DADGAD Tuning

A modal tuning that creates rich, droning sounds perfect for Celtic, folk, and ambient music. Neither major nor minor.

intermediateModal TuningCeltic • Folk

String Configuration

1(High E)
D4
293.66 Hz
2(String 2)
A3
220.00 Hz
3(String 3)
G3
196.00 Hz
4(String 4)
D3
146.83 Hz
5(String 5)
A2
110.00 Hz
6(Low E)
D2
73.42 Hz

Why Use This Tuning?

  • •Rich, droning sound
  • •Perfect for fingerstyle
  • •Unique chord voicings
  • •Great for Celtic music
  • •Inspiring for composition

Keep in Mind

  • •Requires learning new chord shapes
  • •Not suitable for all music styles
  • •Can be challenging for beginners
  • •Limited standard chord vocabulary

How to Tune Your Guitar

1

Tune the low E string (6th string) down to D

E2 → D2 (down 2 semitones)

2

Keep the A string (5th string) at A

A2 → A2 (up 0 semitones)

3

Keep the D string (4th string) at D

D3 → D3 (up 0 semitones)

4

Keep the G string (3rd string) at G

G3 → G3 (up 0 semitones)

5

Tune the B string (2nd string) down to A

B3 → A3 (down 2 semitones)

6

Tune the high E string (1st string) down to D

E4 → D4 (down 2 semitones)

Essential Chord Shapes

Dsus2

beginner
000000

Open strummed - beautiful suspended sound

G Major

beginner
020000

Simple one-finger chord

A Major

beginner
002200

Two-finger chord with open strings

Em

intermediate
020200

Rich minor chord with drone

Famous Artists & Songs

Led Zeppelin

  • • "Kashmir"
  • • "Black Mountain Side"
  • • "White Summer"

Pierre Bensusan

  • • "Altiplanos"
  • • "Kadourimdoun"
  • • "Celtic Mood"

Davey Graham

  • • "Anji"
  • • "She Moved Through the Fair"
  • • "Cry Me a River"

Practice Exercises

Celtic Fingerpicking

intermediateCeltic music and fingerstyle

Learn traditional Celtic fingerpicking patterns

Steps:

  1. 1.Practice basic arpeggios
  2. 2.Work on drone techniques
  3. 3.Learn Celtic ornaments
  4. 4.Practice traditional melodies
  5. 5.Develop personal style

Modal Harmony

advancedModal theory and composition

Explore the modal possibilities of DADGAD

Steps:

  1. 1.Understand modal scales in DADGAD
  2. 2.Practice modal chord progressions
  3. 3.Work on composition techniques
  4. 4.Explore ambient textures
  5. 5.Develop improvisational skills

Related Tunings

Related Tunings

Open D Tuning

Creates a D major chord when strummed open. Perfect for slide guitar, blues, and folk music with a bright, ringing tone.

Open G Tuning

Creates a G major chord when strummed open. Perfect for blues, slide guitar, and Rolling Stones-style rock.

Explore More Guitar Tunings

Discover new sounds and expand your playing with alternative tunings from around the world.

Browse All Tunings →Practice Exercises