Lucy wan
Required String Notes:DADGAC
Tune to Custom Tuning (DADGAC)Tune to Custom Tuning (DADGAC)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DADGAC).
Custom Tuning (DADGAC)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
A110
D147
G196
A220
C262
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DADGAC)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Lucy wan”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | C4 | Tune down 4 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Lucy wan" by Martin Simpson is played in Custom Tuning (DADGAC) (DADGAC). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to C. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (DADGAC).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DADGAC)
Already tuned to DADGAC? These tunings are just one small change away.
DADGAD Celtic Tuning44 songs
D - A - D - G - A - DOnly string 1 differs: D instead of C.Custom Tuning (DADGAE)6 songs
DADGAEOnly string 1 differs: E instead of C.Custom Tuning (DADGCC)2 songs
DADGCCOnly string 2 differs: C instead of A.Custom Tuning (DADFAC)1 song
DADFACOnly string 3 differs: F instead of G.Martin Simpson’s Guitar Tunings
Martin Simpson plays 1 of 5 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DADGAC). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (DADGAC)DADGAC1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (DADGAC)
Strings and tools that make playing "Lucy wan" in Custom Tuning (DADGAC) easier.
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046)
Recommended gauge .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
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 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Lucy wan” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Lucy wan" by Martin Simpson in?
"Lucy wan" is played in Custom Tuning (DADGAC): DADGAC, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Lucy wan"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down 4 semitones (E4 → C4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (DADGAC)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by Martin Simpson
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Martin Simpson:
Open G VariantIntermediate
C - G - D - G - B - DNo Capo
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DADGAC)
Once tuned to DADGAC, try playing these tracks next: