DADGAD tuning
D A D G A D · the tuner below is already set to DADGAD. Tap Start tuner and play a string.
Play a string
Tune with your microphone
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Click the icon to the left of the address bar (a slider or a padlock), switch Microphone to Allow, then reload the page.
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Open Safari › Settings for This Website (or Safari › Settings › Websites › Microphone), set this site to Allow, then reload.
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Open Settings › Safari › Microphone and choose Ask or Allow. In Chrome for iOS: Settings › Chrome › Microphone. Then come back and tap Try again.
Android
Tap the icon next to the address, open Permissions and allow Microphone. If it is still blocked, open Android Settings › Apps › Chrome › Permissions › Microphone.
Firefox
Click the microphone icon with a slash in the address bar, remove the block for this site, then reload the page.
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Plug in a headset or use a phone or laptop with a built-in microphone. Until then, the reference notes let you tune by ear.
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All strings in tune. Happy playing!
Reference notes
Tap a note, play the same string and turn the peg until the two sounds stop “beating” against each other.
Notes and frequencies in DADGAD
| String | Note | Frequency (Hz) | MIDI | From standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | D₂ | 73.42 | 38 | −2 |
| 5 | A₂ | 110.00 | 45 | · |
| 4 | D₃ | 146.83 | 50 | · |
| 3 | G₃ | 196.00 | 55 | · |
| 2 | A₃ | 220.00 | 57 | −2 |
| 1 | D₄ | 293.66 | 62 | −2 |
Frequencies in equal temperament with A4 = 440 Hz. If you calibrate A4, the tuner shifts every target with it.
From standard tuning to DADGAD
- Lower string 6 from E₂ to D₂: a whole step down.
- Lower string 2 from B₃ to A₃: a whole step down.
- Lower string 1 from E₄ to D₄: a whole step down.
- Leave strings 5, 4, 3 as they are.
- Check every string once more with the tuner: changing the tension of some strings pulls the others slightly.
About DADGAD
DADGAD is named after its notes: D A D G A D. It is neither major nor minor (it is a Dsus4 chord), so it suits modal melodies and drones. It is closely tied to Celtic, folk and acoustic fingerstyle music, and many players keep a guitar permanently in DADGAD. From standard tuning you lower the 6th, 2nd and 1st strings a whole step; the middle three stay where they are.
Tuning tips
Strings that change pitch for DADGAD change tension too, and a lowered string may buzz or feel loose. Tune slightly below the note and come back up so the gear holds, and give the neck a few minutes to settle before you check again.
Use Auto mode: the tuner already knows the notes of DADGAD and picks the nearest string. If a string is far off, tap its chip to lock it in Manual mode, then turn the peg until the needle centres.