12-String Guitar Tuning: Octave Pairs, Standard and D Tuning

A 12-string guitar is tuned like a 6-string, E A D G B E, but every note is a pair of strings. On the four lower pairs (E, A, D, G) the second string is tuned one octave higher; on the two top pairs (B, E) both strings are tuned to the same note. Tune the main (thicker) string of each pair first, then its partner, and check that each pair sounds like one ringing note.

Standard 12-string tuning

The high G4 string on the 3rd pair is the thinnest and most fragile string on the guitar. Bring it up to pitch slowly and never overshoot.

How to tune a 12-string step by step

1. Open Struno and pick the 12-string guitar mode for the main notes, or use chromatic mode.
2. Tune the six main strings first, low E to high E, picking only the main string of each pair.
3. Switch to chromatic mode and tune each partner: E3, A3, D4, G4 for the octave strings, then B3 and E4 for the unison strings.
4. Strum each pair alone. If it "wobbles", the partner is slightly off; adjust it until the beating stops.
5. Do a second full pass. Twelve strings put a lot of tension on the neck, so the first strings drift while you tune the last ones.

Why many players tune a 12-string down

Twelve strings at standard pitch put noticeably more total tension on the neck than six. Many players tune the whole guitar down a whole step (D G C F A D, often called D tuning) or a half step, and use a capo when they need standard pitch. Check what the manufacturer recommends for your model; older and lighter-built 12-strings are often meant to be tuned down.

Tips for keeping it in tune

• Change strings one pair at a time so the neck doesn't lose all tension at once.
• New strings stretch more on a 12-string; retune several times on the first day.
• Tune the octave partners against the main string by ear at the end: an octave sounds smooth when it's right.
• If chords sound out of tune higher up the neck while open strings are fine, intonation may need a setup.

Related tunings

Most open and alternate tunings work on a 12-string too; tune the octave partners an octave above whatever note the main string goes to. See alternate guitar tunings, and our guide on how to tune a guitar for the basics.

FAQ

Are 12-string guitars harder to tune?

They take about twice as long, and the octave strings need care, but the method is the same as a 6-string.

Why are the B and E strings not in octaves?

An octave above the high B and E would need extremely thin strings at very high tension that break easily, so the top two pairs are doubled in unison.

Can I use a 6-string tuner for a 12-string?

For the main strings, yes. For the octave partners, use a chromatic tuner, which shows any note including E3, A3, D4 and G4.