The roster of artists who have played 12 string electric guitars is impressive: George Harrison, Roger McGuinn, Jimmy Page, John McLaughlin, and Alex Lifeson, among others.
Whether you're on your way toward joining them or you just play for fun, we've got some great strings for your ax. We have your favorites like the D'Addario EXL150, the Optima 3110, and the Elixir 12450, among others. And be sure to check out the custom set of 12 string electric guitar strings created by a Strings By Mail customer.
Don't see what you're after? Get your strings fast with a Special Order. In most cases, we’ll add the strings to our regular stock to make your next order even easier.
Have a question about 12 string electric guitar strings? Call 800-513-8271 to talk with our friendly music, strings, and gear experts or contact them online. They’re available Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. EST.
And remember: U.S. orders received weekdays before 3 p.m. EST ship the same day!
The roster of artists who have played 12 string electric guitars is impressive: George Harrison, Roger McGuinn, Jimmy Page, John McLaughlin, and Alex Lifeson, among others.
Whether you're on your way toward joining them or you just play for fun, we've got some great strings for your ax. We have your favorites like the D'Addario EXL150, the Optima 3110, and the Elixir 12450, among others. And be sure to check out the custom set of 12 string electric guitar strings created by a Strings By Mail customer.
Don't see what you're after? Get your strings fast with a Special Order. In most cases, we’ll add the strings to our regular stock to make your next order even easier.
Have a question about 12 string electric guitar strings? Call 800-513-8271 to talk with our friendly music, strings, and gear experts or contact them online. They’re available Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. EST.
And remember: U.S. orders received weekdays before 3 p.m. EST ship the same day!
FAQs
What are the string gauges used on a 12-string electric guitar?
The most common gauges for 12-string electric guitars is regular-light (.010’s), which keeps the feel comfortable while delivering that bright 12-string chime and solid tuning.
What is the Best string gauge for a 12-string electric guitar?
This depends on the player and the style of music. The most common gauge for 12-string electric guitars is regular-light (.010’s), which keeps the feel comfortable while delivering that bright 12-string chime and solid tuning. If you want softer fretting and easier bends, try (.008–.040, .009-.042); for heavier strumming or lower tunings, step up to (.011–.052).
How are the strings arranged on a 12-string guitar?
A 12-string guitar uses six paired “courses” tuned E-A-D-G-B-E; the lower four (E–A–D–G) are octave pairs and the top two (B, high-E) are unison pairs at the same pitch.
In most setups, the thinner octave is placed first, so when doing a down stroke the octave is hit first then the thicker fundamental.
What are the common 12-string electric guitar problems?
The common 12-string electric guitar problems are: - Tuning instability across paired courses - Persistent intonation mismatch on octave pairs - Added neck tension, causing relief and action changes - Nut/bridge binding, especially on the thin octave strings - Uneven pickup balance between string pairs
How does the construction of an electric 12-string differ from an acoustic 12-string?
An electric 12-string is built like an electric solid/semi-hollow body with magnetic pickups and fully adjustable hardware, while an acoustic 12-string uses a large resonant body, heavier top bracing, and a pin bridge to withstand the extra tension and project sound naturally.
Do I need to use a special kind of pick with a 12-string electric guitar?
You don’t need a special pick for a 12-string electric; choose one that controls the extra shimmer and double-string resistance. Most players prefer thin-to-medium (.50–.73 mm) for strumming or medium-to-heavy (.88-1.0 mm) for defined riffs.
How often should I change the strings on my 12-string electric guitar?
Change 12-string electric guitar strings when the tone or tuning fades. Typically, every 20-60 playing hours (about 2–8 weeks), sooner if you gig, sweat heavily, or use uncoated. Coated sets often last about twice as long.
How do different string gauges affect the tone and playability of my 12-string electric?
Lighter gauges jangle brighter and play easier (especially on the thin octave strings), while heavier gauges add low-end body, and tuning stability, but raise tension and can feel stiffer.
What is the difference in sound between pure nickel and nickel-plated steel strings on a 12-string electric?
Pure nickel sounds warmer and smoother with a softer attack, while nickel-plated steel is brighter and crisper with more “chime”, note separation and has a slightly higher pickup response.
Is it possible to replace just one broken string on a 12-string electric guitar?
Yes, you can replace a single broken string on a 12-string electric, but match the exact gauge, material, and course (octave vs. unison) to avoid tuning and pickup-balance issues.
What is the proper technique for tuning a 12-string electric guitar?
Use a chromatic tuner, set the main string of each pair first (E–A–D–G–B–E), then its octave/unison partner, constantly tuning up to pitch, muting the partner with a rest stroke, gently stretching, and rechecking twice.
Do I need to be concerned about the amount of winding on the tuners with a 12-string electric?
Yes, the number of tuner wraps matters for tuning stability: aim for 2-3 neat, downward wraps on the main strings and 3-4 on the thin octave/unison strings (or a single lock-wrap if you have locking tuners).
Will I need a professional setup if I change the gauge of strings on my 12-string electric?
Yes, changing the gauge of a 12-string electric almost always requires at least a light setup, because the higher or lower total tension affects neck relief, nut slot fit (especially on the thin octave strings), action, and intonation, which is ensured by the professional.
What's the best way to handle the extra string pairs when restringing a 12-string electric?
1. Handle the 12-string pairs by restringing one course at a time, 2. Install the octave string first, then its thicker fundamental partner, 3. Leaving ~1.5-2 post-lengths of slack, 4. Making 2-3 neat downward wraps (or a simple lock-wrap), 5. Gently stretch and tune up to pitch.
How does string choice affect the sound of my electric 12-string through effects pedals and amplifiers?
Lighter or nickel-plated 9–42 sets keep chorus/delay clear and push overdrives later, while heavier gauges or stainless add output, sustain, and low-end that drive earlier breakup.
How do different string materials interact with the pickups on an electric 12-string?
Nickel-plated steel usually meters the hottest with bright, balanced “chime,” stainless steel sounds even snappier with more pick attack and upper harmonics, and pure nickel runs a touch lower in output with a warmer, rounder voice (coatings can gently smooth the top end).
Why are Rickenbacker 12-string guitars strung differently?
Because the octave strings are placed below the main strings, rather than above them, which is the more common configuration. This "reverse" stringing gives them their signature jangly sound, as the heavier, fundamental strings are played on the downstroke first, creating a fuller sound with a more pronounced low end. This setup is also well-suited for fingerstyle playing.
