Allan C.,

Welcome to the wonderful world of the 12-string guitar. There have been two discussion on the forum about tuning.

One (click here) about what pitch to tune your 12 string and a second (click here) about string guages and string arrangements.

I agree with Rick that pitch depends on the manufacture of the guitar. If you bought your's new, ask the manufacturer what they recommend. If you bought it used, you may still be able to contact the manufacturer.

The range of pitch for the lowest bass string runs from B to E. I have not heard of anyone tuning to a pitch higher (God forbid!) or lower. If you get below D, you should consider at least a medium gauge string set.

Any tuning used on a six string can be used on a 12. There are some tunings that sound especially sweet on most 12's. The first to consider is dropping the lowest bass strings from E to D (or whatever relative pitch you use). This emphasizes a bass drone especially playing in the key of D. I am also quite fond of "open G" tuning, DGDBGD (from bass to treble). This one can also be used for slide work on the 12 string (had you thought about that Allan!?!). Also "open D" DADF#AD.

Enjoy the music!!

Roger in Baltimore