How to Tune Your Guitar to DADGAD

DADGAD is one of the most popular alternate guitar tunings in Irish and folk music.
The strings are tuned, from the lowest sixth string to the highest first string:
D–A–D–G–A–D.

You can use the DADGAD guitar tuner above to tune by microphone or by listening
to the reference notes. If you are starting from standard tuning, only three
strings need to change. Lower the sixth string from E to D, lower the second
string from B to A, and lower the first string from E to D. The fifth, fourth
and third strings stay at A, D and G.

How to Use the Online DADGAD Tuner

For the most accurate tuning, allow the tuner to access your microphone and
play one string at a time. Pick the string clearly and let the note ring.
The tuner will show whether your string is flat, sharp or in tune.

Make small adjustments with your tuning peg rather than turning it quickly.
When tuning down from standard tuning, it can also help to pull the string
gently away from the fretboard and check the note again. New tuning changes
can take a moment to settle.

If you prefer to tune by ear, you can also play the reference note for each
string and match the pitch on your guitar. This can be a useful way to develop
your ear as well as getting your guitar into tune.

Why Guitarists Use DADGAD Tuning

DADGAD is especially useful for Irish traditional guitar because the open
strings create a rich, resonant sound while leaving plenty of room for moving
chord shapes, drones and bass runs. Instead of thinking about the guitar only
in standard major and minor chord shapes, DADGAD lets you use open strings as
part of the accompaniment.

I use DADGAD extensively in my own playing and throughout the
Irish Guitar Academy, particularly for accompanying Irish
tunes and songs.

Other Guitar Tunings

This tuner is not limited to DADGAD. You can also switch between
Drop D, Double Drop D, Open D and Standard tuning.
That makes it useful if you are experimenting with different approaches to
Irish guitar accompaniment or simply need a quick online guitar tuner.

If you are new to DADGAD, start by getting comfortable with the six open
strings and checking your tuning regularly. Once the sound of
D–A–D–G–A–D becomes familiar, it becomes much easier to hear when a string
has drifted out of tune.