Free Web Hosting Provider - Web Hosting - E-commerce - High Speed Internet - Free Web Page
Search the Web

Actually, the easiest way is to let some one else tune it... barring that, this is
The easiest way to tune a Twelve String Guitar
provided you can tune a Six String Guitar by ear!
Please study this entire page in detail before trying any of this.
This document is about tuning a Twelve String Guitar ONLY!
Do Not Use this information a 6 string guitar!
First, tune the 2nd string pair to 'A'. (or the note you tune the 2nd string pair to)
6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
           
           
           
           
           
 
1
2
3
4
5
Then hold down the 
3rd fret on the 2nd string,
tune the 4th string pair to it.
6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
           
           
         3  
           
           
 
1
2
3
4
5
Press the 2nd fret on the 4th string, tune the 1st and 6th string pair to it.
6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
           
     2      
           
           
           
 
1
2
3
4
5
Press the 3rd fret on the 6th string pair and tune the 3rd string pair to it.
6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
           
           
 3          
           
           
 
1
2
3
4
5
Then hold down the 
2nd fret on the 3rd string,
tune the 5th string pair to it.
6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
           
      2    
           
           
           
 
1
2
3
4
5
Finally, press the 2nd fret on the 5th string, and compare the 2nd string pair to it.
6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
           
  2        
           
           
           
 
1
2
3
4
5
If the 2nd fret on the 5th string, doesn't match the 2nd string pair, tune the 2nd string pair to your starting note and start over.
Please Note: The above works for most Guitars but not in all situations.
Due to the incredible amount of tension placed on the neck and top of twelve string Guitars, sometimes 50% more to nearly double that normally found on a 6 string Guitar, most 12 Strings are tuned at least one Step, (2 frets) lower than a standard 6 string Guitar. Many manufacturers recommend their Guitars to be tuned as much as two Steps (4 frets) below standard tuning. Best to always use extra light 12 string sets or lighter.
Tuning Chart For Guitar, from standard 6 string, down
6 5 4 3 2 1 Tuning 6 or 12
standard
tuning		 E A D G B E standard
tuning		 6 String only
½ step down D# G# C# F# A# D# 1 fret down 6 String (LowTune)
1 step down D G C F A D 2 frets down 6 String/ 12 string
1½ step down C# F# B E G# C# 3 frets down 6 String/ 12 string
 2 step down C F A# D# G C 4 frets down 6 String/ 12 string
2½ step down B E A D F# B 5 frets down 6 String/ 12 string
Please Note: This technique works for most Guitars but not in all situations.
Due to the incredible amount of tension placed on the neck and top of a
twelve string Guitar it's always better to tune 12 Strings much lower than standard.
Email Alinga Band & Music Supply at Music@TheMusician.8M.COM
As of this writing, Alinga Music Supply does not sell through the Internet or Mail Order Sales, nor do we ship.
Coming Soon! Guitar & Bass Strings by MAIL! (Continental USA Only.)
See us when you're in the Middle Georgia area!
Note: The above information is provided "As is". 
Alinga Music Supply assumes no liability for damage caused to any instrument by following this advice. Using this information is done at your own risk.
Copyright © 1999 George Wm. McGuire, All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
The above information is to be considered opinion.
Alinga Music Supply and George Wm. McGuire assumes no liability from its
use or for damage caused to any instrument by following this advice.
Use of this information is done at your own risk.