12 string instrument

Types of 12 string instruments

The 12 string instrument are strings that include two strings per pitch. One string is plain, while the other is a string that is wound with metal. Twelve string instruments come in different types, and each has a unique sound and purpose.

• 12 string guitar

  A 12-string guitar is a type of guitar with 12 strings instead of the usual six. The extra strings create a fuller, richer sound that is often described as jingly or chiming. The 12-string guitar is popular in folk, rock, and blues music and is used by many famous musicians, including Jimmy Page, John Lennon, and Bruce Springsteen.

• Mandolin

  The 12-string mandolin has four courses, each with two strings. The strings are tuned in unison and are one octave apart from the inner and outer strings. It produces a unique sound that is different from the 8-string mandolin. The instrument is used in various music genres, including bluegrass, folk, and classical music.

• Cittern

  A 12-string cittern is a musical instrument that belongs to the lute family. It has a wooden body and a long neck with 12 strings arranged in courses. The 12-string cittern is tuned like a guitar but with a deeper, more resonant sound. It is used in traditional music of different cultures, including Irish, Scottish, and English folk music.

• Lute

  The 12-string lute is a plucked string instrument with a pear-shaped body, a fretted neck, and usually 10 to 14 courses. The strings can be of gut, nylon, or silk, with some courses doubled by a metal string. The 12-string lute has a warm, rich sound used in classical, Arab, and Persian music.

• Harp

  A 12-string harp is a smaller version of the standard harp. It has 12 strings of different lengths, and the player plucks them with their fingers to produce music. The instrument is easy to carry and play, making it popular in folk music worldwide. The 12-string harp has a sweet, delicate sound complementing other instruments.

• Balalaika

  The 12-string balalaika is a Russian folk instrument with a triangular body and a long neck. It has 12 strings that are played with a pick, producing a bright, cheerful sound. It is used in Russian folk music and is often played in ensembles with other instruments.

Scenarios of 12 string instruments

12-string guitars have a variety of uses across different musical genres. Because of their rich sound and complex harmonics, which are ideal for both strumming and fingerpicking, they are a popular choice among musicians. Here are some of the key usage scenarios:

• Folk Music

  Because of its deep and resonant tone, the 12-string guitar is a classic instrument in folk music. It is frequently used for strumming rhythms and playing melodic lines, which gives folk songs a rich and textured sound.

• Rock Music

  In rock music, the 12-string guitar has been used to create iconic riffs and chords. The instrument, for example, was used by The Byrds in the classic song "Mr. Tambourine Man," and by Led Zeppelin in "Stairway to Heaven." Its powerful sound adds depth to rock music.

• Blues Music

  Although it is not as common as other types of guitars, the 12-string guitar can be found in blues music. It is used to create complex fingerpicking patterns and to play both melodic and harmonic elements. The instrument contributes a unique twang to blues music.

• Classical Music

  The 12-string guitar is used in classical music to play intricate fingerpicking patterns and to perform classical pieces. It requires a high level of skill to play the instrument accurately, but the result is a beautiful and intricate sound.

• Reggae Music

  In reggae music, the 12-string guitar is frequently used to play rhythm guitar. Its jangly tone complements the offbeat strumming pattern typical of reggae music, adding to the genre's distinctive sound.

• Acoustic Music

  The 12-string guitar is a popular choice for acoustic music because of its rich and full sound. It is used for both strumming and fingerpicking, adding depth and complexity to acoustic songs.

• Sea Shanties

  12-string guitars are popular tools for performing traditional sea shanties. These lengthy, rhythmic songs were used to motivate sailors while they worked on ships. The deep, resonant tone of the guitar gives these old maritime tunes a sense of authenticity and nostalgia, making them come alive.

• Worship Music

  The 12-string guitar is frequently used in worship music to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Its rich sound is ideal for playing both fast-paced praise songs and slow, contemplative worship ballads.

How to Choose a 12 string instrument

When buying a 12 string instrument, the following factors should be considered.

• Body Size and Type

  Guitar players look for different body sizes and types because they affect the sound and playability of the instrument. Generally, the bigger the guitar, the louder and deeper the sound. And the smaller it is, the quieter and higher pitch sound. The players should settle for a body size and type that is comfortable to them.

• Wood and Build Quality

  Wood type quality of a 12 string instrument has a huge impact on its sound and durability. All parts of the guitar, sound hole, and back made from high quality tonewood makes the instrument more appealing and gives it a rich sound. Players should look for a well built guitar with good quality wood.

• Neck and Playability

  The neck of a 12 string guitar is wider than a standard 6 string guitar. This is because the 12 string has to accommodate the extra 6 string. Buyers need to ensure that the neck is made from quality material and easy to play.

• Sound Quality

  The reason why one is purchasing a 12 string guitar is to get a unique sound that is richer and fuller than a standard 6 string guitar. Therefore, the sound quality should be a priority. Play the guitar to ensure it meets the set sound standards.

• Hardware and Electronics

  If buying an acoustic electric 12 string guitar, then checking the Hardware and Electronics is important. The quality of the guitar will be determined by the quality of the Hardware. Good quality hardware ensures the guitar lasts a long time.

• Budget and Value

  12-string guitars come in a wide range of prices. The cost is often influenced by the quality of the instrument and its materials. While it's important to choose a guitar that fits one's budget, it's also essential to consider the value it offers in terms of playability, sound quality, and overall durability.

Function, Feature, and Design of 12 string instruments

The function, features and design of the 12 string instrument varies because they are made by different manufacturers. Below is the function, features and design of some common 12 string instruments.

Features and Design of Guitar

• Function: A 12-string guitar is mainly used to create music, with a fuller and richer sound than a standard 6-string guitar. It is used in various music genres, including rock, folk, blues, and country.
• Features: The twelve-string guitar has twice the number of strings compared to a standard six-string guitar. The pairs of strings (one set of nylon and one set of steel) are applied to each single string, which is 4, 5, or sometimes 6.

  These strings are often placed in unison or an octave apart, and the two D strings and the two G strings are paired commonly. The paired strings create a shimmering and vibrant sound that is often described as similar to that of a 12-string guitar.

• Design: The 12-string guitar has the same body as a standard acoustic or electric guitar, but with 12 strings instead of six. It has two pairs of strings for each of the six strings, where the first pair is an octave higher than the second pair. The guitar also has a sound hole, fretboard, and other components like a six-string guitar.

Features and Design of Mandolin

• Function:Mando 12 string is used to produce bright, ringing, and harmonious sounds that are well-known in folk, bluegrass, country, and even some rock music. The instrument fits well in ensemble settings, providing both melody and harmony, and can also be used for solo performances.
• Features: The 12-string mandolin has a double course of strings, which means there are 12 strings in total. Each string pair is numbered, and the first string (the one closest to the floor when playing) is the highest-pitched. The strings are arranged in unison and octaves, and the pairs are placed on top of each other. The instrument has a teardrop shape with a flat top and a curved back. The sound hole is commonly circular or shaped like an oval, and the headstock is usually shaped like a paddle, with tuning pegs for each string pair.
• Design: The instrument is designed with a flat top and a rounded back, which helps to project sound and gives the mandolin its distinctive tone. The instrument is compact and relatively small, measuring about 23 inches in length and 10 inches in width, making it easy to hold and play. The mandolin also has a bridge, tailpiece, and fretboard, just like a guitar.

Features and Design of Ukulele

• Function: A 12-string ukulele is used to produce a rich and harmonious sound that is more vibrant and fuller than that of a standard 6-string ukulele. The instrument fits well in ensemble settings, providing both melody and harmony, and can also be used for solo performances.
• Features: The instrument has 12 strings and is paired with 6 strings, where each string is accompanied by another string. The paired strings are placed on top of each other, and when played, they produce a shimmering and ringing sound. The instrument is lightweight and small, and it can be easily carried around. It has a teardrop shape, with a flat top and a rounded back, which helps to project sound and gives the ukulele its distinctive tone.
• Design: The instrument is designed with a flat top and a rounded back, which helps to project sound and gives the ukulele its distinctive tone. The instrument is compact and relatively small, measuring about 23 inches in length and 10 inches in width, making it easy to hold and play. The ukulele also has a bridge, tailpiece, and fretboard, just like a guitar.

Q & A

Q1: How many strings do string instruments have?

A1: There is a wide range of string instruments with different numbers of strings. The most common include: 4-string instruments such as violas, cellos, and basses; 5-string instruments such as five-string violins, double basses, and pianos; 6-string instruments such as guitars, lutes, and udis; 7-string instruments such as seven-string guitars, Russian guitars, and lutes; 8-string instruments such as baritone guitars, mandolins, and Greek bouzoukis; 9-string instruments such as nine-string guitars and Indian sitars; 10-string instruments such as 10-string guitar,10-string harp guitar and 10-string mandolins; 11-string instruments such as 11-string guitar, 11-string lute, and 11-string bouzoukis; and 12-string instruments such as 12-string guitar, 12-string lute, 12-string mandolin, and 12-string balalaika.

Q2: What is the largest string instrument?

A2: The largest string instrument in the world is the octobass. It is a three-stringed instrument that is played while standing, and its strings measure up to 4 meters in length. The octobass has a deep, resonant sound that is lower than that of the double bass. It is used in orchestras to provide a unique bass foundation and in chamber music ensembles to add depth and richness.

Q3: What is the highest string instrument?

A3: The highest string instrument is the harpsichord. It has a bright, crisp sound that is ideal for Baroque and early classical music. The instrument has two keyboards, which allow the player to access a wide range of pitches. The harpsichord is used in orchestras as a continuo instrument and in chamber music ensembles as a melodic and harmonic accompaniment.