1952 Vincent Black Lightning
Required String Notes:C - G - D - G - B - E
Tune to CGDGBE TuningHow to Tune from Standard to CGDGBE Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 2 of 6 strings to play “1952 Vincent Black Lightning”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
Recommended string gauge: .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"1952 Vincent Black Lightning" by Richard Thompson is played in CGDGBE Tuning (C - G - D - G - B - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 2 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. 18 other songs in our catalog use CGDGBE Tuning.
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to CGDGBE Tuning
Already tuned to C - G - D - G - B - E? These tunings are just one small change away.
DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6)17 songs
D - G - D - G - B - EOnly string 6 differs: D instead of C.Neon Drop C Tuning13 songs
C - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 5 differs: A instead of G.Custom Tuning (BF#C#F#A#D#)7 songs
BF#C#F#A#D#Same chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Custom Tuning (CGCGBE)6 songs
CGCGBEOnly string 4 differs: C instead of D.Richard Thompson’s Guitar Tunings
Richard Thompson plays 1 of 2 songs in our catalog in CGDGBE Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- CGDGBE TuningC - G - D - G - B - E1 song
Gear for CGDGBE Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "1952 Vincent Black Lightning" in CGDGBE Tuning easier.
Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054)
Recommended gauge .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
D'Addario Universal Micro Headstock Tuner
A headstock tuner makes switching in and out of this tuning quick, even on stage or without a mic.
D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)
Retuning 2 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
“1952 Vincent Black Lightning” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "1952 Vincent Black Lightning" by Richard Thompson in?
"1952 Vincent Black Lightning" is played in CGDGBE Tuning: C - G - D - G - B - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "1952 Vincent Black Lightning"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for CGDGBE Tuning?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
More Songs by Richard Thompson
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Richard Thompson:
Other Songs in CGDGBE Tuning
Once tuned to C - G - D - G - B - E, try playing these tracks next: