12-String Acoustic Guitar:
Basics
Set-Up & Position
Lesson 1

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12-String Guitar Set-Up and Preparation

First and foremost you'll want to do, before attempting to learn the 12-String Guitar, is to consider the medium and tools you are utilizing...basic measures to ensure that your 12-String is set up properly, will make your learning journey less frustrating. Remember, a 12-String is usually tougher to play than a 6-String due to the extra set of 6 strings...this makes the playing action far more stiff so it becomes that much more critical to ensure that the 12-String is adjusted properly for ease of play.

1. Check your action, height of strings above the fingerboard, on your guitar to ensure that it's not uncomfortable to play.
To do this, try pressing your strings down, fretting, to see how much tension there is...if for some reason it's very difficult to press down, have your guitar set up by a qualified instrument technician. Eye your guitar neck down down its edge to determine if your neck might be warped. This could contribute to a high action. Additionally, when first starting out, it's highly recommended that you utilize light gauge strings, not heavy or medium. For that matter, on a 12-String Guitar, the only gauge of strings I'd recommend for both the beginner and the professional, would be light gauge strings...You certainly do not want to become discouraged when first attempting to learn. If your action is abnormally high, or if you're not using light gauge strings, you may find it difficult to be inspired to practice. My first guitar was a Decca 12-String...and, the first set of strings I purchased for it were heavy gauge...not realizing that they would make it next to impossible to tune let alone play...I persevered only to learn, at a later date that I was making it far more difficult than necessary...they should outlaw heavy gauge strings for 12-String Guitars period.

2. Make sure you feel comfortable holding your guitar, especially, if you're determined to practice long hours...It can become discouraging to adhere to a practice schedule if you do not feel comfortable holding and playing your guitar. My recommendation is to first learn to play while sitting down...be sure to hold the guitar upright...do not let the guitar lay in your lap at an angle. When holding the neck, allow it to rest at the bottom of your index finger, and be careful not to let the thumb protrude over the neck. The thumb should be directly behind the neck which allows you to extend your fingers for chording. Experiment with a footrest to prop up your leg for added support on your guitar.

3. Find your inspiration...rediscover the reasons you're inspired to learn the 12-String Guitar. Categorize all of your 12-String Guitar CDs that bring you pleasure. Be sure to also get your library of instructional videos and books together (most of the 6-String Guitar learning materials will also work for 12-String)...read through all of them and become familiar with the road that's ahead. And, then sit down with your most basic lessons, whether video or book, and methodically go through every detail of preparation.

Copyright ©2004 Mickey Cochran

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