This is the renowned "Vincent Black Lightning" tuning, popularized by Richard Thompson for his iconic song of the same name from his 1991 album, Rumor and Sigh. As a guitar tuning analyst, I've broken down its unique characteristics for you.

Verbal Analysis

This is a truly distinctive and adventurous tuning for the Guitar, deviating significantly from standard EADGBe. It creates a rich, complex soundscape, instantly evoking the unique, often melancholic, and intricate fingerstyle characteristic of Richard Thompson. The open strings offer a blend of familiar and unusual harmonic possibilities, encouraging new melodic and chordal approaches that would be impossible in standard tuning. The presence of two G notes creates a resonant, almost droning quality, adding depth and sustain to open voicings. While demanding a complete relearning of chord shapes, this tuning opens up a world of expressive possibilities, particularly for intricate arpeggios and modal improvisations, allowing for a haunting and full-bodied sound when strummed openly.

Technical Analysis

The open tuning notes are E2 B2 G3 D3 G3 C4. Compared to standard tuning, this involves substantial alterations to five of the six strings. The lowest E string remains at E2, providing a familiar anchor. However, the subsequent strings are radically changed: the 5th string (A) is tuned up a whole step to B2, and the 4th string (D) is tuned up a perfect fourth to G3. The higher strings are tuned down: the 3rd string (G) is dropped a perfect fourth to D3, the 2nd string (B) is lowered a minor third to G3, and the 1st string (E) is also lowered a minor third to C4.

Analyzing the open notes (E B G D G C) reveals a rich harmonic cluster. From the lowest E, the intervals are: Root (E), Perfect 5th (B), Minor 3rd (G), Minor 7th (D), Octave of Minor 3rd (G), and Minor 6th (C). This essentially forms an E minor 7th chord with an added minor 6th (C). This provides an immediate, full-bodied Em7 sound with a unique, slightly suspended or open quality due to the C. The presence of two G notes (strings 4 and 2) reinforces the minor tonality and allows for strong drone effects.

Accessible open chords and voicings:

• E minor 7 (Em7): The open strings naturally form a sophisticated Em7 chord (E-B-G-D-G-C, with C adding an interesting color). By muting or avoiding the 1st string (C), a clear Em7 is present.
• E minor (Em): By simply strumming the open strings, the core Em chord (E-G-B) is strongly emphasized, allowing for a deep, resonant minor sound.
• C major voicings: With the C on the top string and E-G present, C major-like voicings can be easily found, particularly when approached from the upper strings.

The overall intervallic structure, particularly the perfect fifths and fourths on adjacent strings, makes this tuning particularly suitable for slide guitar and for crafting intricate fingerpicking patterns where open strings can ring out, creating a rich harmonic tapestry.

How to Tune

This tuning involves significant changes from standard tuning, with several strings tuned by 4 or more semitones. For changes exceeding 4 semitones (up or down), a different string gauge is generally advised to maintain optimal tension and prevent string breakage or excessive floppiness. Please proceed with caution when adjusting tension.

• String 6 (Lowest E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). (Target Note: E2)
• String 5 (A string): Tune up 2 semitones. (Target Note: B2)
• String 4 (D string): Tune up 5 semitones. (Target Note: G3). Caution: This is a significant upward tension increase (5 semitones). Consider a heavier gauge string.
• String 3 (G string): Tune down 5 semitones. (Target Note: D3). Caution: This is a significant downward tension decrease (5 semitones). Consider a lighter gauge string.
• String 2 (B string): Tune down 4 semitones. (Target Note: G3). Caution: This is a significant downward tension decrease (4 semitones). Consider a lighter gauge string.
• String 1 (High E string): Tune down 4 semitones. (Target Note: C4). Caution: This is a significant downward tension decrease (4 semitones). Consider a lighter gauge string.

String 6 (Lowest): E2 (E in the 2nd octave)

String 5: B2 (B in the 2nd octave)

String 4: G3 (G in the 3rd octave)

String 3: D3 (D in the 3rd octave)

String 2: G3 (G in the 3rd octave)

String 1 (Highest): C4 (C in the 4th octave)