Retuning my 12 string

Subject: Retuning my 12 string
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 02:29 PM

As some of you may have seen, I have ordered a new 12 string from Nick Apollonio, which I'm really looking forward to.
It's being built to be tuned to D rather than the concert E tuning I have always used on my Tanglewood.
So I have retuned the Tanglewood to D, in order to get used to the different tuning, and I'm really enjoying it.
I am crap at transposition though, being an ear player, but I'm enjoying the challenge.
The best thing I found so far is this. By playing C shapes I'm actually in Bb, which is my favourite key :)

Subject: RE: Retuning my 12 string
From: Midchuck
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 02:39 PM

Since I don't play a lot with blues musicians, as far as keys I can play in without a capo, I find gaining F and Bb, and losing E and A, to be quite an acceptable trade off.

I find the Shubb mini-capo is lots of fun on the Apollonio. Gives you actual DADGAD instead of EBEABE as on a guitar in standard tuning. Takes some time to figure out what DADGAD chords and what standard tuning ones work....

P.

Subject: RE: Retuning my 12 string
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 02:57 PM

I don't mean open D, sorry, just concert 2 down. As in DGCFAD

Subject: RE: Retuning my 12 string
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 03:33 PM

I keep mine tuned 4 frets down - I discovered by accident one day that that's where it sounds best, and capo up as needed. Nick usually assumes that the 12s will be at least two frets down.

That means that for me, C is A, D is Bb, and G is E (I think....)

Make sure you note the string gauges that Nick recommends. I always make up my sets custom, with nickel wound 17s for the string that, were the instrument tuned to regular guitar pitch, be the B.

Dan

Subject: RE: Retuning my 12 string
From: GUEST,bankley
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 03:49 PM

I use standard tuning... and capo up for lower action...
but I'll try dropping down a tone for fun

Subject: RE: Retuning my 12 string
From: Brian May
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 03:52 PM

I currently play a Martin D12-28 and played it initially at concert - light strings at normal tuning.

Recently, I've taken to tuning it two semi tones down. like you're doing - the sound is sublime.

I've even considered taking it a further two steps down as Dan has done - I think perhaps I'd need to pick medium strings though.

Whatever you choose, I hope you have as much fun as the rest of us are having with 12 strings.

Take care and have fun - if it gets too difficult, stick a Shubb 12 string capo on the second fret and play whatever everyone else is playing!!!

Subject: RE: Retuning my 12 string
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 04:02 PM

I use Newtone Light gauge, and when needed, my Paige Capo. The best capo ever, for a 12 string.

Subject: RE: Retuning my 12 string
From: BobKnight
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 04:27 PM

Ah! The twelve string - the guitar beloved of trendy vickers.

Subject: RE: Retuning my 12 string
From: The Barden of England
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 05:27 PM

I've always had my 12 string tuned down to D. Less stress and very handy for playing in Gm.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Retuning my 12 string
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 06:34 PM

I use standard tuning with 10-47 Elixir Nanowebs on my Mugen THE78-12 and most people assume that it is a handmade £2,000 guitar - particularly when I have it out with the matching Mugen THE78 (6). Max rather liked the 6 at Ash (Canterbury) when he was over in the UK. Both benefit from Brian Rodgers setups and the 12 has a saddle with each of the 12 strings individually intoned.

I use the Shubb c7b a LOT for the mock DADGAD (well, in my case a tone up) effect. Allowing for the tone up that gives a lovely one finger E (fretting the G string at B that allows you to pick out tunes on the fatter strings below or top E and in the latter shape you can add a B on the top E string if you like). There is also a two finger D shape using the F# on the D string.   A I like best with three fingers - EAEAEA or you can do it with two as EAEAEE but there is a variants up the neck at EEEAEE.

B you can play as a 4 string internal chord omitting the E strings as BEBB or as a 6 string "thumby" as BBBF#B.