Types of Strings for a 12-String Guitar

Guitar strings have a huge impact on the sound of the guitar.

A twelve-string guitar is any acoustic or electric guitar with 12 strings placed over six courses. Such guitars produce a richer and a more ringing sound than the classic six-string guitars. Guitar strings have a huge impact on the sound as well, so the type of strings put on 12-string guitars mostly depend on what kind of music the musician wants to play.

Nylon Strings

Nylon strings are the most commonly used guitar strings. A nylon string guitar has the top six strings made out of pure nylon material, while the bottom six only have nylon cores wrapped in other metals -- usually copper, brass or bronze. These strings produce a deep, muted, bell-like tone and are suitable for folk, rock, classical, jazz and flamenco guitar. They are also a good choice for all beginners, because they create less tension and are consequently easier on the fingers.

Brass Strings

Brass strings are only appropriate for acoustic guitars, as electric guitars require strings made with magnetic alloys. Usually, brass strings are mixed with copper, tin or zinc. The tone of the strings depends on the ratio between these compounds, but generally the brass string sound is warm and bright.

Silk and Steel Strings

Silk and steel strings are a combination of standard strings and nylon strings on a single guitar. The top two strings are made out of plain steel, while the strings further down on the guitar have a nylon fiber core coated in steel. These strings produce a sound between brass strings and the softer-sounding nylon strings. They are a good choice for beginners, because they are softer and therefore more gentle on the fingers.

Bronze Strings

Guitars with bronze guitar strings produce clearer and longer resonating sounds. Sometimes bronze strings are mixed with alloy, in which case they sound deeper and are thus more appropriate for bass guitars. Bronze strings last longer than other types of strings without losing sound quality.

References

• Dean Markley Strings; Good Vibrations - A Little Primer On Your Guitar Strings; Lisa Sharken.
• Play Record: Guitar Strings Guide
• Stagebeat: Nylon Guitar Strings
• Tweakheads Lab: Choosing a Classical Guitar