How to Tune to DADEAE Tuning
A suspended, drone-rich tuning (D-A-D-E-A-E) that stacks fifths, fourths and a suspended second for ringing, open-ended fingerstyle. Related to DADGAD and DADEAD, it keeps a low D-A-D foundation with an E-A-E top that sounds neither major nor minor, making it a favorite for folk, Celtic and acoustic-cover arrangements.
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings:
| 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 | E3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
Suspended tunings like DADEAE let cover artists play familiar songs with a lush, harp-like backdrop — the many open drones make even simple melodies sound full and cinematic, which is why fingerstyle YouTubers and acoustic duos gravitate to them.
String Tension & Setup Tips
Gear for DADEAE Tuning
Tools that make tuning to D - A - D - E - A - E easier.
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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