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How to tune your guitar to DADGAD
DADGAD tuning is D A D G A D – three strings lowered a whole step from standard tuning. Use the free tuner below to get each string exactly right.
GuitarLu Tuner · by Lu Jia Hong
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👆 Tap the tuner once, choose Allow for the microphone, then pluck a string. The on-screen prompts are in Chinese. Open the full-screen tuner →
DADGAD tuning: D A D G A D
Change three strings: 6th E → D, 2nd B → A, 1st E → D. The 5th, 4th and 3rd stay the same.
| String | Note |
|---|---|
| 6th string | D (from E) |
| 5th string | A |
| 4th string | D |
| 3rd string | G |
| 2nd string | A (from B) |
| 1st string | D (from E) |
- Start from standard tuning (E A D G B E).
- Lower the 6th string from E to D, the 2nd from B to A and the 1st from E to D.
- Pluck each string while slowly loosening the peg until the tuner shows the target note with the needle centred.
- Play the open strings once more and fine-tune.
FAQ
FAQ
What is DADGAD used for?
Celtic music and fingerstyle: the open strings alone give a hazy, suspended sound.
Is it safe to lower strings this much?
Lowering strings is gentle on the guitar. Turn the pegs slowly and watch the tuner; when you return to standard tuning, check every string again.
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