How to Tune from Standard to DADGAD Celtic Tuning

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “If It Means A Lot To You”:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2D2Tune down a whole step
String 5A2A2Leave as is
String 4D3D3Leave as is
String 3G3G3Leave as is
String 2B3A3Tune down a whole step
String 1E4D4Tune down a whole step
Recommended string gauge: .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046) · affiliate link

Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

"If It Means A Lot To You" by A Day To Remember is played in DADGAD Celtic Tuning (D - A - D - G - A - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. 43 other songs in our catalog use DADGAD Celtic Tuning.

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Tunings Close to DADGAD Celtic Tuning

Already tuned to D - A - D - G - A - D? These tunings are just one small change away.

A Day To Remember’s Guitar Tunings

A Day To Remember plays 1 of 6 songs in our catalog in DADGAD Celtic Tuning. Most-used tunings:

Gear for DADGAD Celtic Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "If It Means A Lot To You" in DADGAD Celtic Tuning easier.

Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046)

Recommended gauge .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.

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D'Addario Universal Micro Headstock Tuner

A headstock tuner makes switching in and out of this tuning quick, even on stage or without a mic.

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D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

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“If It Means A Lot To You” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "If It Means A Lot To You" by A Day To Remember in?

"If It Means A Lot To You" is played in DADGAD Celtic Tuning: D - A - D - G - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "If It Means A Lot To You"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.

What string gauge should I use for DADGAD Celtic Tuning?

Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.

More Songs by A Day To Remember

Explore other guitar tunings recorded by A Day To Remember:

View all 6 songs
Drop C TuningIntermediate
C - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
D Standard / Whole-Step DownIntermediate
D - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Drop C TuningIntermediate
C - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Drop Bb / Drop A#Intermediate
Bb - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo

Other Songs in DADGAD Celtic Tuning

Once tuned to D - A - D - G - A - D, try playing these tracks next:

DADGAD Celtic TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - A - DNo Capo
DADGAD Celtic TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - A - DNo Capo
DADGAD Celtic TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - A - DNo Capo
DADGAD Celtic TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - A - DNo Capo
DADGAD Celtic TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - A - DNo Capo
DADGAD Celtic TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - A - DNo Capo
DADGAD Celtic TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - A - DNo Capo
DADGAD Celtic TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - A - DNo Capo