12-String vs. 6-String Acoustic Guitar Questions & Answers

Date: Wed, 12 May 2004 22:21:15 EDT
Subject: 6 or 12 string ?

I am 39 yrs old and have played Piano since I was 5. I want to take up Guitar. From a learning stand point should I buy a 6 or 12 string. I have been told that I can buy a 12 now and take one set of strings off in order to learn and then replace them later. What are your thoughts?

Jamie

Greetings Jamie,

With the foundation laid by piano, you shouldn't have any problem accelerating on guitar...

If you're looking to first learn to play a 6-string, then my suggestion would be to go with a 6-string. I, myself, started out on a Decca 12-string acoustic...and, what a battle that was!!? Yes, you can remove the octave strings on a 12-string and end up with a 6-string. However, the neck will be abnormally wide...meaning that you'll become accustomed to a wider neck through the learning process. This can be a drawback if you ever are looking for a 6-string acoustic after you've acquired your skills on a 12-string converted to 6...you will never feel comfortable with the standard width neck again...I know; I've tried this too.

My suggestion would be to start out with a standard 6-string acoustic...and, when and if you'd like to pursue 12-string later, you can always have both in your arsenal...and be that much more versatile for the effort.

It's best to learn on a 6-string...develop the hand strength and callouses...and then graduate to 12-string.

Mickey