DADGAD tuning (D A D G A D)
Fingerstyle and folk players, Celtic accompanists, and anyone who heard Kashmir and wondered how.
DADGAD is standard tuning with the first, second and sixth strings each lowered by a whole step. Strummed open it gives a Dsus4 chord, neither major nor minor, which is why it sounds so open and ambiguous.
It is the signature tuning of Celtic and British folk guitar and of a lot of fingerstyle writing. Drones ring under melodies on the top strings and simple shapes produce rich chords.
Notes and frequencies
From the thickest string to the thinnest, at concert pitch (A4 = 440 Hz). Changed strings are highlighted.
| String | Note | Frequency (A4 = 440 Hz) | Change from standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | D2 | 73.42 Hz | −2 semitones from E2 |
| 5 | A2 | 110.00 Hz | as standard |
| 4 | D3 | 146.83 Hz | as standard |
| 3 | G3 | 196.00 Hz | as standard |
| 2 | A3 | 220.00 Hz | −2 semitones from B3 |
| 1 | D4 | 293.66 Hz | −2 semitones from E4 |
From standard tuning
- String 6: lower E2 down a whole step to D2.
- String 2: lower B3 down a whole step to A3.
- String 1: lower E4 down a whole step to D4.
The other 3 strings stay in standard.
Tuning to DADGAD in TuneGlass
- The app opens in 6-string guitar mode; if you changed the instrument, switch back in Settings.
- Tap any string circle to open the tuning editor and choose DADGAD from the presets. Presets beyond the thickest string are part of TuneGlass Pro, a one-time purchase.
- Play one string at a time. The needle turns green and the scale fills when the string is in tune. Hold a string circle to hear its reference note.
Tips
- Three strings go down, three stay. Tune the sixth, second and first strings and leave the middle three alone.
- Because the top two strings are both lowered, check the fourth string (still D) against the new first string an octave up: they should ring together without beating.
Questions
What is DADGAD tuning?
D A D G A D from low to high. Compared with standard, the sixth, second and first strings are each a whole step lower.
What chord is open DADGAD?
A Dsus4. The lack of a third is what gives the tuning its open, modal sound.
Related tunings
English · Deutsch · Español · 日本語 · Українська