Photograph
Required String Notes:D - A - D - G - A - D
Tune to DADGAD TuningHow 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 “Photograph”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune 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
Ed Sheeran uses DADGAD tuning on acoustic guitar to let open strings ring out continuously during delicate fingerpicking patterns.
Key Chord Voicings:
D (0-0-0-2-0-0)Bm (x-2-0-2-0-0)G (5-5-0-0-0-0)
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to DADGAD Tuning
Already tuned to D - A - D - G - A - D? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open D Tuning77 songs
D - A - D - F# - A - DOnly string 3 differs: F# instead of G.Open D Minor / Crossnote25 songs
D - A - D - F - A - DOnly string 3 differs: F instead of G.DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)17 songs
D - A - D - D - A - DOnly string 3 differs: D instead of G.DADEAD Tuning17 songs
D - A - D - E - A - DOnly string 3 differs: E instead of G.Ed Sheeran’s Guitar Tunings
Ed Sheeran plays 1 of 4 songs in our catalog in DADGAD Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (EADEBE)EADEBE3 songs
- DADGAD Celtic TuningD - A - D - G - A - D1 song
Gear for DADGAD Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Photograph" 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.
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.
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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“Photograph” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Photograph" by Ed Sheeran in?
"Photograph" 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 "Photograph"?
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.
More Songs by Ed Sheeran
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Ed Sheeran:
Other Songs in DADGAD Tuning
Once tuned to D - A - D - G - A - D, try playing these tracks next: