Discover the drone-like suspended 4th sound. Map out chords, practice scales, and explore the fretboard with our interactive visualizer pre-configured for DADGAD.
Open DADGAD Scale Map in ToolDADGAD tuning alters three strings from standard tuning (EADGBE), dropping them a full step to create a rich, open D suspended 4th chord (D-A-D-G-A-D).
Because the open notes form a Dsus4 chord, DADGAD has no third interval (neither major nor minor). This gives it a beautifully ambiguous, open sound. It is popular in Celtic, folk, fingerstyle, and alternative rock (like Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir").
In DADGAD, strings are tuned to root and fifth intervals, meaning you can easily create rich drone lines and open-sounding chords with minimal left-hand fingering.
Because the open strings form a Dsus4 chord, DADGAD naturally lends itself to the keys of D Major and D Minor. However, you can play in any key using a capo or by mapping out chords on the fretboard.
Yes! It is highly rewarding for beginners because many chords can be played with just one or two fingers while leaving other strings open to create a full, rich sound.
Some of the most famous songs written in DADGAD tuning include Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir," Slipknot's "Circle," Ed Sheeran's "Photograph," and classical Celtic fingerstyle pieces like "Sheebeg and Sheemore."
Since the intervals between strings are different from standard tuning, standard scale boxes will not work. We recommend mapping out scales dynamically on ActiveFrets to practice navigating the shifting patterns.