If you’re a fan of the rich, resonant sound of the 12-string guitar, then you’re in for a treat. In this article, we’ve compiled the ultimate collection of the best 12-string guitar songs that are bound to captivate your ears and transport you to a musical paradise. From legendary classics to modern masterpieces, these songs showcase the unique and enchanting qualities of the 12-string guitar, making them must-listens for any music lover. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be immersed in the glorious world of 12-string guitar magic.
Classic Rock 12 String Guitar Songs
When it comes to classic rock, few instruments can capture the essence of the genre quite like the 12-string guitar. The rich, full-bodied sound produced by the extra strings adds a layer of depth and complexity that elevates these songs to new heights. One of the most iconic and enduring examples of this is Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.” This epic masterpiece showcases Jimmy Page’s masterful use of the 12-string guitar, weaving in and out of the song with intricate fingerpicking patterns and soaring melodies. Another classic rock gem that utilizes the 12-string guitar is the Eagles’ “Hotel California.” The haunting intro and mesmerizing solos on this track demonstrate the instrument’s versatility and ability to evoke emotion. Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” is yet another prime example of the 12-string guitar’s power in classic rock music. David Gilmour’s soulful playing creates a sense of longing and nostalgia that perfectly complements the song’s introspective lyrics. Eric Clapton’s “Layla” is a testament to the 12-string guitar’s ability to add a touch of brilliance to a rock anthem. The iconic opening riff and the searing solos throughout the song showcase Clapton’s technical prowess and the instrument’s unique tonal qualities. Rounding out our list is The Byrds’ “Turn! Turn! Turn!” This folk-infused classic showcases the jangly, chiming sound of the 12-string guitar, providing the perfect backdrop for the song’s timeless message of peace and unity.
Folk 12 String Guitar Songs
Folk music has long been associated with the 12-string guitar, as its rich and resonant tones lend themselves perfectly to the genre’s storytelling nature. Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man” is a prime example of this. The intricate fingerpicking and layered melodies of the 12-string guitar create a dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly complements Dylan’s poetic lyrics. Simon & Garfunkel’s “Scarborough Fair” is another folk classic that showcases the 12-string guitar’s ability to create a sense of intimacy and beauty. The interplay between the guitar and the haunting vocal harmonies is truly magical. Another Dylan masterpiece, “Blowin’ in the Wind,” is a timeless anthem for social change. The driving rhythms and resonant chords of the 12-string guitar give the song a sense of urgency and power. Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” is a folk-pop gem that features the 12-string guitar as a driving force behind its catchy melody and thought-provoking lyrics. Finally, we have Don McLean’s epic ballad “American Pie,” which uses the 12-string guitar to create a sense of grandeur and nostalgia. The instrument’s ringing tones provide a fitting backdrop for McLean’s unforgettable storytelling.
Acoustic Pop 12 String Guitar Songs
The 12-string guitar has also made its mark in the realm of acoustic pop music. James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain” is a heartfelt ballad that features delicate fingerpicking and gentle strumming on the 12-string guitar. The instrument’s lush tones add a layer of warmth and depth to Taylor’s soulful vocals. The Beatles’ “Blackbird” is another acoustic pop classic that showcases the 12-string guitar’s ability to create intricate and intricate melodies. The song’s delicate picking pattern, paired with the instrument’s rich sound, creates a sense of intimacy and beauty. Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” is a hauntingly beautiful song that features the 12-string guitar as a prominent element in its arrangement. Lindsey Buckingham’s masterful playing on the instrument adds a layer of texture and emotion that perfectly complements Stevie Nicks’ poignant lyrics. Simon & Garfunkel’s “Mrs. Robinson” is a folk-pop gem that relies heavily on the iconic sound of the 12-string guitar. The instrument’s bright and chiming tones give the song a timeless quality that has captivated audiences for decades. Lastly, we have The Who’s “Behind Blue Eyes,” which showcases the 12-string guitar’s ability to create a sense of both vulnerability and power. Pete Townshend’s emotive playing serves as the perfect backdrop for the song’s introspective lyrics.
Country 12 String Guitar Songs
Country music and the 12-string guitar have always gone hand in hand. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ “Here Comes My Girl” is a prime example of this. The twangy rhythm guitar and bright tones of the 12-string guitar give the song its signature sound, creating a sense of optimism and hope. John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High” is a country classic that utilizes the 12-string guitar to create a sense of awe and wonder. The instrument’s resonant chords and melodic lines evoke the beauty of the natural world, perfectly complementing Denver’s heartfelt lyrics. The Eagles’ “Take It Easy” is another country-rock gem that prominently features the 12-string guitar. Its upbeat and catchy melody, coupled with the instrument’s bright and jangly tones, make it an instant classic. Willie Nelson’s “Whiskey River” is a country ballad that utilizes the 12-string guitar to create a sense of longing and melancholy. The instrument’s mournful tones perfectly capture the emotions at the heart of the song. Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” is a rowdy country anthem that puts the 12-string guitar front and center. Its driving rhythms and infectious melodies showcase the instrument’s ability to create a sense of energy and excitement.
Blues 12 String Guitar Songs
The 12-string guitar has also found a home in the blues, adding a unique and powerful dimension to the genre’s raw and emotive sound. Robert Johnson’s “Cross Road Blues” is a seminal blues classic that features the instrument’s distinctive tone and texture. The 12-string guitar’s deep and resonant chords give the song a haunting quality that perfectly complements Johnson’s soulful vocals. Elmore James’ “Dust My Broom” is another blues standard that showcases the 12-string guitar’s ability to create a driving and hypnotic groove. The instrument’s ringing chords and slide guitar techniques make it a standout track in the genre. Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Pride and Joy” is a blues-rock masterpiece that prominently features the 12-string guitar. Vaughan’s fiery playing on the instrument adds a layer of intensity and emotion to the song, making it a true showcase of his talent. “Hellhound on My Trail” by Mississippi Delta Blues is a haunting blues number that relies heavily on the 12-string guitar’s ability to create a sense of darkness and despair. Finally, we have Robert Johnson’s “Sweet Home Chicago,” a blues classic that relies heavily on the instrument’s bright and lively tones. The 12-string guitar’s driving rhythm and infectious melodies make it an essential component of the song’s iconic sound.
Instrumental 12 String Guitar Songs
The 12-string guitar’s rich and resonant tones lend themselves perfectly to instrumental music, creating a captivating listening experience that transcends words. Mason Williams’ “Classical Gas” is a prime example of this. The 12-string guitar’s intricate fingerpicking and dynamic shifts in tempo and mood make it a true showcase of the instrument’s versatility. Yes’ “Roundabout” is another instrumental masterpiece that prominently features the 12-string guitar. The instrument’s bright and chiming tones add a layer of depth and complexity to the song’s intricate arrangements. Leo Kottke’s “The Fisherman” is a mesmerizing instrumental piece that relies heavily on the 12-string guitar’s ability to create a sense of serenity and beauty. The instrument’s lush chords and intricate melodies make it a standout track in Kottke’s repertoire. Jefferson Airplane’s “Embryonic Journey” is a folk-rock instrumental that features the 12-string guitar as the main driving force. Its melodic lines and intricate fingerpicking patterns showcase the instrument’s versatility and expressive capabilities. Lastly, we have Fleetwood Mac’s “Albatross,” an instrumental classic that relies heavily on the 12-string guitar’s bright and ethereal tones. The instrument’s haunting melodies and atmospheric soundscapes make it a standout track in the band’s discography.
Rock Ballads 12 String Guitar Songs
Rock ballads and the 12-string guitar go hand in hand, combining heartfelt lyrics with the instrument’s versatile and emotive tones. Extreme’s “More Than Words” is a prime example of this. The gentle acoustic strumming on the 12-string guitar creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that perfectly complements the song’s romantic lyrics. Guns N’ Roses’ “November Rain” is a rock epic that prominently features the 12-string guitar. Its soaring solos and emotive chords showcase the instrument’s ability to create a sense of grandeur and drama. The Who’s “Love Reign O’er Me” is another rock ballad that relies heavily on the 12-string guitar’s bright and resonant tones. The instrument’s ringing chords and melodic lines add a layer of beauty and depth to the song’s introspective lyrics. The Rolling Stones’ “Angie” is a heartfelt ballad that prominently features the 12-string guitar. Its delicate fingerpicking and rich sound make it a standout track in the band’s discography. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Tuesday’s Gone” is a Southern rock ballad that relies heavily on the 12-string guitar’s ability to create a sense of nostalgia and longing. The instrument’s lush chords and emotive melodies give the song its signature sound.
Alternative 12 String Guitar Songs
The 12-string guitar has also found a place in the world of alternative music, adding a unique and distinctive sound to the genre’s eclectic mix of styles. Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind?” is a prime example of this. The 12-string guitar’s bright and chiming tones create a sense of whimsy and wonder that perfectly complements the song’s surreal lyrics. Radiohead’s “Street Spirit (Fade Out)” is another alternative classic that prominently features the 12-string guitar. The instrument’s haunting and atmospheric soundscapes add an otherworldly quality to the song, creating a sense of unease and melancholy. Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Californication” is an alternative rock anthem that relies heavily on the 12-string guitar’s ability to create a sense of energy and power. The instrument’s driving rhythms and infectious melodies make it a standout track in the band’s discography. Stone Temple Pilots’ “Plush” is a grunge-inspired alternative rock song that prominently features the 12-string guitar. Its gritty chords and melodic hooks showcase the instrument’s ability to create a sense of intensity and emotion. Lastly, we have Nirvana’s “The Man Who Sold the World,” a haunting cover that relies heavily on the 12-string guitar’s unique timbre and tonal qualities. The instrument’s ringing tones and raw power make it a standout track in the band’s catalog.
Progressive Rock 12 String Guitar Songs
Progressive rock and the 12-string guitar are a match made in musical heaven, as the genre’s complex and intricate compositions are perfectly complemented by the instrument’s dynamic and expressive tones. Yes’ “Roundabout” is a prime example of this. The 12-string guitar’s bright and chiming tones add a layer of depth and complexity to the song’s intricate arrangements, creating a sense of grandeur and majesty. Pink Floyd’s “Dogs” is another progressive rock masterpiece that prominently features the 12-string guitar. Its soaring solos and melodic interplay showcase the instrument’s ability to create a sense of ethereal beauty and power. Jethro Tull’s “Aqualung” is a progressive rock epic that relies heavily on the 12-string guitar’s versatility and emotive capabilities. The instrument’s driving rhythms and intricate melodies make it a standout track in the band’s discography. King Crimson’s “In the Court of the Crimson King” is a prog-rock classic that prominently features the 12-string guitar. Its intricate arrangements and soaring guitar solos showcase the instrument’s ability to create a sense of intensity and complexity. Finally, we have Genesis’ “Supper’s Ready,” an epic prog-rock suite that relies heavily on the 12-string guitar’s ability to create a sense of grandeur and drama. The instrument’s lush chords and melodic lines add a layer of beauty and depth to the song’s intricate compositions.
Singer-Songwriter 12 String Guitar Songs
Singer-songwriters have long embraced the 12-string guitar for its ability to create intimate and introspective soundscapes. Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne” is a prime example of this. The 12-string guitar’s delicate fingerpicking and resonant chords perfectly complement Cohen’s poetic lyrics, creating a sense of melancholy and beauty. Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” is another singer-songwriter classic that prominently features the 12-string guitar. Its driving rhythms and infectious melodies showcase the instrument’s ability to create a sense of energy and power. Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that relies heavily on the 12-string guitar’s ability to create a sense of longing and introspection. The instrument’s lush chords and emotive melodies make it a standout track in Buckley’s repertoire. Joni Mitchell’s “A Case of You” is a folk-pop gem that features the 12-string guitar as a driving force behind its beautiful melody and introspective lyrics. Lastly, we have Jeff Buckley’s “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over,” a heartfelt ballad that prominently features the 12-string guitar. Its delicate fingerpicking and raw emotive power showcase the instrument’s ability to create a sense of vulnerability and yearning.
