DADGAD is one of the most beautiful alternate tunings for guitar. Named after the notes of its open strings (D-A-D-G-A-D), it creates a rich, droning sound that’s perfect for Celtic, folk, and fingerstyle music. Here’s your complete guide.
What Is DADGAD Tuning?
Standard tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E
DADGAD tuning: D-A-D-G-A-D
Three strings change: the 6th string drops from E to D, the 2nd string drops from B to A, and the 1st string drops from E to D. The open strings form a Dsus4 chord — neither major nor minor, which gives DADGAD its ethereal, ambiguous quality.
How to Tune to DADGAD
Starting from standard tuning:
1. 6th string: E down to D (same as drop D)
2. 5th string: A stays the same
3. 4th string: D stays the same
4. 3rd string: G stays the same
5. 2nd string: B down to A
6. 1st string: E down to D
Essential DADGAD Chord Shapes
D (Dsus4 – Open)
Strum all strings open: 000000. The defining sound of DADGAD.
D Major
Add middle finger on 2nd fret (3rd string) to add the F# note: 004200 or 000200.
D Minor
Index on 1st fret (3rd string) for the F natural: 000100.
G Major
Index on 2nd fret (4th string), middle on 4th fret (4th string) or simply: 020030. Many voicings possible.
A Major
Barre the 7th fret across all strings, or use: X02220.
C Major
X30030 or X32030. The open A and D strings add color.
Em
200000 or 200020.
DADGAD Playing Techniques
Let strings ring (drone)
The open D strings on top and bottom create a drone that you can play melodies over. Let them ring as much as possible.
Hammer-ons and pull-offs
DADGAD is built for legato playing. Use the open strings as anchor points and hammer on/pull off melodic notes.
Fingerpicking
DADGAD sounds best fingerpicked. The thumb handles the bass D strings while fingers pick melody on the higher strings.
Famous DADGAD Songs
– Kashmir (Led Zeppelin) — The most famous DADGAD song
– Black Mountain Side (Led Zeppelin)
– Photograph (Ed Sheeran) — Uses a modified DADGAD
– Circle (Slipknot) — Heavy DADGAD use
– She Moved Through the Fair — Traditional Celtic classic
– The Wind That Shakes the Barley — Irish traditional
Why Learn DADGAD?
DADGAD unlocks sounds impossible in standard tuning. The droning open strings, the ambiguous sus4 tonality, and the ease of playing modal melodies make it perfect for Celtic music, ambient guitar, and creative songwriting. Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back.