A 12-string guitar has six pairs of strings, and each pair must be tuned to the same note
A 12-string guitar sounds fuller and richer than a 6-string because each note is doubled. The strings are arranged in six pairs, and both strings in each pair need to be tuned to the same pitch. The thicker four pairs (the lowest four notes) have one thick string and one thinner string per pair. The top two pairs are both thin strings. You tune them in the same order as a 6-string guitar—E, A, D, G, B, E from thickest to thinnest—but you tune both strings in each pair to match.
The process takes longer than tuning a 6-string because you have twice as many strings, but the method is identical: pluck each string, listen to the pitch, and turn the tuning peg until the string matches the target note. A tuner makes this much faster and more accurate than tuning by ear alone, especially when you are starting out.
Key Takeaways
- A 12-string guitar has six pairs of strings; tune both strings in each pair to the same note using the standard tuning order: E, A, D, G, B, E.
- An electronic tuner (clip-on or pedal) is the fastest and most reliable method, particularly because the doubled strings can mask tuning errors.
- Tune the thicker string in each pair first, then match the thinner string to it by ear or with the tuner.
- New strings go out of tune quickly for the first few days, so retune every time you play until they settle.
- Check your tuning every few minutes while you play, because the extra string tension on a 12-string means pitch drift is more noticeable than on a 6-string.
Get a tuner—it saves time and prevents mistakes
A clip-on tuner is the easiest tool for a 12-string. It clips onto the headstock, reads the vibration of each string, and displays the note name and how far sharp or flat you are. Models like the Snark or Planet Waves cost $15 to $30 and work in any light. You pluck a string, watch the display, and turn the tuning peg until the needle centers or the display shows the correct note.
A pedal tuner (like a Boss TU-3) costs more ($60 to $150) but is more precise and works better on a loud stage. If you play plugged in, a pedal tuner reads the signal from your cable and is unaffected by background noise. For home tuning, a clip-on tuner is sufficient and faster to set up.
Tuning by ear alone is possible but difficult on a 12-string because the doubled strings can mask small pitch errors. If you want to learn by ear, start with a tuner and gradually trust your ear more, but keep the tuner as a backup check.
Tune the pairs in order: start with the lowest E pair
Begin with the thickest pair of strings—the low E pair. Pluck the thickest string (the very bottom one) and clip your tuner to the headstock or plug into your pedal tuner. The display will show a note name. Turn the tuning peg for that string until the tuner shows E and the needle is centered (or the display shows "in tune").
Once the thick E string is in tune, pluck the thinner string in the same pair. Turn its tuning peg until it also reads E on the tuner. Both strings should now sound identical when plucked together. Move to the A pair and repeat: tune the thick A string first, then the thin A string to match it.
Continue this pattern through all six pairs: D, G, B, and finally the high E pair. The top two pairs (B and high E) are both thin strings, so there is no thick-and-thin distinction—just tune both strings in each pair to the same note. The whole process usually takes 3 to 5 minutes with a tuner.
Check that both strings in each pair sound identical
After you tune a pair, pluck both strings together and listen. They should sound like one thick, rich note with no wavering or beating (a wobbling sound that happens when two pitches are slightly different). If you hear a wobble, one string is slightly sharp or flat. Use the tuner to check the second string again and adjust it until the wobble disappears.
The beating sound is actually useful—it tells you exactly when the strings are out of sync. As you get closer to matching them, the wobble slows down. When it stops, the strings are in tune with each other. This is why a tuner is so helpful: it removes the guesswork and lets you focus on turning the peg smoothly.
Retune every few minutes while you play
A 12-string guitar goes out of tune faster than a 6-string because there is more string tension pulling on the neck and bridge. After you finish tuning, play for a minute or two, then check the tuning again. You will likely find that at least one string has drifted slightly. This is normal and does not mean something is wrong with your guitar.
New strings are especially prone to this. When you first put on a new set, retune every 5 to 10 minutes for the first hour of playing. The strings will stretch and settle over a few days, and the tuning will become more stable. After a week, new strings hold their pitch much better.
Keep your tuner nearby while you play so you can check quickly between songs or during breaks. A clip-on tuner stays on the headstock, making it straightforward to glance at while you play.
Tune to standard tuning unless you have a reason to change
Standard tuning for a 12-string is E-A-D-G-B-E, the same as a 6-string. This is the tuning almost all 12-string music uses, and it is what your guitar was designed for. The neck and bridge are built to handle the tension of standard tuning, so stick with it unless you are experimenting with alternate tunings for a specific song.
If you do use an alternate tuning (like drop D or open G), tune the pairs the same way: both strings in each pair to the same note. The process does not change—only the target notes are different. Look up the specific tuning you want and follow the same pair-by-pair method.
Tune in a quiet space to hear pitch clearly
Background noise makes tuning harder, especially by ear. If you are tuning at home, choose a quiet room away from traffic, music, or other instruments. If you are tuning at a gig or rehearsal, use a clip-on or pedal tuner so you do not have to rely on hearing the pitch clearly.
Temperature also affects tuning. A guitar that sits in a cold car will go flat (lower in pitch) when you bring it inside to a warm room. Tune it after it has been in the room for 10 to 15 minutes so the wood adjusts to the temperature. This is especially important for 12-strings because the extra string tension makes temperature changes more noticeable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I tune both strings in a pair to exactly the same pitch?
Yes. Both strings in each pair should be tuned to the identical note. Pluck them together and listen for a smooth, rich tone with no wavering. If you hear a wobble or beating sound, one string is slightly off and needs adjustment.
What if one tuning peg is hard to turn?
A stiff tuning peg usually means the mechanism is dry or dirty. Try turning it very slowly and gently—forcing it can strip the gears. If it stays stiff, explore a tiny amount of light machine oil or 3-in-1 oil to the peg mechanism and work it in by turning slowly. If that does not help, take the guitar to a technician.
How often should I tune a 12-string?
Check the tuning every few minutes while you play, especially with new strings. After the first week, tuning usually holds better, but you should still check before each practice or performance. Temperature changes and playing tension will always cause some drift on a 12-string.
Can I use a 6-string tuner on a 12-string?
Yes. A tuner does not care how many strings your guitar has—it reads the pitch of whatever string you pluck. A clip-on tuner works the same way on a 12-string as on a 6-string. Just tune each of the 12 strings individually, following the pair-by-pair method.
Why does my 12-string sound out of tune even though the tuner says it is in tune?
The most common cause is that one string in a pair is slightly off. Use the tuner to check both strings in each pair separately and adjust until they match exactly. Another possibility is that the guitar's intonation is off, which means the frets are not perfectly positioned—that requires a technician to fix.