DADGAD tuning

DADGAD tuning is D A D G A D, from the thickest string to the thinnest. From standard, lower the 6th, 2nd and 1st strings a whole step.

Lodestone for iPhone shows these strings too, with the one you're tuning lit up. 99¢, once.

DADGAD tuning notes and frequencies

Diagram of dadgad tuning: six strings tuned D A D G A D, from the thickest string to the thinnest.

String	Note	Frequency	From standard
6th	D₂	73.42 Hz	E → D whole step down
5th	A₂	110.00 Hz	no change
4th	D₃	146.83 Hz	no change
3rd	G₃	196.00 Hz	no change
2nd	A₃	220.00 Hz	B → A whole step down
1st	D₄	293.66 Hz	E → D whole step down

Frequencies use A4 = 440 Hz. Strings are numbered from the thinnest.

The open strings make a chord that's neither major nor minor, which is why DADGAD is loved for Celtic and folk fingerstyle playing.

Tap a string above to hear its note, or turn on the mic: the string you're tuning lights up and glows brighter as you get close.

How to tune to DADGAD

Lower the 6th string from E to D.
Lower the 2nd string from B to A.
Lower the 1st string from E to D. The A, D and G strings stay put.

Questions

Is DADGAD major or minor?

Neither. The open strings are D, A and G, with no third, so they sound open and ringing (a Dsus4 chord).

More tunings

Standard E A D G B E
Drop D D A D G B E
Half step down E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭
D standard D G C F A D
Drop C C G C F A D
Open G D G D G B D
Open D D A D F♯ A D
Bass tuner E A D G
Ukulele tuner G C E A
Violin tuner G D A E

Lodestone for iPhone

Open Lodestone and play. It's already listening. Pick your instrument to see its strings, with the one you're tuning lit up. 99¢, once. No ads, no accounts, no subscription.