Want a wide, ringing guitar sound without learning a new instrument? DADGAD is one of the fastest ways to get there. This guide shows you how to tune to D A D G A D without getting lost, then gives you beginner-friendly shapes you can strum right away.
Quick CTA:
- Open the preset: Open the DADGAD guitar tuner
- Find shapes in your tuning: Open the chord library
What DADGAD tuning is (and why it sounds so open)
DADGAD is an alternate tuning for 6-string guitar. From your lowest (thickest) string to your highest (thinnest) string, the notes are:
D - A - D - G - A - D
If you strum all six open strings, you get a suspended, "open" sound. That's why DADGAD shows up in:
- folk and acoustic songwriting
- Celtic-style rhythm parts
- ambient and cinematic guitar layers
- fingerstyle patterns that lean on drones
The big idea: you keep D and A ringing as drone notes while you move shapes around them.
The fastest way to tune from standard to DADGAD
If your guitar is already in standard tuning (E A D G B E), DADGAD is simpler than it looks. Three strings change, and three stay the same.
Standard vs DADGAD (what changes)
From low to high:
- 6th string: E goes down to D (down 2 semitones)
- 5th string: A stays A
- 4th string: D stays D
- 3rd string: G stays G
- 2nd string: B goes down to A (down 2 semitones)
- 1st string: E goes down to D (down 2 semitones)
That means you only have to retune:
- low E -> D
- B -> A
- high E -> D
Everything else stays put.
Tune step by step with the TunerHub DADGAD tuner
Use the preset so you always know what note each string is aiming for:
1. Start from a known place
If you are not sure what tuning you're in now, tune to standard first:
- Use: How to tune a guitar (standard)
- Then switch to DADGAD
Starting from standard keeps the "change only three strings" method safe and predictable.
2. Drop the 6th string from E down to D
- Play your 6th string open.
- In the tuner, focus on D as the target.
- Loosen the tuning peg slowly until the tuner reads D and the needle centers.
- Pluck again and fine-tune.
Tip: when you finish, play the 4th string (which is also D) and compare. They should match an octave apart and sound clean together.
3. Drop the 2nd string from B down to A
- Play the 2nd string open.
- Loosen until the tuner reads A.
- Go slow. The B string can jump in pitch with small peg turns.
4. Drop the 1st string from E down to D
- Play the 1st string open.
- Loosen until the tuner reads D.
5. Recheck every string once
Tuning one string changes overall neck tension. Do a fast pass from low to high:
D - A - D - G - A - D
If you use a hard attack, the pitch can read sharp. Pluck cleanly and let the string ring.
Easy DADGAD chord shapes you can use today
These shapes keep the tuning's drone sound and avoid finger gymnastics. Fret numbers are low to high (6th to 1st string).
If you want more options, the fastest move is:
- Open the chord library: Chord Library
- Select Guitar and DADGAD
- Search for the chord name
Shape 1: home sound (open strings)
0 0 0 0 0 0
This is the "home base" sound of DADGAD. Music theory labels vary, but it functions like a D-suspended chord. Use it as your reset button between phrases.
Shape 2: D major color (adds F#)
0 0 4 2 0 0
- 4th string, 4th fret gives you F#
- 3rd string, 2nd fret gives you A
This is a solid "D major" color that still rings open.
Shape 3: G flavor (strong bass note)
5 2 0 0 0 0
You get a clear G in the bass and a bright, open top. Great for switching between a D-centered sound and a G-centered sound without muting the drones.
Shape 4: C flavor (easy mid-neck grip)
0 3 2 0 0 0
This shape gives you a strong C/E-style feel while the open strings keep it wide. If it sounds "too open" for your song, mute the 1st string with your fretting hand.
Two beginner progressions that work in DADGAD
Use slow, even strums and let the open strings ring.
- Progression A: open (000000) -> G shape (520000) -> D major color (004200) -> open
- Progression B: open -> C shape (032000) -> G shape -> open
If you want cleaner chord changes, practice with a click:
Common problems in DADGAD (and quick fixes)
The tuner keeps reading the wrong note
- Move closer to your mic.
- Pluck one string at a time.
- Lightly mute the other strings with your picking hand.
On acoustic guitar, aim the sound hole toward your phone or laptop mic.
The low D sounds floppy or rattly
That low string is two semitones lower than standard. If it feels too loose:
- pick a little lighter
- raise your action slightly (if your guitar has an adjustable bridge)
- consider a heavier low string next time you change strings
If you need a tighter feel for heavy picking, you may like a full down-tuning instead:
Chords sound messy when you strum hard
DADGAD rewards control.
- Use smaller strums (focus on 4-5 strings, not all 6 all the time).
- Palm-mute the low strings for rhythm parts.
- Try fingerpicking; DADGAD shines there.
Practice routine: make DADGAD feel natural
You can get comfortable in 10 minutes.
1. Lock in the tuning with drones (2 minutes)
- Play open 6th string (D), then open 4th string (D).
- Play open 5th string (A), then open 2nd string (A).
Listen for a clean, stable sound with no wobble.
2. Switch between two shapes cleanly (5 minutes)
Set a slow tempo:
- 70 BPM in the metronome: Open the metronome
Then alternate every 4 clicks:
- 000000 (open)
- 520000 (G shape)
Goal: no buzzing, and the ringing strings stay in tune.
3. Add one melody note (3 minutes)
Keep the top D string ringing (1st string open). On the 2nd string (A), play:
- 0 (A), 2 (B), 3 (C), 5 (D)
You now have a simple melody line with a drone underneath.
FAQs: DADGAD tuning
Do I need special strings for DADGAD?
No. DADGAD works on normal strings. If the low D feels too loose for your playing style, bump up one string gauge the next time you restring.
Can I switch between standard and DADGAD fast?
Yes, but tune carefully. The safest routine is:
- Use the tuner preset for the target tuning.
- Change only the three strings that move.
- Recheck every string once.
Is DADGAD safe for my guitar?
Yes. You're tuning down, not cranking strings up.
Why does my DADGAD sound out of tune even when the tuner says it's fine?
Check intonation and technique:
- Pressing too hard can pull notes sharp.
- Old strings can sound sour.
- Your guitar may need an intonation setup.
This troubleshooting guide helps: Why your guitar won't stay in tune
What should I play first in DADGAD?
Start with drones and slow chord changes. If you want a quick win, play:
- open strings (home sound)
- G shape (520000)
- D major color (004200)
Next step: tune to DADGAD and start playing
Open the preset, tune the three strings that change, then try the shapes above:
If you want another "open" tuning with a different flavor, try Open G next: