If you’ve been playing guitar for a while, you’ve probably heard of alternate tunings. One of the most popular among folk, Celtic, and fingerstyle guitarists is DADGAD tuning. Named after the pitches of its open strings, DADGAD opens up a world of lush, open-sounding chords that aren’t easily available in standard tuning. Whether you want to play Celtic ballads, create ambient textures, or explore new songwriting ideas, learning DADGAD chords is an exciting step in your guitar journey.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to tune to DADGAD, show you the most common chord shapes, explore why this tuning is so popular, and recommend guitars and gear that work best for alternate tunings.
Quick Picks
If you want to explore DADGAD chords, here are three excellent guitars and tools (all $300+):
- Best Overall – Taylor 114ce Acoustic
A versatile grand auditorium acoustic that handles alternate tunings beautifully. - Best Budget – Yamaha FG830
A reliable, affordable dreadnought that sounds great in DADGAD. - Best Premium – Martin 000-15M
An all-mahogany guitar with warm resonance perfect for Celtic fingerstyle.
What Is DADGAD Tuning?
DADGAD is an alternate guitar tuning where the strings are tuned as follows:
- 6th string – D (down from E)
- 5th string – A (same as standard)
- 4th string – D (same as standard)
- 3rd string – G (same as standard)
- 2nd string – A (down from B)
- 1st string – D (down from E)
Compared to standard EADGBE tuning, three strings (6th, 2nd, and 1st) are tuned down a whole step. The result is a droning, modal sound that works especially well for Celtic, Middle Eastern, and ambient music.
Why Guitarists Love DADGAD
- Open Drone: The open strings create a Dsus4 chord, giving a haunting, unresolved sound.
- Easy Chords: Many chord shapes require just one or two fingers.
- Versatility: Great for both strumming and fingerpicking styles.
- Songwriting Inspiration: Forces you to approach the fretboard differently, sparking creativity.
Common DADGAD Chords
Here are some of the most useful chord shapes in DADGAD tuning (string order from low to high: D–A–D–G–A–D):
- D major: 0 0 0 2 3 2
- G major: 5 5 0 0 5 5
- A major: 7 7 7 0 7 7
- Bm: 9 9 9 7 9 9
- Em: 2 2 2 0 2 2
Many of these shapes look symmetrical across the strings, which makes them easier to memorize than standard tuning chords.
Chord Progressions in DADGAD
Here are a couple of progressions to get started:
- Progression 1: D – G – A – D
- Progression 2: D – Bm – G – A
- Progression 3 (Celtic flavor): D – G – Em – A – D
Experiment with letting open strings ring as drones while moving simple chord shapes around the neck. This is the magic of DADGAD.
Detailed Reviews – Best Guitars & Gear for DADGAD
1. Taylor 114ce Acoustic
Who it’s for: Intermediate players seeking a versatile acoustic for alternate tunings.
- Key Benefits: Grand auditorium shape, layered walnut back/sides, ES2 electronics.
- Pros: Great for fingerstyle and strumming, balanced tone, stage-ready.
- Cons: Higher mid-range price.
Final Verdict: A versatile workhorse that handles DADGAD beautifully. Check Price
2. Yamaha FG830
Who it’s for: Beginners who want an affordable entry into alternate tunings.
- Key Benefits: Solid spruce top, rosewood back/sides, dreadnought body.
- Pros: Affordable, strong bass, reliable build.
- Cons: Bulkier than smaller-bodied guitars.
Final Verdict: Best value for exploring alternate tunings. Check Price
3. Martin 000-15M
Who it’s for: Players who love warm, woody tones and Celtic fingerstyle.
- Key Benefits: All-solid mahogany body, smaller 000 shape, vintage appeal.
- Pros: Warm tone, comfortable body size, high-quality craftsmanship.
- Cons: Premium price tag.
Final Verdict: A perfect match for Celtic and folk guitarists. Check Price
4. Alvarez Artist Series AF30
Who it’s for: Folk players who want an affordable mid-size acoustic.
- Key Benefits: Solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back/sides, concert body.
- Pros: Comfortable size, balanced tone, affordable.
- Cons: Less bass than dreadnoughts.
Final Verdict: Excellent for fingerstyle in alternate tunings. Check Price
5. Elixir Nanoweb Coated Strings
Who it’s for: Players who use alternate tunings frequently and want long-lasting tone.
- Key Benefits: Coated for durability, smooth feel, excellent tone retention.
- Pros: Lasts longer than standard strings, bright yet warm sound.
- Cons: More expensive than regular strings.
Final Verdict: The best strings for experimenting with DADGAD. Check Price
6. Snark SN-8 Clip-On Tuner
Who it’s for: Anyone exploring alternate tunings.
- Key Benefits: Accurate, bright display, easy to use.
- Pros: Affordable, fast response, reliable.
- Cons: Small size can be easy to misplace.
Final Verdict: A must-have for quick and accurate DADGAD tuning. Check Price
Comparison Table
| Product | Type | Best For | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor 114ce | Acoustic-Electric | Versatility & stage use | Check Price |
| Yamaha FG830 | Acoustic | Budget-friendly alternate tunings | Check Price |
| Martin 000-15M | Acoustic | Celtic & folk fingerstyle | Check Price |
| Alvarez AF30 | Acoustic | Affordable folk tones | Check Price |
| Elixir Nanoweb | Strings | Durability in alternate tunings | Check Price |
| Snark SN-8 | Tuner | Accurate alternate tuning | Check Price |
Frequently Asked Questions
What songs use DADGAD tuning?
Many Celtic and folk tunes use DADGAD, along with songs by artists like Led Zeppelin, Pierre Bensusan, and Andy McKee.
Can beginners learn DADGAD chords?
Yes. In fact, many chords are easier in DADGAD than in standard tuning, since they often use open strings.
Do I need a special guitar for DADGAD?
No. Any guitar works, but solid-top acoustics and stable tuners help keep alternate tunings in tune longer.
Does DADGAD work for electric guitar?
Yes, though it’s most popular in acoustic folk and Celtic genres, some rock and metal players also experiment with it.
Will alternate tunings damage my guitar?
No, as long as you tune carefully and avoid extreme tension changes. Using light or medium gauge strings is recommended.
Conclusion
Learning DADGAD chords opens up a new musical landscape for guitarists. With its open, droning quality and ease of play, DADGAD is a favorite of folk, Celtic, and experimental players worldwide. From simple one-finger shapes to complex progressions, this tuning offers both beginners and advanced players fresh inspiration.
If you’re ready to try it, grab a reliable tuner like the Snark SN-8, a durable set of Elixir Nanoweb strings, and experiment with the chord shapes listed above. And if you want a guitar that handles alternate tunings beautifully, the Taylor 114ce or Martin 000-15M are excellent choices.
Once you get comfortable, you’ll find yourself writing new songs and exploring musical textures you never imagined possible. That’s the magic of DADGAD tuning.