Unlocking Creativity: A Guide to DADGAD Guitar Tuning

Like most guitarists, you probably started with standard Spanish tuning (EADGBE), but have you ever explored alternative tunings? Many popular alternate tunings like Open D, Open G, Drop D, Double D, etc. Still, DADGAD may be the most versatile of the bunch. It’s likely why DADGAD has captured the hearts of folk, Celtic, and acoustic guitarists worldwide for decades.

In today’s guitar lesson, we’ll explore the intriguing sounds of DADGAD tuning, its history, practical applications, chords, and scales, and then try a few pieces to spark your creativity.

Interested in Open G Tuning? Check out the entire lesson here.

DADGAD Origins and History

DADGAD tuning has roots in Celtic and folk music traditions, though its precise origins are somewhat elusive. Some attribute its development to British folk guitarists in the mid-20th century, while others suggest it may have earlier roots in Arabic music.

Regardless of its exact origins, DADGAD tuning gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly among guitarists exploring alternative approaches to traditional folk and acoustic music.

What are the Benefits of DADGAD Tuning?

Open tunings add some needed variety to your standard guitar tuning. Still, returning requires learning a whole new set of chords and scales. However, the pros outweigh the cons and well worth the effort.

Here are some of the benefits of tuning in DADGAD:

1. Some chords are more accessible with the altered open strings.
2. You have three open drone strings perfect for Celtic and many other styles.
3. Playing in the key of D, A and G works well.
4. As DADGAD is considered a modal tuning, some tunes will fit better without the major 3rd interval.
5. There are quite a few popular tunes that were written in DADGAD.

If you arrange your own tunes and use the more familiar Open G and D altered tunings, DADGAD is a great option. Its modal qualities, lack of major third interval and more accessible chord shapes make it a must-try for all your arrangements.  

Let’s now take a quick look at the DADGAD fingerboard. 

Other Open Tuning Lessons and Books

Also, check out my book 101 Blues Riffs & Solos in Open G Guitar Tuning DGDGBD

Want to learn about Open D major chords, go here.

Love the Blues? Check out my book 101 Blues Riffs & Solos in Open D Guitar Tuning DADF#AD

The DADGAD Fingerboard

DADGAD is technically a Dsus4 chord, which is a D chord with a suspended third: DGA. That means the fourth note of the scale replaces the third. The D chord has D, F#, and A notes. In this case, the F# is replaced with the fourth note of the scale, which is G.

You will notice that three of the strings in DADGAD are tuned the same as standard guitar tuning. This will help with identifying some of the chord roots and scale patterns, but unfortunately, that’s where it usually ends with altered tunings.

Changing even one string can regroup the notes to your tried-and-true memorised pentatonic patterns and chord shapes. Either way, look at the fingerboard below and try to find your new patterns.

It’s time to move on to the chords, which you will likely do most often when playing in DADGAD.

Right, and now some minor chord shapes:

These chords should help get you started, but of course, there are tons of other cool chords to learn. For more in-depth study, I suggest a good app or dedicated DADGAD chord book.

Love Open G Celtic Guitar? Have a look at the Open G Tuning Celtic Guitar Book DGDGBD

Blues in DADGAD?

Who plays blues in DADGAD? I can’t think of anyone, but there are lots of players who do. Hey, you could start a whole new trend!

I’ve laid out the blues chords in C and D with the most logical shapes I could string together. Give this a shot:

And now the 12-bar dadgad blues chords in the key of C:

It is not so common in blues, but in Celtic, it is absolutely—a very common rhythm guitar tuning in Irish, Scottish and several other ish’s.

Celtic DADGAD

You can refer to the chords above, but the best part of playing Celtic in this tuning is creating some nice droning strings to get that bagpipe sound. Of course, this works best in the keys of G, D, and A.

We could try a flatpicking arrangement of the traditional waltz Eleanor Plunkett, composed by Turlough O’Carolan, one of Ireland’s best-known composers. Have a listen and try playing along with this beautiful tune.

Several good DADGAD fingerstyle books are available, so search those out if you are into fingerpicking. Before you go, check out some scales to help develop your technique.

Scales in DADGAD Tuning

One of the coolest things to do when playing scales is to let the open string overlap to create interesting dissonances and, of course, consonances! This technique is sometimes called “Campanella.”

Check out these major scales and make sure to let the open strings overlap where indicated with:  *

Open Up about Open Tunings

I hope you enjoyed this lesson and that it will spark an interest in learning more open tunings and tunes in DADGAD. You could convert some of your existing repertoire and get a new take on your guitar.

Leave comments and suggestions for new lessons and books in the comments below. 🎸✨

One of the best ways to develop your guitar technique is to flatpick Celtic tunes.

Check out this book: DADGAD Guitar Celtic Flatpicking