How to Tune from Standard to DADGAD Tuning

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Kashmir”:

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

Jimmy Page created the hypnotic, driving riff of Kashmir in DADGAD tuning. The modal quality of the tuning blends eastern orchestral scales with rock power.

Key Chord Voicings:

D5 (0-0-0-2-0-0)Dsus4 (0-0-0-0-0-0)A7sus4 (x-0-2-0-3-0)
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Tunings Close to DADGAD Tuning

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

Led Zeppelin’s Guitar Tunings

Led Zeppelin plays 3 of 22 songs in our catalog in DADGAD Tuning. Most-used tunings:

Gear for DADGAD Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "Kashmir" in DADGAD 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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“Kashmir” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin in?

"Kashmir" is played in DADGAD Tuning: D - A - D - G - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Kashmir"?

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 Tuning?

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

Which other Led Zeppelin songs use this tuning?

"White Summer", "Black Mountain Side" — all in D - A - D - G - A - D, so you can play them without retuning.

More Songs by Led Zeppelin

Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Led Zeppelin:

View all 22 songs
Drop D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
Standard EIntermediate
E - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
Double Drop DIntermediate
D - A - D - G - B - DNo Capo
DADGAD CelticIntermediate
D - A - D - G - A - DNo Capo

Other Songs in DADGAD Tuning

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

DADGAD TuningBeginner
D - A - D - G - A - DCapo 2nd Fret
DADGAD CelticIntermediate
D - A - D - G - A - DNo Capo
DADGAD CelticIntermediate
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