vincent
Required String Notes:D - G - D - G - B - E
Tune to DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6)How to Tune from Standard to DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 2 of 6 strings to play “vincent”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| 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: .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
"vincent" by Chet Atkins is played in DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6) (D - 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 D, string 5 down to G. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. Chet Atkins uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6)
Already tuned to D - G - D - G - B - E? These tunings are just one small change away.
Drop D Tuning130 songs
D - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 5 differs: A instead of G.Open G Tuning59 songs
D - G - D - G - B - DOnly string 1 differs: D instead of E.CGDGBE Tuning19 songs
C - G - D - G - B - EOnly string 6 differs: C instead of D.Custom Tuning (EGDGBE)6 songs
EGDGBEOnly string 6 differs: E instead of D.Chet Atkins’s Guitar Tunings
Chet Atkins plays 3 of 5 songs in our catalog in DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6). Most-used tunings:
- DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6)D - G - D - G - B - E3 songs
Gear for DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6)
Strings and tools that make playing "vincent" in DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6) 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.
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“vincent” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "vincent" by Chet Atkins in?
"vincent" is played in DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6): D - G - D - G - B - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "vincent"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other Chet Atkins songs use this tuning?
"Both Sides Now", "Yellow Bird" — all in D - G - D - G - B - E, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Chet Atkins
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Chet Atkins:
Other Songs in DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6)
Once tuned to D - G - D - G - B - E, try playing these tracks next:
DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6)Intermediate
D - G - D - G - B - ENo Capo