12-String Guitar Riffs That Shaped Rock History
Clear guides on how to play these iconic 12-string riffs
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A 12-string guitar can provide a magical experience for players and listeners. The added octaves enrich our ears across different genres of music. Let’s look at some cool rock-orientated 12-string guitar riffs.
In this article:
12-String Guitars: What’s the difference?
For some, the 12-string guitar is a total staple when it comes to music composition or bedroom jamming. To others, however, it could be some mysterious idea that they’ve never looked into.
It does what it says on the tin, a 12-string guitar has twelve strings, as apposed to the usual six that you’d find on a conventional guitar. Each of the typical six strings, E, A, D, G, B, E, have been duplicated to create the extra strings.
But how does it work? Well, the first four strings, which are the low E, A, D and G strings all have a corresponding string one octave higher than the other. Therefore, the same note, just at a different pitch. Whereas the higher B and E strings have exact copies to accompany them. Overall, delivering a rich, bright, wonderful sound.
Mr. Tambourine Man – The Byrds
Our first 12-string guitar riff comes from 1965. Originally written by Bob Dylan, The Byrds were active at a time where other bands such as The Searchers, The Seekers and The Beatles were all experimenting with this new sound.
To accompany the main riff, we’ve got a perfect chord progression that is ideal for practising as a beginner. Working across a few open chords, your changes and muscle memory will improve with this song.
Overall, this riff hovers around the first few frets and comprises open strings with fretted notes. Fully allowing that twelve-string sound to ring out. Furthermore, you can also play this on a regular six string guitar too!
A Hard Day’s Night – The Beatles
Released in 1964, the first chord of this song has been baffling musicians for 60 years. The title track from the album, and film, of the same name, this 12-string guitar riff joins a whole host of excellent George Harrison compositions.
Similar to Roger McGuinn of The Byrds, George Harrison favoured a 12-string Rickenbacker. The jangly high end sound was a perfect contradiction compared to his Gretsch at the time. Harrison being instrumental with not only 12-string backing but lead lines.
Here, we’re looking at the solo to A Hard Day’s Night. Rhythmically, the solo consists of almost entirely semi-quavers which are also known as sixteenth notes. Therefore it’s a very fast riff with lot’s of hammer-ons. The key here is to look over the riff slowly and gradually improve the speed.
Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
Now we’re really into the Dad Rock phase of 12-string guitar riffs. Along with accolades such as Comfortably Numb and Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Pink Floyd are responsible for some of the best ballad rock music ever released.
The twelve-string part supports a melancholic guitar melody in the key of G major. The overall sombre vibe of the track relies on the opening riff.
We’re moving around the main chords of the intro, adding in some hammer-ons and open strings to create a rhythm guitar part that has all of the credentials of a standout lead section.
Hotel California – The Eagles
Staying with the 1970s, our next 12-string guitar riff opens for one of the most recognisable and talked about guitar solos ever. From the immense vocal harmonies to the precise guitar work, each section of Hotel California is a timeless masterpiece.
However, all of that creative genius comes at a price. Within this rundown of 12-string guitar riffs, this one is easily the most complex here. From challenging rhythms to unconventional chord shapes, it’s certainly one for advanced players.
The riff snakes around a chord progression with eight chords, which is unusual. Pretty much utilising the entire key of B minor. Most rock songs have a chord progression with half of the chords. Therefore, this song gets up to six minutes in length and tells a fantastic narrative as you work your way through.
Watch out! As well as a 12-string guitar, you’ll need a capo to properly capture this one. But you’ll struggle to fit your normal six-string capo on the neck of a twelve-string. Luckily, *Thomann are on hand to sort you out.
Wanted Dead Or Alive – Bon Jovi
To conclude our look at twelve-string guitar parts, we’re slap bang in the middle of the 1980s. This wild western vibe rock song has been the soundtrack to many film and TV scenes over the years.
If, like me, you cringe when you hear Livin’ On A Prayer played at any Karaoke Bar, I sympathise. However, this track is different. It’s equally well known, but has a different level of respect and is just timelessly cool. Similar to Hotel California, it has a strong 12-string guitar intro, followed by a blistering guitar solo and supported by some core vocal harmonies.
The intro riff works across the length of the fretboard, starting way up on the 14th, and concluding at the 1st fret. There’s a constant D string ringing out which really showcases the tones that a 12-string guitar can produce.
12-String Guitar Purchase Advisor
Now that we’ve looked at a couple of tracks and how to play them, let’s see what’s available to buy. With these instruments, you can spend a little to a lot, to a hell of a lot.
As a cheap way to experiment with 12-string ownership and playing, you can grab yourself a *Harley Benton D-200CE. A mahogany bodied dreadnaught acoustic guitar.
Sticking with the acoustic theme, there are other options that work their way up the price range, but you still get a quality product. Such as the class leading Custom Line from Harley Benton, or a reputable Fender 12-string.
So long as your acoustic has a good pre-amp, I think that they’re the most versatile 12-string. As you can play them at home unplugged, or take it gigging.
However, what if you want to sound more like The Beatles? Well, there are some electric options too in Rickenbacker, Danelectro and Gretsch guises. All of which are pretty pricey, but there are some cheaper counterparts.
A popular choice over the past year has been this Squier Paranormal Jazzmaster. Complete with a C profile neck, bone nut, laurel fingerboard and most importantly, 12-strings.
12-String Guitar Riffs – Time To Invest?
It’s easy to get hooked on the sound of a twelve-string guitar. If you’re stuck in a bit of a creative rut when it comes to ordinary guitar playing, why not look at getting a 12-string? They’re a refreshing step in a new direction for guitarists.
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