Can you learn to play on a 12?

[Riggaberto]

I want to start learning guitar, but what I really love is the 12 string. Is it feasible to learn on a 12 string, or do you have to start on a 6 realistically? I'd prefer to just ot have to buy a 6 until I get better if it's possible, but I dont know. If it's fine, just harder, I think I will get a 12, but if it's highly frowned upon, I should probably not. Thoughts?

[ivyleague14]

I had the exact dilemma when I first started. Sadly, the decision was made when I found out 6 strings are 1) cheaper and 2) much easier to tune.

I love 12 strings and plan on playing one when I get older and more experienced, but I recommend a 6 string to begin. (it wont be as bad as you think.)

Also, itll build up your strength in your fingers that is needed for 12s

[Riggaberto]

Sigh, I figured as much. I loooove the sound of 12 strings.

[daraidaaa]

You could get a 12 string I guess, but be prepared to be so frustrated that you'll throw it against the wall.

[TGaucho]

ya, you COULD start on a 12, but it will be quite a bit harder IMO than if you start with a 6. I've been playing for a while and if i play my friend's 12 string for more than 40 minutes or so my fingers start to buckle and shit. That is unpleasant (in comparison, i've never experienced such a malady on the 6, except with my pinky after several hours of playing, and that hasn't even happened for a long time now). Cool sounding guitar, but takes finger strength (and decent fingertip calluses) and it's harder to hit both strings cleanly when you're first starting out (which is one of the real struggles at the beggining of learning to play . . hitting chords cleanly). On the other hand, if you did start on the 12, it might make the 6 seem like chopped liver once you finally get around to playing one (like a medicine ball effect). I dunno . . when i was starting out, it was hard enough to get through the remedial stage without getting too frustrated (and, keep in mind, i already had 9 years of training in music theory and on sax before i ever started). Your call, but i'd start on a 6.

ps. i wouldn't let tuning play a factor in your decision. Just get a tuner, and it's no worries. There'll be plenty of time to develop your tuning ear as you learn and get comfy with the instrument

[BoogaluShrimp]

I think starting on a 12 is actually a good idea, if you are persistent. If you are likely to give up, I say no way, but eventually in the long run, if you start on a 12 string, when you do move to a 6, it will be much easier to play. But, if you can not endure some major hardships, then don't start on the 12, but just think of how much better you could get, faster.

[Riggaberto]

I already have an ear for tuning, I have 7 years of school band, and I play in a dixie land jazz band. I dont however, have any string experience.

[Rob]

I would think that a 12 would be, in general, a bad idea if you plan on doing anything more than strumming chords. Learning to pluck individual notes can be difficult on a 12 for somebody "fluent" on a 6. Barre chords, the bane of most beginners, would also be startlingly difficult.

Of course, the guitar matters, and 12-strings are where many brands differentiate themselves from others in terms of playability. One of the cheaper brands on the market with good playability is a Washburn, but they don't sound particularly good. Washburn uses the same neck design on many of their 6 and 12 string guitars, which basically means the fretboard width is the same on both. Other manufacturers use a wider neck to accomodate the strings, making it more pluckable.

In any event, I would generally advise against it.

[PhishFleck41]

I would reccomend against a 12 string, like most have said. Work your way up.

[Riggaberto]

Yeah, my sister is giving me her 6 string, see my other thread and offer me more help!

[rainracn]

I started out with a 6 and shortly thereafter began to play a 12. I think it takes alot more skill to master the 12 but it helps out in the long run. I think it would be benificial to play the same amount on both guitars

[scottzo]

I have been playing for a while now. I too would strongly advise against the 12 string. Obviously you are not going to go out and buy a 914ce, but you want something with easy playability and something that is decent enough where if you want to lower the action it won't buzz. You will be able to pick up a decent 6 much cheaper than a decent 12. This should keep your frustration down, and allow you more playing time per session. And as someone already mentioned finger strength is a big issue, especially your pinky. When I first learned I actually borrowed a friends electric. I could play it twice as long, wasn't loud enough to bother anybody, so I could play it whenever. But you can still hear and feel if your fingers are in the right spot.