DADGAD tuning
DADGAD takes its name from its six notes: D, A, D, G, A, D. Neither major nor minor, it makes the open strings ring like one big suspended chord.
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From standard to DADGAD in three strings
- 6th string: lower the low E a whole step, to D2 at 73.42 Hz.
- 2nd string: lower the B a whole step, to A3 at 220 Hz.
- 1st string: lower the high E a whole step, to D4 at 293.66 Hz.
- The A, D and G strings stay put. Then check all six strings and strum them open: the chord should sound calm, with no beating.
Notes and frequencies
| String | Note (A4 = 440) | Solfège (La3 = 440) | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D2 | Ré1 | 73.42 |
| 2 | A2 | La1 | 110.00 |
| 3 | D3 | Ré2 | 146.83 |
| 4 | G3 | Sol2 | 196.00 |
| 5 | A3 | La2 | 220.00 |
| 6 | D4 | Ré3 | 293.66 |
Strings in physical order, from the lowest in playing position. Frequencies calculated at A = 440 Hz in equal temperament. Tune to “DADGAD”
| String | Note (A4 = 440) | Solfège (La3 = 440) | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D2 | Ré1 | 73.42 |
| 2 | A2 | La1 | 110.00 |
| 3 | D3 | Ré2 | 146.83 |
| 4 | F♯3 | Fa♯2 | 185.00 |
| 5 | A3 | La2 | 220.00 |
| 6 | D4 | Ré3 | 293.66 |
Strings in physical order, from the lowest in playing position. Frequencies calculated at A = 440 Hz in equal temperament. Tune to “Open D”
A suspended tuning
The open strings contain the root D, the fifth A and the fourth G, but no third. The resulting chord, Dsus4, is neither happy nor sad: you decide, by placing a finger on the 4th string, whether the music will be in D major (4th fret, F♯) or D minor (3rd fret, F).
That ambiguity, and the open strings that keep ringing under the melody, explain DADGAD's success in Irish and Scottish music, fingerstyle guitar and accompanying singers. The keys of D and G feel most natural; for other keys, a capo lets you keep the same shapes.
Practical tips
- All three changed strings go down: no risk of breakage, and your usual strings are fine.
- The 2nd string, now A, must be perfectly in tune with the 5th string: the 12th-fret harmonic on the 5th string and the open 2nd string should blend into one.
- With a capo, enter its fret in the tuner to check the strings without removing it.
- DADGAD is close to open D: only the 3rd string differs, G instead of F♯. Switching between them takes just a semitone.
Frequently asked questions
What does DADGAD stand for?
It is simply the names of the six notes, from the lowest string to the highest: D, A, D, G, A, D.
Is DADGAD an open tuning?
Not strictly: an open tuning forms a complete major or minor chord. DADGAD forms a suspended chord, with no third.
Which keys work best in DADGAD?
D and G are the easiest, and to a lesser extent A major and E minor. A capo lets you transpose without relearning the shapes.
How do I get back to standard tuning after DADGAD?
Raise the 6th, 2nd and 1st strings a whole step, approaching from below. The tuner reminds you that these strings go up so you do not overshoot the note.