DADGAD tuning at a glance
DADGAD tuning spells its notes from the thickest string to the thinnest. Lower strings 6, 2 and 1 one whole step from standard tuning. Strings 5, 4 and 3 stay at A2, D3 and G3. Its open strings form a D suspended-fourth sound, useful for drones and fingerstyle playing.
How it soundsRinging D and A strings create a spacious drone, while the open G adds a suspended sound. That mix suits fingerpicked folk textures and dramatic rock riffs.
Your target notes
- Changed from standard
- 3 of 6 strings
- Lowest note
- D2
- Tuner preset
- DADGAD
DADGAD tuning notes
From string 6 (thickest) to string 1 (thinnest): D2 · A2 · D3 · G3 · A3 · D4.
Highlighted strings differ from standard tuning (E2 · A2 · D3 · G3 · B3 · E4).
| String | Note | From standard |
|---|---|---|
| 6Thickest | D2 | Down a whole step from E2 |
| 5 | A2 | Same as standard |
| 4 | D3 | Same as standard |
| 3 | G3 | Same as standard |
| 2 | A3 | Down a whole step from B3 |
| 1Thinnest | D4 | Down a whole step from E4 |
How to tune your guitar to DADGAD
Use the tuner above and allow microphone access when prompted. Pluck a string and adjust its peg until the tuner shows that string’s target note in the center.
- The tuner above starts in DADGAD. If you change it, choose this preset again in All tunings.
- Lower string 6 from E2 to D2, string 2 from B3 to A3, and string 1 from E4 to D4.
- Check all six strings against D2, A2, D3, G3, A3 and D4. Recheck after the first pass.
Tuning tipPluck one string at a time and let it ring. Make small peg adjustments while watching the tuner. Follow the string to its own peg before turning it, and recheck the strings after every pass.
Chords in DADGAD
Standard chord shapes can sound different because three strings have changed. Start with the open strings and explore simple shapes slowly. To return to standard, select Standard first, then raise strings 6, 2 and 1 one whole step and recheck all six strings.
Songs in DADGAD
These recordings are useful starting points; check each song’s arrangement for capo or string setup details.
- Kashmir — Led Zeppelin Tuning source
- White Summer — The Yardbirds (Jimmy Page) Tuning source
- Black Mountain Side — Led Zeppelin (DADGAD shapes; the original recording is a half step lower.) Tuning source
Did you know?
Folk guitarist Davey Graham helped popularize DADGAD before Jimmy Page brought it to Led Zeppelin. Read the story
