12-String Standard Tuning
This tuner is preset to 12-String Standard tuning. The instrument type and tuning are locked for this page.
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Popular Songs in 12-String Standard
Practice these carefully selected songs to get familiar with 12-String Standard tuning. Each song showcases different techniques and chord progressions possible with this tuning.
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Mr. Tambourine Man
The Byrds
Roger McGuinn's jangly 12-string Rickenbacker part is one of the defining electric 12-string sounds.
Ticket to Ride
The Beatles
George Harrison's 12-string riff is a classic example of how doubled strings can make a simple guitar figure feel huge.
Hotel California
Eagles
The iconic intro uses 12-string acoustic texture for a wide, chiming arrangement.
Space Oddity
David Bowie
A useful 12-string reference for strummed acoustic texture and open-position chord movement.
More Than a Feeling
Boston
Layered 12-string-style shimmer helps the intro and clean sections feel bigger than a single acoustic.
Wanted Dead or Alive
Bon Jovi
A familiar 12-string practice target with arpeggiated open-string color and steady picking.
Why These Songs Work Well in 12-String Standard
These songs were specifically chosen because they take advantage of 12-String Standard tuning's unique characteristics. Whether it's the open chord voicings, easier fingering patterns, or the distinctive sound that this tuning provides, each song demonstrates why many guitarists choose 12-String Standard for their music. Practice these songs to develop your ear for this tuning and discover new playing techniques.
Practice Tips for 12-String Standard
- Start with the beginner-level songs to get comfortable with the tuning
- Focus on how chord shapes differ from standard tuning
- Listen to the original recordings to understand the intended sound
- Practice transitioning between 12-String Standard and standard tuning
- Experiment with the open strings to discover new chord voicings
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Learn 12-String Standard After You Tune
Use this page as a short practice route: tune to E2-E3-A2-A3-D3-D4-G3-G4-B3-B3-E4-E4, hear how the open strings behave, then move into songs, related tunings, and chord shapes that make 12-String Standard useful.
Intermediate
Best approached as a intermediate 12-string guitar tuning.
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Filter the song list by difficulty and genre once you are tuned.
12 string guitar tuner online, 12-string guitar tuner, standard 12 string tuning, E2-E3 A2-A3 D3-D4 G3-G4 notes
First practice targets
Mr. Tambourine Man
The Byrds
Ticket to Ride
The Beatles
Hotel California
Eagles
Related guides
About 12-String Standard Tuning
Use this 12 string guitar tuner online for standard 12-string tuning. It uses the same E-A-D-G-B-E course names as a normal 6-string guitar, but each course has two strings: the lower four courses are octave pairs, and the top two courses are unison pairs.
From lowest to highest, the paired string order is E2-E3, A2-A3, D3-D4, G3-G4, B3-B3, and E4-E4. The lower-pitched string gives each course its familiar guitar note, while the octave string adds the bright shimmer that makes a 12-string sound bigger than a 6-string.
The main challenge is precision. Small differences between paired strings create a natural chorus, but large differences sound sour quickly. Tune each course slowly, then recheck the whole guitar after the neck and bridge settle under the extra tension.
Many 12-string players tune down a half step or whole step for lower tension, then use a capo if they need concert pitch. Standard E tuning is common, but string gauge, guitar setup, and neck health matter more on a 12-string than on a normal acoustic.
12-String Standard Tuning Notes
From lowest to highest: E2-E3-A2-A3-D3-D4-G3-G4-B3-B3-E4-E4
6th course low string
82.41 Hz
The main low E string, matching the 6th string on a standard guitar.
6th course octave string
164.81 Hz
The thinner octave E string that adds high shimmer to the low E course.
5th course low string
110.00 Hz
The main A string, matching the 5th string on a standard guitar.
5th course octave string
220.00 Hz
The octave A string paired with the main A2 string.
4th course low string
146.83 Hz
The main D string, matching the 4th string on a standard guitar.
4th course octave string
293.66 Hz
The octave D string that brightens open D, G, C, and A chord shapes.
3rd course low string
196.00 Hz
The main G string, matching the 3rd string on a standard guitar.
3rd course octave string
392.00 Hz
The high G octave string, usually the most delicate string in a 12-string set.
2nd course pair
246.94 Hz
Both B strings are tuned in unison rather than octaves.
1st course pair
329.63 Hz
Both high E strings are tuned in unison for a doubled melody string.
Recommended String Gauges for 12-String Standard
Use a string set made specifically for 12-string guitar. Extra-light sets are easier on the neck and fingers, while light sets can sound fuller if the guitar is built for the tension. Avoid building a 12-string set from random 6-string strings unless you know the gauges and octave-string tension are safe.
Common Chords in 12-String Standard
Open E Major
A familiar E shape becomes wide and chorused because the low E, A, D, and G courses include octave strings.
Open G Major
One of the most satisfying 12-string shapes, with octave courses adding brightness to the low and middle strings.
Cadd9 and G Family Shapes
Cadd9, G, D, and Em-style shapes keep common fingers anchored and let the doubled strings ring cleanly.
Capo Shapes
Capoed open shapes work beautifully on 12-string, but use a capo wide enough and light enough to avoid pulling paired strings sharp.
How to Tune to 12-String Standard (E2-E3-A2-A3-D3-D4-G3-G4-B3-B3-E4-E4)
Start with a proper 12-string set and tune gradually. Bring all strings close to pitch before fine-tuning any one course.
Tune the 6th course to E2 and E3. The thinner string should be one octave above the thicker string.
Tune the 5th course to A2 and A3.
Tune the 4th course to D3 and D4.
Tune the 3rd course to G3 and G4. Be gentle with the high G octave string because it is thin and under meaningful tension.
Tune both strings in the 2nd course to B3.
Tune both strings in the 1st course to E4.
Strum open E, G, C, D, and A chord shapes, then recheck every course. New 12-string sets often need several passes before they settle.
12-String Standard Tuning FAQ
Quick answers for choosing strings, learning songs, and practicing this tuning.
Can I tune a 12-string guitar online?
Yes. Use this 12 string guitar tuner online to tune each paired course to standard 12-string tuning: E2-E3, A2-A3, D3-D4, G3-G4, B3-B3, and E4-E4.
What notes are in 12-string standard tuning?
12-string standard tuning uses E2-E3, A2-A3, D3-D4, G3-G4, B3-B3, and E4-E4 from lowest to highest course. The lower four courses are octave pairs, while the B and high E courses are tuned in unison.
Is 12-string guitar tuned the same as 6-string guitar?
The main course names are the same as 6-string standard tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E. A 12-string adds an octave string to each of the lower four courses and a unison partner to the B and high E courses.
Which 12-string pairs are octaves?
The E, A, D, and G courses are normally tuned in octaves. The B and high E courses are tuned in unison because octave-up B and E strings would be too high and fragile for normal 12-string sets.
Should I tune a 12-string guitar down?
Many players tune a 12-string down a half step or whole step to reduce tension, then use a capo when they need concert pitch. Standard E tuning is common, but lower tuning can feel easier on the guitar and the hands.
Do I need special strings for a 12-string guitar?
Yes. Use a string set made for 12-string guitar. The octave strings need specific light gauges, and a normal 6-string set will not give you the correct paired-string layout.
What is 12-String Standard tuning best for?
12-String Standard is especially useful for 12 string guitar tuner online, 12-string guitar tuner, standard 12 string tuning. It changes the way open strings and chord shapes feel, so spend a few minutes listening to the open strings before learning full songs.
Is 12-String Standard tuning good for beginners?
12-String Standard is an intermediate tuning. Beginners can use it, but it helps to learn the target notes first and start with slower songs before trying fast chord changes.
What songs use 12-String Standard tuning?
Popular examples in 12-String Standard include Mr. Tambourine Man by The Byrds, Ticket to Ride by The Beatles, Hotel California by Eagles. Use the song list on this page to filter by difficulty and pick a first practice target.