What Is DADGAD Tuning?
DADGAD tuning (D-A-D-G-A-D) is a modal "D" tuning. Strumming the open strings does not produce a major or minor chord — it spells a Dsus4 (D-G-A-D-A-D), which has no third. From standard tuning, only three strings change: the 6th (E2→D2), the 2nd (B3→A3), and the 1st (E4→D4) each drop a whole step, while the 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings stay exactly where they are.
Because the open strings sound neither major nor minor, DADGAD has a droning, open, ambiguous quality — the ringing D and A strings act like a bagpipe or fiddle drone. That modal character is why it's nicknamed "Celtic tuning" and why it's a favorite for Irish and Scottish folk, fingerstyle, and the moody riffs Jimmy Page wrote for Led Zeppelin. With only three strings to lower a whole step each, it's also one of the easiest and lowest-tension tunings to get into.
DADGAD Tuning Notes — D A D G A D
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6th | D2 | 73.42 Hz |
| 5th | A2 | 110.00 Hz |
| 4th | D3 | 146.83 Hz |
| 3rd | G3 | 196.00 Hz |
| 2nd | A3 | 220.00 Hz |
| 1st | D4 | 293.66 Hz |
Famous Songs in DADGAD Tuning
- Black Mountain SideLed ZeppelinJimmy Page's DADGAD fingerstyle showcase
- White SummerLed ZeppelinPage's modal DADGAD instrumental
- KashmirLed ZeppelinIconic riff built on Page's DADGAD-derived tuning
- She Moves Through the FairDavy GrahamThe folk pioneer who developed DADGAD
- DriftingAndy McKeeModern percussive fingerstyle in DADGAD
- DADGAD fingerstyle repertoirePierre BensusanMaster who plays almost exclusively in DADGAD
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is DADGAD tuning?+−
DADGAD tuning (D-A-D-G-A-D) is a modal 'D' tuning where the open strings spell a Dsus4 chord (D-G-A-D-A-D) rather than a major or minor chord. From standard tuning, only three strings change — the 6th, 2nd, and 1st each drop a whole step. The result is a droning, open, Celtic sound.
How do I tune to DADGAD?+−
Start in standard tuning (EADGBE). Lower the 6th string from E2 to D2, lower the 2nd string from B3 to A3, and lower the 1st string from E4 to D4. Leave the 5th (A2), 4th (D3), and 3rd (G3) strings exactly where they are. Use the tuner above — it is preset to DADGAD, so each string will show its DADGAD target as you play.
Is DADGAD a major or minor tuning?+−
Neither. DADGAD is a modal tuning — the open strings form a Dsus4 chord (D-G-A-D-A-D), which contains no major or minor third. Because there is no third, the open strings sound neither major nor minor, giving DADGAD its open, droning, ambiguous quality that works beautifully for both bright and dark passages.
What songs use DADGAD tuning?+−
DADGAD is closely tied to Jimmy Page, who used it on Led Zeppelin's 'Black Mountain Side', 'White Summer', and the riff to 'Kashmir'. It was popularized by British folk guitarist Davy Graham (heard on his arrangement of 'She Moves Through the Fair') and is the lifelong tuning of fingerstyle master Pierre Bensusan, while Andy McKee's 'Drifting' showcases it in modern percussive fingerstyle.
Why is DADGAD called Celtic tuning?+−
DADGAD earned the nickname 'Celtic tuning' because its open, droning, modal character mirrors the sound of Irish and Scottish folk music — the ringing open D and A strings act like the drones of bagpipes or a fiddle. British guitarist Davy Graham developed it in the 1960s after hearing Moroccan oud music, and it quickly became the go-to tuning for Celtic and folk fingerstyle players.