How to Tune to DGDGAD Tuning
A modal Celtic tuning (D-G-D-G-A-D) closely related to DADGAD but with a G on the fifth string for an open Gsus flavor. The stacked fourths, fifths and a suspended second give drone-rich, ambiguous voicings ideal for Celtic, folk and percussive acoustic playing. Newton Faulkner and many fingerstyle guitarists use it for its big, ringing open sound.
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| 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 |
Like DADGAD, this tuning has no third, so it sounds neither major nor minor — perfect for the modal melodies of traditional Celtic and folk music. Guitarists often add body percussion and open-string drones to imitate the sound of harps and bagpipes.
String Tension & Setup Tips
Gear for DGDGAD Tuning
Tools that make tuning to D - G - D - G - A - D 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 4 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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