What are the notes of DADGAD tuning?

DADGAD tuning on guitar is D A D G A D, from the lowest string to the highest.

How do I tune to DADGAD from standard tuning?

Starting from standard (E A D G B E): string 6 down a whole step, string 2 down a whole step, string 1 down a whole step. Every other string stays the same. Use the tuner above to check each string.

Is DADGAD tuning bad for my guitar?

No. Changing tuning is completely safe. Just tune gradually, and when raising pitch go slowly so you don't over-tighten a string. After a big change, the neck can take a day to settle, so check your tuning again.

DADGAD tuningD A D G A D

DADGAD is a suspended tuning (D A D G A D) with a drone-like, neither-major-nor-minor sound. It's closely linked with Celtic and folk guitar.

From standard, lower the 6th, 2nd and 1st strings a whole step. The 5th, 4th and 3rd strings stay the same.

Also called · D modal · Dsus4

§ 1

String chart

String 1 is the thinnest. Frequencies are exact at A4 = 440 Hz; change the reference on the A4 knob.

StrNoteFrequencyFrom std.

1DD4 · Re293.7 Hz▼ a whole step

2AA3 · La220.0 Hz▼ a whole step

3GG3 · Sol196.0 Hz—

4DD3 · Re146.8 Hz—

5AA2 · La110.0 Hz—

6DD2 · Re73.42 Hz▼ a whole step

§ 2

Tuning your guitar to DADGAD

Automatically with the microphone, or by ear: tap any note on the headstock to hear a real recorded reference.

1
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2
Pluck one string at a time and let it ring. The tuner detects which string you're playing.
3
If the needle is left of centre the string is flat, so tighten it. If it's right of centre the string is sharp, so loosen it.
4
Turn the peg slowly until the note turns green and the needle sits in the middle. Then move on to the next string.
5
Go round once more: tuning one string slightly changes the tension on the others.

§ 4

Questions & troubleshooting

What are the notes of DADGAD tuning?: DADGAD tuning on guitar is D A D G A D, from the lowest string to the highest.
How do I tune to DADGAD from standard tuning?: Starting from standard (E A D G B E): string 6 down a whole step, string 2 down a whole step, string 1 down a whole step. Every other string stays the same. Use the tuner above to check each string.
Is DADGAD tuning bad for my guitar?: No. Changing tuning is completely safe. Just tune gradually, and when raising pitch go slowly so you don't over-tighten a string. After a big change, the neck can take a day to settle, so check your tuning again.

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