DADGAD Tuning

Mic off

DADGAD D A D G A D

Uses your microphone. Nothing is recorded or sent anywhere.

Tuning

Pitch

Normal

Strings

Detect string

A4 calibration

440Hz
  • Space Start / stop
  • 1-6 Play a string
  • A Auto detect

DADGAD is an open, ringing tuning loved in folk and Celtic music. Strum the open strings and you hear a shimmering Dsus4 chord that is neither major nor minor.

What is DADGAD tuning?

Three strings change from standard tuning: the 6th string drops from E to D, the 2nd string from B to A, and the 1st string from E to D. That gives D A D G A D from low to high, which spells out the tuning's name.

Because the open strings sound so full, DADGAD is great for fingerstyle playing, drones and melodies that ring over open strings. Its suspended sound fits both major and minor songs in D.

DADGAD tuning notes

DADGAD from the thickest string to the thinnest is D A D G A D. The frequencies are for standard pitch, A4 = 440 Hz.

StringNoteFrequency
6th (thickest)D273.42 Hz
5thA2110.00 Hz
4thD3146.83 Hz
3rdG3196.00 Hz
2ndA3220.00 Hz
1st (thinnest)D4293.66 Hz

How to tune to DADGAD

Start from standard tuning (E A D G B E) and change 3 strings:

  1. Lower the 6th string (E) a whole step to D.
  2. Lower the 2nd string (B) a whole step to A.
  3. Lower the 1st string (E) a whole step to D.

The tuner at the top of this page is already set to DADGAD. Press the mic button, play each open string and let it ring, then turn the tuning peg until the string lights up green. When you lower a string, go a little below the note and tune back up to it so it stays in tune.

Why guitarists use DADGAD

  • Rich, ringing open strings that sound great on acoustic guitar.
  • An open sus chord that works for both major and minor melodies.
  • Easy partial chords and drones in the key of D.

Learn to play in DADGAD

Hear it played and try it yourself with these video lessons from the Infinite Guitar library:

Alternate Tunings - Part 3: DADGAD Richard Lundmark Alternate Tunings - Part 4: DADAAD Richard Lundmark Drop D Progressions - Exercise 3 (DADGAD) Sean Conklin Drop D Progressions - Exercise 4 (DADGAD) Sean Conklin

Other guitar tunings

Drop DD A D G B E Half step downE♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭ D standardD G C F A D Drop CC G C F A D Drop C#C♯ G♯ C♯ F♯ A♯ D♯ Drop BB F♯ B E G♯ C♯ Open GD G D G B D Open DD A D F♯ A D Open EE B E G♯ B E Open CC G C G C E 7-string standardB E A D G B E 7-string Drop AA E A D G B E 8-string standardF♯ B E A D G B E 9-string standardC♯ F♯ B E A D G B E

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DADGAD tuning FAQ

How do I tune to DADGAD tuning?

Start from standard tuning (E A D G B E). Lower the 6th string (E) a whole step to D. Lower the 2nd string (B) a whole step to A. Lower the 1st string (E) a whole step to D. The tuner on this page is already set to DADGAD, so play each string and turn it until it lights up green.

How do I get back to standard tuning?

Raise the 6th string from D back to E. Raise the 2nd string from A back to B. Raise the 1st string from D back to E. Or pick Standard under the tuner and tune each string until it turns green.

Why is DADGAD not called open D?

Open D tuning (D A D F# A D) strums a D major chord. DADGAD has a G where open D has an F#, so the open strings make a Dsus4 chord instead, with no major or minor third.