Best 12 String Guitar Songs: 2026 Essential List

That iconic jangling sound on countless classic records started with the 12-string guitar. Its rich, shimmering tone has defined entire eras, creating a chorus-like harmony that a standard six-string can't match. This list covers the essential 12 string guitar songs that showcase its unique power, from introspective folk ballads to earth-shaking rock anthems.

Why the 12-String Sound is Irreplaceable

A 12-string guitar isn't just a six-string with extra strings. It pairs each of the standard six strings with a thinner companion. The lower four pairs are tuned an octave higher, while the top two pairs are tuned in unison.

This creates a natural, lush chorusing and harmonic doubling effect. It sounds huge and atmospheric. It's the sound of sunlight breaking through trees and ringing declarations. While some try to mimic it with pedals like a chorus effect, the organic complexity of the real instrument is hard to beat.

The market for these unique instruments is growing. While the global guitar market is booming, the 12-string holds a special corner. A recent market analysis shows acoustic 12-string sales are predicted to grow 12-15% year-over-year through 2026, driven by retro revival and new interest.

The Ultimate List of 12 String Guitar Songs

We've split this list into eras and styles to help you find the perfect song to learn. Whether you're a beginner looking for easy 12 string tabs or a seasoned player wanting iconic riffs, there's something here.

The Classic Rock & Folk Foundations

These tracks wrote the rulebook. They established the 12-string as a lead voice in popular music.

1. "Turn! Turn! Turn!" by The Byrds (1965). This is ground zero. Roger McGuinn's Rickenbacker 360/12 defines the "folk rock" genre. The cascading intro is one of the most recognizable famous 12 string riffs in history.
2. "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin (1971). Jimmy Page's delicate acoustic introduction is played on a Harmony Sovereign 12-string. It's a masterclass in building dynamics with the instrument in a soft, intricate context.
3. "Hotel California" by The Eagles (1976). The twin-guitar harmony intro that launched a million campfire attempts. Don Felder and Joe Walsh used a 12-string for its rich, ringing quality that captures the song's melancholic desert vibe.
4. "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd (1975). David Gilmour used a 12-string to create the shimmering, wistful texture that opens this classic. The interplay with the lap steel guitar is devastating in its simplicity.
5. "A Hard Day's Night" by The Beatles (1964). That famous, dissonant chord? Played by George Harrison on a 1964 Rickenbacker 360/12. The Beatles' embrace of the 12-string changed the sonic landscape of the mid-60s.
6. "The Weight" by The Band (1968). Robbie Robertson's 12-string work provides the rolling, rustic backbone for this Americana masterpiece. It creates a full, narrative-driven soundscape without overpowering the vocals.
7. "Carry On Wayward Son" by Kansas (1976). The song's intro features a bright, picked 12-string acoustic, giving the prog-rock epic a layer of folk-inspired clarity.
8. "Over the Hills and Far Away" by Led Zeppelin (1973). Another Page masterpiece. The song begins with a flowing, Celtic-inspired folk passage on 12-string, blending traditional motifs with hard rock power.
9. "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" by Crosby, Stills & Nash (1969). Stephen Stills' intricate 12-string patterns form the complex, interlocking foundation of this sprawling folk-rock suite.
10. "California Dreamin'" by The Mamas & the Papas (1965). The unforgettable flute-like melody line is actually played on a 12-string guitar, giving the song its timeless, wistful character.

Heartland Rock & Country Twang

The 12-string's fullness lends itself perfectly to storytelling music, filling out the sound of smaller bands.

11. "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty (1989). The ultimate open-chord anthem. Mike Campbell's 12-string Rickenbacker provides the jangly, driving rhythm that defines this classic. It's a cornerstone for any 12-string repertoire and a great starting point.
12. "Wanted Dead or Alive" by Bon Jovi (1986). Richie Sambora used a 12-string acoustic to create the song's spacious, "cowboy on a steel horse" atmosphere.
13. "More Than a Feeling" by Boston (1976). Tom Scholz layered multiple guitar tracks, and a 12-string is a key component in the clean, arpeggiated verses, adding shimmer and width.
14. "Maggie May" by Rod Stewart (1971). Ron Wood's melodic, introspective 12-string intro is instantly recognizable.
15. "The Sound of Silence" (Disturbed version, 2015). This powerful cover features a prominent, haunting 12-string acoustic line that modernizes the arrangement while honoring its folk roots.
16. "Take It Easy" by The Eagles (1972). Bernie Leadon's 12-string intro is a sunny, optimistic counterpart to the laid-back lyrical narrative.
17. "Night Moves" by Bob Seger (1976). The 12-string acoustic adds a layer of nostalgic warmth and texture to Seger's recollection of youth.

Modern & Alternative Essentials

The 12-string never left. It continues to shape the sound of indie, alternative, and modern rock.

18. "Losing My Religion" by R.E.M. (1991). Peter Buck's 12-string Rickenbacker work is crucial to the album's jangly, folk-pop aesthetic. It's a textbook example in a post-punk context.
19. "Today" by The Smashing Pumpkins (1993). Billy Corgan used a 12-string electric for the song's deceptively bright main riff, which contrasts with darker lyrical themes.
20. "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve (1997). The iconic string sample dominates, but a driving 12-string acoustic rhythm provides the song's relentless forward motion.
21. "She Talks to Angels" by The Black Crowes (1990). Rich Robinson's open-G tuned 12-string gives this bluesy ballad its deep, resonant, and slightly psychedelic swirl.
22. "Drops of Jupiter" by Train (2001). The song's opening is a clean, picked 12-string line that evokes the vast, celestial journey in the lyrics.
23. "I Will Follow You into the Dark" by Death Cab for Cutie (2005). A stark, beautiful example. Ben Gibbard's lone 12-string acoustic and voice make the intimate lyrics feel immense.

Acoustic 12 String Tracks for Fingerstyle & Atmosphere

Here, the instrument stands alone, showcasing its natural resonance and harmonic depth.

24. "Dear Prudence" by The Beatles (1968). John Lennon fingerpicks a 12-string in this hypnotic, spiraling composition. The doubled strings create a mesmerizing flow of sound.
25. "Never Going Back Again" by Fleetwood Mac (1977). Lindsey Buckingham's fiendishly difficult fingerpicking piece is played on a 12-string. The instrument's natural chorus enhances the intricate pattern.
26. "The Rain Song" by Led Zeppelin (1973). Page used a custom-tuned 12-string to create one of the most beautiful, melancholic acoustic pieces in rock.
27. "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac (1975). Stevie Nicks wrote it, but Buckingham's delicate 12-string accompaniment frames her vulnerable vocal perfectly.
28. "Going to California" by Led Zeppelin (1971). A gentle, mandolin-and-12-string driven ode. It creates a pastoral, storytelling mood.
29. "Tangerine" by Led Zeppelin (1970). Page's 12-string work here is lush and melodic, supporting one of the band's most beautiful love songs.
30. "The Boxer" by Simon & Garfunkel (1969). The famous "lie-la-lie" chorus is punctuated by a deep, resonant 12-string, adding gravity to the folk arrangement.

Playing 12 String Guitar: Tips, Pain Points, and Gear

Loving the sound is one thing. Playing one is another.

Common Challenges (The Pain Points)

Research shows tuning and playability are the biggest barriers for players.

Pain Point	Why It Happens	Practical Solution
Stays in tune	Double the strings means double the tension and friction at the nut and bridge. Any binding causes tuning instability.	Use graphite (pencil lead) in the nut slots. Stretch strings meticulously. Consider a professional setup with a well-cut nut.
Hard to play	Higher tension and a wider neck demand more hand strength. Barre chords can be tough.	Start slow. Focus on open chords. Build strength over time. Ask a tech to set the action (string height) as low as comfortably possible.
Restringing is a chore	It's simply more work.	Take your time. Do one pair at a time to maintain bridge tension. Use a solid process. It gets faster with practice.
Less versatile for solos	The string pairs and width make fast lead work and string bending difficult.	Embrace its strength: it's a rhythm and texture powerhouse. Use it for what it does best.

Choosing Your 12-String Guitar

You have two main paths: acoustic or electric.

• Acoustic 12-String: This is the classic, full-bodied sound. Brands like Taylor, Martin, and Guild make excellent models. For beginners, a Fender CD-60SCE 12-String or a Yamaha offer great value. A good setup is non-negotiable for playability. If you love the acoustic sound, you can explore our guide on finding the best acoustic guitar under $500 for foundational buying principles.
• Electric 12-String: The king of jangle. The Rickenbacker 360/12 is the holy grail. More affordable options include the Fender Electric XII and models from Danelectro. The electric 12-string market is seeing its own revival, with market data indicating 8-10% growth driven by vintage aesthetics.

Signal Chain Tips

For electric players, the right amp and pedals matter. A clean or slightly broken-up amp setting preserves the 12-string's complexity. A chorus pedal can enhance the natural doubling, but use it subtly. A compressor can help even out dynamics.

For broader tone shaping, understanding the difference between tube amp vs solid state amplification is a huge help. If you record your 12-string, learning about proper acoustic guitar humidification is vital to protect your instrument.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 12-string guitar harder to play than a 6-string?

Yes, initially. It requires more finger pressure due to higher string tension and has a wider neck. Techniques like barre chords are more challenging. However, for strumming open chords, many players adapt quickly. Building hand strength and ensuring a good, professional setup are the keys.

Can I put 12-string strings on a 6-string guitar?

No, you should never do this. The tension from 12 strings would warp the neck and likely damage the bridge and nut of a guitar built for only six strings. The neck reinforcement and hardware are completely different.

What are the easiest 12 string guitar songs to learn first?

Start with songs that use basic open chords and a steady strumming pattern. Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'" is perfect, as is "Take It Easy" by The Eagles or "Hotel California's" main chord progression. Get comfortable with the feel before tackling intricate fingerpicking like "Never Going Back Again."

How often do I need to tune a 12-string?

Much more often than a 6-string, especially when new strings are settling in. Check the tuning every time you pick it up, and be prepared to make minor adjustments during a playing session. Proper string stretching and nut lubrication improve stability, but frequent checking is part of the 12-string life.

Knowing how to do a basic guitar intonation adjustment is useful, though on a 12-string it's often best left to a professional.

Are 12-string guitars more expensive?

Often, yes. They require more materials and specialized construction to handle the extra tension. You can find budget-friendly beginner models, but a mid-tier 12-string will generally cost more than an equivalent 6-string.

Who are the most famous 12-string guitar players?

The pioneers are Roger McGuinn of The Byrds and George Harrison of The Beatles. Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin is a master of its acoustic application. In modern times, Peter Buck of R.E.M. and Mike Campbell are iconic for their electric 12-string work. For a deeper dive into a guitar legend's legacy, you can read about Eric Clapton's net worth and career.