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...and I don't know what to do with it!!

For some reason, I've had 12 string on the brain lately. I don't know why, as I've never really played one. So I went to my local music store and tried a few out. This one was sort of in my price range - A Yamaha FG-720S-12. It's got a solid spruce top. Goes for about $430 CDN.
http://www.yamaha.ca/content/guitar/pro ... atures.jsp

So I did something smart for a change and rented it for $25 bucks for the month to give it a try. But now that it's home, I don't know what to play or how to put it through its paces.

Some questions for y'all--

- Can you suggest a few good songs that lend themselves to 12 string guitar? Nothing too intricate (yet)- just some good strumming songs that would be good on a 12.

- What should I look for while playing it?

- What applications/songs would you choose a 12 over a 6, and how is it different to play.

- Alternatively, what songs should you avoid with a 12?

Those that know of me on here know I tend to like fingerpicking songs. I look at a 12 string as a guitar that would FORCE me to take on more strumming songs.

Anyways, I'll probably post a video of it as well.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

Al, take it for a spin on the 'Hotel California' lesson.

Oh yeah, prepare for some NEW calluses.

Bill

Try Pink Floyds Wish You Were Here

Thats not like you Al, Usually you just buy what you want Mr. Money bags ! lol

heatndude wrote:

Thats not like you Al, Usually you just buy what you want Mr. Money bags ! lol

My reputation precedes me!
Like I said- I did something SMART for a change.

Renting is cheating Al! You are supposed to buy a ridiculously expensive 12 string, realise you don't need or want it and then sell it for a massive loss on Ebay...

Al try almost any Gordon Lightfoot song, anything by the Byrd's or SRV unplugged songs, Life By the Drop (I have almost finished a good tab of that I can let you have where its at now)

tovo wrote:

Renting is cheating Al! You are supposed to buy a ridiculously expensive 12 string, realise you don't need or want it and then sell it for a massive loss on Ebay...

Hardy har, tony.

They actually have a pretty good deal where something like 60% of the rental fee goes towards the purchase if you choose to follow through. Would have been dumb to just buy it with all the pros to renting.

Having said that, I'm LOVING the sound of it! Just fills the room. You don't want to be unsure or tentative with a 12 string- that's for sure!

Yes Bill- "hotel cali" was the first I thought of, of course.

Chas- I didn't think of Lightfoot, but he'd sound great!
I'll pm you for 'Life by the Drop' if you don't mind.

BTW- I'm standing by for Chris to chime in any time...
...and Bear of course. Both 12 string owners last time I checked. B)

I am anxious to hear of your experiences on a 12-string. I am particularly interested in what applications you would choose to use a 12 over a 6, and how is it different to play.