Hey gang,
Just started learning to play guitar. Not sure it is fair to call it "playing" yet, but having loads of fun. For some reason, I'm quite enamored with 12 strings, and hope to get one at some point. I've been learning on a 6 string acoustic. While learning, is their any benefit to also learning on a 12 string, or is it likely better to just stick with one guitar for now? How much more difficult would it be to learn to play on a 12 string vs. a 6 string?
Thanks for any info,
Ope
"What kind of music do you usually have here?"
"Oh, we got both kinds. We got country AND western."
You could check out David Hodge from this sites article https://www.guitarnoise.com/article.php?id=75
You can learn on both. I think there are some riffs and leads that you would probably prefer on six-string; and there are some songs that really sound great on 12-string. You can play many songs on either a six or a twelve string.
If you're just starting out, I'd stick with the 6-string for a while until you get used to some fingerings and feel comfortable with barre chords, etc. It's a bit easier to learn them with 6 strings, I think. As your finger strength develops and you've become comfortable playing chords up and down the neck, pick up a twelve string. You'll find it an easy transition.
Well we all shine on--like the moon and the stars and the sun.
-- John Lennon
I bought a 12 string not too long after I began playing. I too loved that sound.
I found out that playing one is actually more comfortable than a six stringer. the doubled strings act as a smoother platform for the tender finger tips to push on.
I would, if I were you, continue learning on a six string, there are techniques you play there that are unlikely to be played on a twelver.
This is like the electric/acoustic and acoustic/classical debates. Imho, it really doesn't matter what you use to learn on, moving to a different type of guitar later will cause you to reassess your playing and technique. Thats just how it is, the same as if I play my telecaster for a couple of weeks, then try to play something on my acoustic. There really is no 'optimal learning guitar' (again, imho), the main thing is to get stuck in and start/keep playing. Your instrument will influence how you learn, but not as much you'll influence it. And you can always try other things later.
Thanks for the info and thoughts guys. I think I read that article by David when I first found this sight around the first of the year. Looks like I forgot about it though. Always good to reread stuff until it settles in.
-Ope
"What kind of music do you usually have here?"
"Oh, we got both kinds. We got country AND western."
Play em both. That's all I could advice. You won't get bored then. 8)
