twelve-string guitar
C1Specialist / Technical
Definition
Meaning
A guitar that has twelve strings arranged in six courses (pairs), with each main string paired with a thinner, tuned octave or unison string, producing a richer, fuller sound.
The term can also refer to the distinctive sound or playing style associated with this instrument, often used in folk, rock, and country music for its shimmering, chorus-like effect.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
It is a compound noun. The primary semantic feature is the number of strings, which directly relates to its unique acoustic property. It is a type of guitar, not a separate category of instrument.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The term is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes a specific, often professional or dedicated, musical interest. It is not a beginner's instrument.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, used primarily within musical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to play + (on) + [the/a] + twelve-string guitarthe sound + of + [a] + twelve-string guitarto switch from + [a six-string] + to + [a twelve-string guitar]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Academic
In musicology, the 'twelve-string guitar' is analysed for its role in the development of specific folk and rock timbres.
Everyday
"My uncle brought his old twelve-string guitar to the barbecue and played some songs."
Technical
The instrument requires a stronger neck and bridge to handle the increased string tension, and is typically tuned E-A-D-G-B-E, with the lower four courses in octaves and the upper two in unisons.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He decided to twelve-string his old acoustic, but it was a complex modification.
American English
- They wanted to twelve-string the melody line for the chorus to make it sparkle.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This song uses a twelve-string guitar. It sounds very full.
- The guitarist swapped his standard acoustic for a twelve-string guitar to achieve a richer, more resonant sound in the bridge.
- The album's distinctive texture is largely due to the pervasive use of a Rickenbacker twelve-string guitar, its chiming harmonics layering over the driving rhythm section.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the '12' on a clock face. Just as a clock has twelve numbers, this guitar has twelve strings to create its full, chiming sound.
Conceptual Metaphor
An orchestra in one instrument (due to its rich, layered sound).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque like 'двенадцати-струнная гитара'. The standard term is 'двенадцатиструнная гитара' (written as one word).
- Do not confuse with 'bass guitar' (бас-гитара) or 'acoustic guitar' (акустическая гитара); it is a specific type.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'twelve-strings guitar' (incorrect plural placement).
- Misspelling as 'twelvestring' or 'twelve string' (without the hyphen when used as a compound modifier).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common tuning for a twelve-string guitar?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, generally. The neck is wider, the action (string height) is often higher, and fretting chords requires more finger pressure due to the doubled strings.
Yes, the chord shapes are identical. However, the finger placement must be precise to cleanly fret both strings in each course.
Notable players include Roger McGuinn of The Byrds, George Harrison of The Beatles (on tracks like 'Ticket to Ride'), Pete Townshend of The Who, and Leo Kottke.
Yes, they are sold in specific sets where the strings are paired (a thicker string with a thinner octave string) for each of the six courses.