DADGAD tuning: D A D G A D
Free online tuner, set to D A D G A D — press Start tuner and play a string
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4.2 (6)What DADGAD tuning is for
DADGAD is named after its six notes. It sits between an open and a standard tuning: the open strings make a Dsus4 chord, neither major nor minor, so the same shapes serve both and the open strings drone under melodies. It became the tuning of Celtic and folk fingerstyle, and Jimmy Page used it for Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir”.
Press Start tuner above, allow the microphone and play one open string at a time. The tuner is already set to DADGAD, so in Auto mode it picks the nearest string and shows how many cents sharp or flat it is; switch to Manual to aim at one string. Bring each string up to the note from below, which helps it hold.
The strings: D A D G A D
Thickest string first, with the frequency at the standard A = 440 Hz. Each note opens the tuning drone on that pitch, for tuning by ear.
How to get there from standard tuning
- Tune the 6th string down a whole step (2 frets), from E2 to D2.
- Tune the 2nd string down a whole step (2 frets), from B3 to A3.
- Tune the 1st string down a whole step (2 frets), from E4 to D4.
- Leave the 5th, 4th and 3rd strings as in standard guitar tuning.
Check it by ear
Once one string is right, each neighbouring string can be checked against it — the beating between the two notes slows and stops when they agree.
- Press the 6th string (D2) at the 7th fret: it should match the open 5th string (A2).
- Press the 5th string (A2) at the 5th fret: it should match the open 4th string (D3).
- Press the 4th string (D3) at the 5th fret: it should match the open 3rd string (G3).
- Press the 3rd string (G3) at the 2nd fret: it should match the open 2nd string (A3).
- Press the 2nd string (A3) at the 5th fret: it should match the open 1st string (D4).
Songs in DADGAD tuning
Well-known recordings in this tuning. Each title opens its sheet music on MuseScore.
- Kashmir — Led Zeppelin
- Black Mountain Side — Led Zeppelin
More about DADGAD tuning
View scores on MuseScore
What musicians say
- 5★4
- 4★1
- 3★0
- 2★0
- 1★1
Cool, though basic
Frequently asked questions
- What are the notes of DADGAD tuning?
- From the thickest string to the thinnest: D2 (6th), A2 (5th), D3 (4th), G3 (3rd), A3 (2nd), D4 (1st). At A = 440 Hz that is D2 73.42 Hz, A2 110.00 Hz, D3 146.83 Hz, G3 196.00 Hz, A3 220.00 Hz, D4 293.66 Hz.
- How do I tune to DADGAD tuning from standard?
- Tune the 6th string down a whole step (2 frets), from E2 to D2. Tune the 2nd string down a whole step (2 frets), from B3 to A3. Tune the 1st string down a whole step (2 frets), from E4 to D4. Leave the 5th, 4th and 3rd strings as in standard guitar tuning. Use the tuner above, set to DADGAD, or check by ear with the fret method on this page.
- Can I use a chromatic tuner for DADGAD tuning?
- Yes. A chromatic tuner reads any note, so aim each string at D A D G A D in turn. This tuner has a DADGAD preset, so it shows the target for each string and picks the nearest one for you.
- What songs use DADGAD tuning?
- “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin, “Black Mountain Side” by Led Zeppelin are well-known examples. Each title on this page opens its sheet music on MuseScore.