the key of G would now be the key of A...in your case, and with your tuning, as you're obviously aware, you would be bringing the guitar up to standard tuning at standard pitch...which I agree, will take of unnecessary tension on your 12-string guitar neck...

If you have a hard time getting the notes to sound true, or if it's sounding muffled, my suggestions would be the following:

1. make sure there's proper tension on the capo itself...does it have a tension screw to allow you to tighten down further? If it doesn't, you might want to try a Shubb 12-String capo...

2. make sure the capo itself is placed directly behind the fret...

3. make sure when fretting the notes, you're pressing down directly behind each fret...

I'm not sure what else might be the problem...there could be a set-up problem with the guitar itself..however, I'd have to see it in person to assess this...

Mickey

Date: Sun, 30 Jun 2002 10:00:11 -0600

Greetings Mr. Cunha,

You're on the right track with a Breedlove 12-string...they have the most powerful voicing I've heard to date in any 12-string vintage or otherwise. I believe some of this to be attributed to the Bridge Doctor system of which they utilize in every guitar. The Bridge Doctor also adds support to both the bridge and top of the guitar; this would be most critical for a 12-string due to the added stress over and above an average 6-string.

Let us know exactly which Breedlove 12-string model you have an interest in...we're most happy to accommodate you.

At your disposal, Mickey