Acoustic Strings

What is DADGAD tuning?

Q: What is DADGAD tuning?

DADGAD is a tuning of D A D G A D, low to high. From standard, you lower the 6th, 2nd and 1st strings by a whole step each. The open strings form a Dsus4 chord, neither major nor minor, which gives it an open, droning sound used widely in Celtic and fingerstyle music. DADGAD keeps the middle three strings at standard pitch, so it's quick to reach and easy on the guitar.How to tune from standard:Lower the 6th string from E down a whole step to D.Leave the 5th (A), 4th (D) and 3rd (G) strings as they are.Lower the 2nd string from B down a whole step to A.Lower the 1st string from E down a whole step to D.Retune and check each string on a tuner.Why players like it:Ringing open strings sit under melodies and chords.Drones on the low D strings suit modal and Celtic music.Simple shapes give rich, ambiguous chords.Choosing strings: since three strings are lowered, a slightly heavier set keeps them firm and full. P1254 Light or P1256 Bluegrass in Phosphor Bronze work well, and RL1254 in Royal Bronze gives a fuller, more even voice for fingerstyle.

Quick Answer

DADGAD is a tuning of D A D G A D, low to high. From standard, you lower the 6th, 2nd and 1st strings by a whole step each. The open strings form a Dsus4 chord, neither major nor minor, which gives it an open, droning sound used widely in Celtic and fingerstyle music.

DADGAD keeps the middle three strings at standard pitch, so it's quick to reach and easy on the guitar.

How to tune from standard:

Lower the 6th string from E down a whole step to D.
Leave the 5th (A), 4th (D) and 3rd (G) strings as they are.
Lower the 2nd string from B down a whole step to A.
Lower the 1st string from E down a whole step to D.
Retune and check each string on a tuner.

Why players like it:

Ringing open strings sit under melodies and chords.
Drones on the low D strings suit modal and Celtic music.
Simple shapes give rich, ambiguous chords.

Choosing strings: since three strings are lowered, a slightly heavier set keeps them firm and full. P1254 Light or P1256 Bluegrass in Phosphor Bronze work well, and RL1254 in Royal Bronze gives a fuller, more even voice for fingerstyle.

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