DADGAD (D A D G A D) lowers the 6th, 2nd and 1st strings by a whole step. The open strings are neither major nor minor but an open, ringing Dsus4 — a favorite for Celtic music, folk and acoustic fingerstyle.
What is DADGAD tuning?
Compared with standard: 6th string E→D, 2nd B→A and 1st E→D, each down a whole step; strings 5, 4 and 3 (A D G) stay the same. From low to high the open strings are D–A–D–G–A–D: root, fifth and fourth but no third, which is why it is called "D modal" or a Dsus4 tuning.
With no third in the open strings, DADGAD slides easily between major and minor colors and suits modal melodies (Dorian, Mixolydian). The open A and D on the treble strings ring against fretted notes for a bell-like shimmer.
DADGAD tuning notes and frequencies
| String | Standard | DADGAD | Change | Tension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 82.41 | D2 73.42 Hz | down a whole step (2 semitones) | -21% |
| String 5 | A2 110.00 | A2 110.00 Hz | unchanged | — |
| String 4 | D3 146.83 | D3 146.83 Hz | unchanged | — |
| String 3 | G3 196.00 | G3 196.00 Hz | unchanged | — |
| String 2 | B3 246.94 | A3 220.00 Hz | down a whole step (2 semitones) | -21% |
| String 1 | E4 329.63 | D4 293.66 Hz | down a whole step (2 semitones) | -21% |
How to tune from standard to DADGAD tuning
- Tune all six strings to standard E A D G B E first (A4 = 440 Hz).
- String 6: E2 → D2, down a whole step (2 semitones) — target 73.42 Hz.
- String 2: B3 → A3, down a whole step (2 semitones) — target 220.00 Hz.
- String 1: E4 → D4, down a whole step (2 semitones) — target 293.66 Hz.
- Ear check: the 3rd string at the 2nd fret (A3) should match the open 2nd string (A3); the 2nd string at the 5th fret (D4) should match the open 1st string (D4); and the 12th-fret harmonic on the 6th string (D3) should match the open 4th.
- Recheck every string from low to high: the change in neck tension pulls the other strings slightly out.
Where it is used
DADGAD is the signature accompaniment tuning of Irish and Scottish traditional music. Popularized by British folk guitarists in the 1960s, it became one of the best-loved open tunings in acoustic fingerstyle and folk.
You will also hear it in new-age, ambient and post-rock acoustic passages, and some rock bands have used it for riffs with an Eastern or Middle-Eastern flavor.
String tension and feel
The 6th, 2nd and 1st strings each lose about 21% tension. With the top two strings slacker, a lighter right-hand touch helps avoid buzzing. Regular 11–52 or 12–53 acoustic sets handle DADGAD well.
Switching between DADGAD and standard is easy and normally needs no neck adjustment. If you keep a guitar in DADGAD, slightly heavier 1st and 2nd strings give a firmer feel.
How to get back to standard tuning
- String 1: D4 → E4, up a whole step (2 semitones) (329.63 Hz).
- String 2: A3 → B3, up a whole step (2 semitones) (246.94 Hz).
- String 6: D2 → E2, up a whole step (2 semitones) (82.41 Hz).
- Raising pitch adds tension. Approach each target from slightly below and turn slowly rather than overshooting — fewer broken strings and the tuning settles faster.
FAQ
Why is DADGAD called a Dsus4 tuning?
The open strings contain D, A and G — root, fifth and fourth — with no third to decide major or minor, which makes the open chord a Dsus4. That ambiguous, open color is exactly what players love about it.
What is the difference between DADGAD and Open D?
Only the 3rd string: G in DADGAD (D A D G A D) versus F♯ in Open D (D A D F♯ A D). Open D strums a clear D major chord; DADGAD is a third-less Dsus4 that sounds more open and modal.
What happens if I use a capo with DADGAD?
The string relationships stay the same and everything moves up: capo 2 gives E modal (E B E A B E), capo 5 gives G modal. Many Celtic and folk players use DADGAD plus a capo to follow tunes in different keys.
