How to Tune to DADEAD Tuning
A shimmering Dsus2/Dsus4-flavored tuning (D-A-D-E-A-D) beloved in midwest emo and modern fingerstyle. Closely related to DADGAD but with the third string lowered from G to E, it produces stacked suspended intervals that ring with an open, unresolved beauty. Mike Kinsella (Owen, American Football) and a generation of emo guitarists use it for twinkling arpeggios.
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| String 6 | D2 | 73.42 Hz |
| String 5 | A2 | 110.00 Hz |
| String 4 | D3 | 146.83 Hz |
| String 3 | E3 | 164.81 Hz |
| String 2 | A3 | 220.00 Hz |
| String 1 | D4 | 293.66 Hz |
Fun Fact
Midwest emo's signature "twinkly" guitar sound comes largely from open and suspended tunings like this one. By tuning strings to seconds and fourths instead of thirds, players get chords that ring together with lots of open-string overtones — the sparkling, math-rock texture that defines the genre.
String Tension & Setup Tips
Recommended Gauge:Standard light gauges (.010-.046 electric or .012-.053 acoustic). Most strings drop, so overall tension is lower than standard — a light touch keeps the ringing open strings clear without buzzing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DADEAD tuning used for?
DADEAD is a suspended, modal tuning popular in midwest emo, math rock and fingerstyle. Its stacked fourths and seconds let you play cascading, twinkling arpeggios where open and fretted notes ring together — a hallmark of bands like Owen and American Football.
How is DADEAD different from DADGAD?
Both share the D-A-D bottom and D top. DADGAD has G and A on strings 3 and 2; DADEAD raises that third string from G to E and keeps A on the second string, producing an even more open, suspended cluster.
How do I tune to DADEAD from standard?
From standard: drop the low E to D, keep A and D, lower the G a minor third down to E, lower the B a whole step to A, and drop the high E a whole step to D. Use the tuner above to set each string precisely.
What are the frequencies for DADEAD?
D2 = 73.42 Hz, A2 = 110.00 Hz, D3 = 146.83 Hz, E3 = 164.81 Hz, A3 = 220.00 Hz, D4 = 293.66 Hz.