12-string guitar in D standard (D G C F A D)

Owners of vintage or lightly built 12-strings, and anyone who likes a 12-string that bends and plays easily.

D standard on a 12-string takes every course down a whole step: D G C F A D. It is the lowest tuning most 12-strings are happy in, and the one many players choose on older or lighter instruments to protect the neck.

The sound is darker and more relaxed than standard, and with a capo at the second fret you are back where you started.

Notes and frequencies

From the thickest string to the thinnest, at concert pitch (A4 = 440 Hz). Changed strings are highlighted.

From standard tuning

1. String 6: lower E2 down a whole step to D2.
2. String 5: lower A2 down a whole step to G2.
3. String 4: lower D3 down a whole step to C3.
4. String 3: lower G3 down a whole step to F3.
5. String 2: lower B3 down a whole step to A3.
6. String 1: lower E4 down a whole step to D4.

Tuning to D standard in TuneGlass

1. Open Settings and choose 12-string guitar.
2. Tap any string circle to open the tuning editor and choose D standard from the presets. Presets beyond the thickest string are part of TuneGlass Pro, a one-time purchase.
3. Play one string at a time. The needle turns green and the scale fills when the string is in tune. Hold a string circle to hear its reference note.

Tips

• Twelve strings coming down a whole step changes the neck relief a lot. Tune in two full passes and check the action afterwards.
• If the strings feel too loose, a slightly heavier set restores the feel while keeping the lower tension on the neck.

Questions

Related tunings

English