What is DADGAD tuning?
DADGAD is named for its six open strings: D A D G A D. It keeps the middle A, D, and G strings from standard tuning while lowering both E strings to D and lowering the B string to A. The open strings emphasize D, A, and G rather than spelling a complete major or minor chord, which gives the tuning an open, modal character.
How to tune from standard to DADGAD
- Lower the sixth string from E2 to D2.
- Leave the fifth, fourth, and third strings at A2, D3, and G3.
- Lower the second string from B3 to A3.
- Lower the first string from E4 to D4.
- Check all six strings again after the neck and string tension settle.
Make each change by loosening the string. If you pass the target, tune slightly below it and approach the note from flat to reduce slack around the tuning post.
DADGAD target frequencies
| String | Note | Frequency | From standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | D2 | 73.42 Hz | Down 1 whole step |
| 5 | A2 | 110.00 Hz | Unchanged |
| 4 | D3 | 146.83 Hz | Unchanged |
| 3 | G3 | 196.00 Hz | Unchanged |
| 2 | A3 | 220.00 Hz | Down 1 whole step |
| 1 | D4 | 293.66 Hz | Down 1 whole step |
How DADGAD changes the guitar
The repeated D and A notes create natural drones. Simple melodies can move against ringing open strings, which is useful for fingerstyle, folk, Celtic-inspired playing, and acoustic accompaniment. Standard chord diagrams do not automatically transfer because the second and first strings have changed. Learn shapes specifically labeled for DADGAD.
Practical tips
- Write down D A D G A D until the new string order becomes familiar.
- Mute unused open strings when a chord needs a cleaner major or minor quality.
- Ordinary light or medium strings generally work, though very light sets may feel softer.
- When returning to standard, raise strings 6, 2, and 1 carefully and recheck all strings.