Tuning the High G String on a Twelve String Guitar
Twelve-string guitars are tuned in a similar manner to six-string guitars, but each of the six primary strings is paired with a string that is tuned either one octave higher or to the same pitch. If you don't have access to a guitar tuner, you can use the other strings on your guitar to tune the high G string. As long as the other guitar strings are in tune, using the guitar itself is convenient since you can do it wherever you are.
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Instructions
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Press your finger against the fifth fret on the high D string and pick the string to create a G note. (The high D string is two strings above the high G string.)
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Pick the high G string while the G note is ringing out.
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Listen to the difference in pitch between the two notes. Adjust the tuning peg that is connected to the high G string to change the string's pitch; turn the peg counterclockwise to increase the pitch and turn it clockwise to decrease the pitch.
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Play the G note on the D string again. Pick the high G string to check the tuning and make any necessary adjustments. Repeat this step until the pitch of the G note and the high G string match.
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Tips & Warnings
Have your guitar examined by an expert at a music store or a guitar workshop if you are having trouble tuning your guitar. The instrument may need to be intonated or may be faulty.
The high G string breaks more often than other guitar string. Make sure that you don't tune it any higher than G or it may break.
References
- "Guitar World Presents Guitar Gear 411: Guitar Tech to the Stars Answers Your Gears Questions"; Matthew Bruck; 2005
- Folk of the Wood: Introduction to Beginner 12-String Guitar Lessons
- Fret Not Guitar Repair: Guitar Intonation
