Authors: Josh Hart and Damian Fanelli Published on May 19, 20
The 31 greatest moments in the history of the guitar legend
What makes a great 12-string guitar song, not a great song that happens to have a 12-string guitar somewhere? Let's face it, if there is an ukulele on Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven, it will immediately participate in the competition for the greatest ukulele song ever.
That being said, we are not only looking at the legacy of this song, but also the popularity of the 12-string guitar in this song and the influence of this song in inspiring others to pick up the 12-string guitar.
Without the Beatles movie "A Hard Day Night" in 1964, Birds might not exist as you know them now (assuming you know them-and you should know them), and there is no way to Stairway to heaven, a double-necked guitar might sit in the museum as a one-off weird made by Gibson. So which song will become the best 12-string guitar song of all time?
Keep reading... (Yes, we added one more song; our math is not very good. Enjoy our top 31!).
In addition, before we start, we will give an "honorable award" to Tom Petty's "Somewhere Under Heaven", his 2015 independent single, proving that artists are still creating and recording great 12-string guitar songs from the modern era . This song was composed by Petty and Mike Campbell and appeared on the Entourage soundtrack in 2015 (but don't oppose it). It is actually an unreleased song from Petty's Wildflowers conference.
Album: The Great Southern Trendkill (1996)
This song marks one of the most experimental moments in the Pantera catalog, and the dark 12-string guitar part of Dimebag Darrell perfectly echoes the gloomy theme of the song.
The instrumental masterpiece "Ocean" by John Butler is the latest shortlisted song and a model of the 12-string eternal sound. Note that Butler used both hands to tap ala Satriani at midnight.
Although the 12-string acoustic guitar only plays a supporting role in this ubiquitous folk rock music about unknown horses, it actually plays an important role in its overall sound.
When A Horse With No Name was released, many people thought it was Neil Young's song. Ironically, it replaced Young's Heart of Gold at number one on the American pop charts.
Most people think that Dylan himself played the 12-string here, but it was actually the conference guitarist Vinnie Bell who used the Danelectro Bellzouki 12-string guitar in this classic clip.
Gordon Lightfoot re-recorded this ancient Gordon Lightfoot tune for his 1975 compilation Gord's Gold, and it was this lush, broadcast-friendly version that became a hit. Although 12-string electric guitars were all the rage in the 1960s, 12-string acoustic guitars have taken their place in the 1970s. This song is a typical example of this transformation.
Album: A Jar of Flies (1994)
If there is a rock band that has the same powerful processing power for dangerous drop-D riff and dangerous, introspective soundtrack, it must be Alice In Chains. I Stay Away from Jar of Flies is not only the band’s best 12-string moment, but it also marks the first song composed by Jerry Cantrell and the then new Alice bassist Mike Inez.
As you can see, 1965 was an important year for 12-string electric guitars. It is as big as a synthesizer, and the black tie from 1982 was very popular. Of course, you have your Byrds, your Beatles-and your Hollies, they used this song written by Graham Gouldman and Charles Silverman to push the 12-string band to a climax. By the way, it was Tony Hicks with 12 strings.
Album: Night of the Opera (1975)
Brian May's 12-string soundtrack is an integral part of the B side of this sci-fi masterpiece "You Are My Best Friend". This is about a group of astronauts starting what they thought was a one-year journey, but when they returned, they realized that they had been away for 100 years. They just don't write Einstein's allusions like this anymore.
Album: Inner Flame (1971)
It’s undeniable that Mahavishnu Orchestra had many wonderful 12-string moments in their careers, but in their first album "The Inner Mounting Flame", You Know You Know stood out and became the guitarist John McLaughlin using the instrument. Shining moment. Fun fact: This song was later sampled by Mos Def and Massive Attack.
Album: Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991)
As one of only two Chili Peppers songs in 3/4 time, John Frusciante's main 12-string improvisation in this song was inspired by Jimmy Page.
Jimi Hendrix sitting alone and playing blues on a 12-string acoustic guitar is a reminder that despite all his distortion and psychedelics, he can always feel a strong connection to his roots, including Delta Blues. Although he played and recorded a full-band electronic version of the song (as heard on the Neptune Valley album), this version is more vivid and relaxing.
Album: Even in the quietest moment... (1977)
This international hit by Supertramp is a popular masterpiece in D. As Byrds proved more than 10 years ago, it is the longest 12-string of all tunes. It was written by Roger Hodgson, and Hodgson's solo performance is shown in the video below.
Album: David Bowie/Spaceman (1969)
Before collaborating with Adrian Belew, Carlos Alomar, Robert Fripp, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bowie personally provided 12 strings for his 1969 Maj. Tom ballad. The song was so popular that the album on which it appeared was changed to this song by David Bowie before it was re-released in 1972.
When Pete Townshend wanted a riff to improve the Rolling Stones' (I Can't Get No) satisfaction, he reached out and picked up his 12-string harp. "Alternatives" entered the top ten in the UK twice, once when it was first released in 1966, and once when it was reissued 10 years later. The song found unlikely supporters in the punk rock movement, and was covered by sex pistols and Ramones.
Album: A Hard Day and Night (1964)
Although the Birds were the most closely associated with the 12-string Rickenbacker in the 1960s, their inspiration came from the Beatles. "We watched A Hard Day's Night many times as a group and were totally attracted by the Beatles," said Roger (formerly Jim) McGinn.
"I like George Harrison's Rickenbacker 12, but I couldn't find one that looks like his sharp-angled profile, so I bought the golden 360 model." For a beautiful example of the clear and clear guitar sound, check out the song gradually 12-string improvisation at weak times.
Album: Every photo tells a story (1971)
Maggie May is Rod's Stewart's first hit song as a soloist. She starred in an amazing combination of 12-string acoustic guitar and mandolin. In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked this song 130th out of the 500 greatest songs in history. We like it too.
Album: Slippery (1986)
Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora were half inspired by Old West Outlaws and half by Bob Seger's Turn the Page. They managed to produce what is arguably the most famous acoustic guitar improvisation in the era of folk music in rock music.
Album: Children of December (and everyone's) (1965)
This is one of the earliest works of Jagger/Richards-although the producer Andrew Luger Oldham is also considered a writer. Legend has it that ol' Loog locked Mick and Keith in a room and told them to release an original song and the time. This is what they came up with and gave it to Marianne Faithfull in 1964 and tried it a year later.
Album: Mr. Tambourine (1965)
Although George Harrison has been recording with his 12-string Rickenbacker for a while, through this song, Jim (later Roger) McGuinn showed the world how cool a 12-string guitar is. Its harsh sound is the perfect partner for Bob Dylan's ethereal lyrics. Before they disbanded in 1973, the 12-string Rick was an integral part of the Byrds sound.
Album: Zeppelin IV (1971)
In this song, Jimmy Page did what Roger McGuinn of Byrds did for the double-necked guitar for the 12-string electric guitar. Or perhaps more appropriate, Page did what Henry Ford did for the horseless carriage for the double-decker carriage.
Album: Farewell to the King (1977)
Taken from Rush's 1977 album A Farewell to Kings, Closer to the Heart begins with a majestic arpeggio plucking pattern played by guitarist Alex Lifeson on a 12-string guitar. This song is also Rush's first hit in the UK, and has been the title song of their live performance ever since.
Album: No Tears (1991)
Zakk Wylde's obvious southern rock tribute in the opening bar gave way to beautiful falling improvisation, which made Ozzy Osbourne the only single in the top 40. Don't worry, there are many Zakk's patented kneading overtones available, but the sound of the 12-string prelude makes this song instantly recognizable.
According to reports, as the mainstay of classic rock radio stations and one of the most well-known 12-string guitar preludes in all rock music, Tom Sholz reportedly spent 5 years creating "More Than a Feeling".
Album: Full Moon Fever (1989)
Back when Traveling Wilburys ruled the radio wave, Wilbury's own Tom Petty used the band's heavy soundtrack in Full Moon Fever, which was his first solo performance. He also took Wilbury Jeff Lynne as co-producer.
This piece has a 12-string soundtrack in rhythm and a bit of 12-string Rickenbacker in the mini solo.
Album: Turn! Turn! Turn! (1965)
Yes, it's Bird again. This song ranks higher on the charts than Mr. Tambourine Man because of its beautiful 12-string Rickenbacker solo and the fact that Byrds is playing (this is not entirely correct for Mr. Tambourine Man).
Another 65 years. With a crisp 12-string Rickenbacker prelude, this tune is one of the many highlights of The Beatles’ second feature film "Help". Just play A on the G string, E on the E string, C on the B string, then play the A string again, and then play the open B string, and you are ready to go.
Album: Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble (Box Set) (1990)
When SRV appeared in MTV's Unplugged in 1990 as a Guild 12 string, it was a bit surprising, it tore through a series of tunes of the Texas Flood, including Pride and Joy, Testify and Rude Mood.
Again, that was the year he recorded Life by the Drop with 12 strings. Maybe he stumbled upon something new, and he could have used it even more in the future.
Album: May you be here (1975)
The 12-string prelude of Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here was recorded to sound like it was played on an old transistor radio, which always evokes a sense of nostalgia.
When David Gilmour plays a dubbed six-string solo, it sounds like a lonely old man playing with the radio, and you will find one of the most timeless songs in the back catalog of one of the most timeless bands ever.
Album: Houses of the Holy (1973)
Stairway may be the most respected song on this list, but it is undeniable that Over The Hills and Far Away are typical 12-string guitar songs in the Led Zeppelin catalog. Yes, David Graham is a great guitarist...
Hey, we love the big, sloppy guitar solo played on the Rickenbacker 360s. This is the 12th string of Jim (later Roger) McGuinn.
Yes, it is the California Hotel. What a pleasant surprise! Acknowledge: At this point, Don Felder's introduction to the 12-string acoustic guitar (and all the other notes and chords he played in this song) is part of our collective consciousness.
This song is the ubiquitous soundtrack of 37 trillion barbecues, elevator rides, and long trips performed in Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley, California at 3 AM. It has never disappeared-and may never. .
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