12-String Guitar Riffs That Shaped Rock History
Some of the best 12-string riffs ever, plus free TABs...
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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.
9 Classic Songs & What to Buy:
What is a 12 String Guitar?
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.
Shaping Rock History
[UPDATE: 21/11/2025] For most of the groups that we’re going to look at, the 12-string guitar was a vessel to new lands. That instrument marked a shift in their usual material, and as a result, we got some memorable and emotional tracks. Let’s see what they are.
Hole Hearted – Extreme
The closing track from their 1991 debut album, Pornograffity, Hole Hearted was a total step in the opposite direction compared to the rest of the high-octane album.
In fairness, the energy and virtuosic guitar work are very similar, and it does work well with the rest of Extreme’s back catalogue. The all-important 12-string guitar part is full of life and swing, making it the core foundation of this track.
Allegedly, Nuno wrote this entire song in about 20 minutes and initially recorded it into a cassette recorder via a Burger King headset mic. This is rumoured to be the actual guitar on the track, too. Compared to others on this list, Hole Hearted uses the 12-string as a lead guitar, rather than just for backing, and that’s why it shaped rock history.
More Than A Feeling – Boston
Into the 1970s for our next pick. The opening bars of this Boston hit are a Dad Rock staple!
There’s just something about the 12-string guitar that elevates the intro to this song. Sure, the Dsus4, Cadd9 and G/B chords work well on their own, but the extra octaves help to make this so special.
The only issue is that this part is overshadowed by the enriching guitar harmonies that tie the whole song together. Arguably, every aspect of this song is a masterpiece, but for me, it’s that intro that stops me from pressing skip.
Mama, I’m Coming Home – Ozzy Osbourne
Since Ozzy’s passing in July 2025, this track has found a whole new context. I doubt there will be a dry eye in sight. If you know, you know.
Zakk Wylde is a shredder. However, when stripped back, there is so much beauty in his playing, and this shows it off beautifully. The overall timbre is chilling, thanks to the Eb guitar tuning. On a 12-string, it just hits different.
I like that the riff comes and goes throughout the track, providing a real backbone to Ozzys faultless and meaningful vocals. The final iteration of the riff sees it conclude with a perfect cadence, providing a satisfying conclusion to the composition.
Stairway To Heaven – Led Zeppelin
Before we look at some more 12-string guitar riffs, with some free TABs, it’s about time that we addressed the elephant in the room. Led Zeppelin’s Stairway has arguably shaped Rock history the most. You’re not even allowed to play it in guitar stores!
At around 2:12, this wonderful electric 12-string chord progression comes in. It’s different from the intro and works as a great instrumental break before the next verse.
Aside from the 1960s stuff, this could be one of the most well-known songs to feature the 12-string guitar. A lot of people even think that the opening riff is done on it, but it isn’t. Although it does sound good on one, so do give it a try!
12-String Riffs with TABs
Okay, so now onto some more iconic 12-string guitar riffs. This time, we’ve included some TABs to help you master their iconic sounds!
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.
Harley Benton D-200CE
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.
Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-412E NT
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.
Fender CD-140SCE-12 WA Nat
There’s also the option to go for 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.
Electric Twelve-String Guitars
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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One response to “12-String Guitar Riffs That Shaped Rock History”
Not ONE Bowie song ? Come on !