Expert: George Armstrong - 12/7/2009

Question
I play an awful lot of blues, amongst a great variety of other styles. Recently my father built an acoustic 12 string guitar. It has a beautiful sound which is best described as warm and robust. It also has great volume. I personally feel that this guitar is better than my Martin. I am adept at playing rhythm and lead guitar simultaneously, much like Jimi Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughan. I wasn't quite sure what to make of this guitar, though, because I have never heard a 12 string used for the blues with the exception of Vaughan's 1990 appearance on MTV's Unplugged. How would you recommend using this 12 string in the blues?

Answer
Hello Nicky,

It is an honor to receive a question from another lead guitarist. I understand the master skill needed to play Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan styles; you are likely very skilled. I suggest a twelve string can capture the timbre of the old Gibsons with the early steel strings. The steel strings had that harmonic overtone that seems to ring like a good 12 string. Bottle slide had those harmonics also. Therefore, I think the sound can capture the feel of legacy blues, and newer styles. I'll bet some pre war artists would have used 12 string, but they were expensive and tough to get (and string). I've included a url to Tommy Johnson below to support my hypothesis. I included a url to a "How To" site; It may give you some ideas. My strongest suggestion is that you work with it and create! And, record your work. Listen carefully and infuse your style to potentially create something new. I also suggest your Dad could make additional instruments. Hand made instruments are a contribution to the folk legacy and tradition. I hope this helps! Regards, George Armstrong

http://www.ehow.com/how_2191772_play-blues-12-string-guitar.html

Tommy Johnson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvg8Ik-0ZvI