DADGAD Tuning: How To Tune Your Guitar to DADGAD

DADGAD tuning is more than just a unique way to align your guitar strings; it's a gateway to an innovative world of music. Whether you're a beginner eager to explore new sounds or an intermediate player looking to fine-tune your skills, DADGAD tuning offers a fresh perspective on playing the guitar.

With Rocksmith+, your primary music and guitar learning platform, this tuning method becomes even more accessible.

What Is DADGAD Tuning?

Known as "Celtic tuning," DADGAD tuning is a unique alternative to the conventional E-A-D-G-B-e standard tuning. In DADGAD, your strings will be tuned to the notes D, A, D, G, A, D from the low sixth string to the high first string. It opens up a plethora of musical possibilities, often utilized in folk, traditional, and modern experimental music.

DADGAD tuning creates a distinctive resonance that gives chords and melody a mystic and open feel. Its popularity in various genres emphasizes the diversity and adaptability of the guitar as an instrument, paving the way for creative experimentation.

Why Does Proper Tuning Matter?

In the world of guitar playing, tuning is not just a preliminary step; it's the foundation of your musical expression. Proper tuning ensures that your guitar sounds good and resonates with the listener's ear. With Rocksmith+, the built-in chromatic tuner helps you align those strings accurately to what's required for any song you'll play, including those in DADGAD tuning.

If you're still figuring it all out, don't worry; Rocksmith+ is here to guide you, keeping the process genuine, simple, and enjoyable for musicians at any level. The right tuning sets the stage for the rest of your performance, so let's make it count!

Tuning With the Rocksmith+ App

Embracing the world of DADGAD tuning is simpler than ever with the Rocksmith+ Connect app. With a range of selectable alternative tunings, you're guided step by step through the tuning process, ensuring each string reaches its proper note.

Here's how you can get started:

1. Open Rocksmith+ Tuner App: Launch the free Rocksmith Tuner app on any mobile device.

2. Choose DADGAD Tuning: Below the guitar on the screen, you'll see a box that says "E Standard" or the last tuning you used. Click that box. Scroll down about halfway through the options, and you'll find DADGAD.

3. Follow the Instructions: Pluck each string as prompted, starting with the low D (6th string). The graph at the top will show you if your pitch is too low or too high, allowing you to make changes. If you'd like to hear how it should sound, click the letter next to the fret on the screen, and you'll be able to hear the needed note.

4. Verify Your Tuning: The app will provide feedback while tuning each string, allowing you to make fine adjustments if necessary. Once you've tuned each string, go back through and check that every string is in tune.

The Rocksmith+ Tuning app takes the guesswork out of tuning, making it a valuable tool for both beginners and seasoned players. You can even explore the library, housing more than 6,000 songs, some of which might be in DADGAD tuning. By integrating technology and musical intuition, Rocksmith+ turns tuning from a chore into a creative exploration.

What Is the Appeal of DADGAD Tuning?

DADGAD tuning is more than just a variation in the setup of guitar strings; it's a pathway to unexplored musical landscapes. This tuning system's open and resonant sound can enhance creativity and provide unique tonal qualities that set it apart from other tuning methods.

Here's why it's appealing:

• Open Strings: DADGAD's open strings allow for easy fingerings and rich resonance. When your open strings create a full sound, you're able to focus on added harmonics to enrich your playing.

• Versatility: From Celtic folk to contemporary rock, this tuning is used in various musical styles. This goes back to the ability to play more single-string walks and flowing pieces while the open strings create a good sound.

• Creativity Boost: If something like a tool or a tuning encourages experimentation and can lead to unique and innovative compositions, it remains priceless from the beginning.

• Different Tonality: Offers an exotic and ethereal tonal quality, allowing you to explore new musical horizons.

The allure of DADGAD tuning lies in its capacity to unlock creative potential. By challenging conventional playing techniques, it invites musicians to step outside their comfort zone and explore new musical territories.

How To Play in DADGAD Tuning

DADGAD tuning offers a fresh approach to playing as well. Embracing this tuning opens the door to new chord shapes, fingerpicking patterns, and harmonic textures.

With alternative tunings, you'll need to discover and play with new chord shapes. With some tunings, chord shapes become more simplified, so don't let this learning curve discourage you. These new chord shape options lead to simplifying alternative playing styles, such as fingerpicking or flat-picking.

As you become comfortable with the new chord shapes, you'll need to put some practice into scales and walks since these shapes will also change. This is where the addiction to slides and hammer-ons can open up new tonal options, especially in cases where triads may become easier to reach.

What Are Some Challenges and Common Mistakes in DADGAD Tuning?

While DADGAD tuning offers many exciting possibilities, it can present some challenges, especially for those new to this tuning method.

Being aware of common pitfalls can help you avoid them:

• Incorrect String Tension: Each set of string gauges will have its ideal tension and preferred tone. These are usually focused on E Standard Tuning. As you change to some alternative tunings, you may find that a string needs to be tightened or loosened outside of its comfortable tone, and you may need to change strings.

• Overemphasis on Open Strings: While open strings are a feature of DADGAD, relying on them too much can limit your musical range. It's important to learn the new chord shapes and scales.

• Difficulty in Transitioning: If you're used to standard tuning, transitioning to DADGAD might feel awkward at first. You are changing the layout of the fretboard on a guitar. Practice can ease this transition.

• Not Understanding Its Unique Flavor: DADGAD offers specific tonal qualities. Understanding these can help you make the most of this tuning.

By being mindful of these common challenges, you can make your journey into DADGAD tuning more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Embracing DADGAD Tuning

DADGAD tuning is more than a mere alternative to standard tuning; it's a musical adventure waiting to be explored. With its rich resonance and unique tonal qualities, DADGAD opens doors to creativity, innovation, and a deeper connection to your instrument.

Whether you're tuning with a dedicated app or by ear, exploring famous songs or forging your own path, DADGAD tuning offers endless possibilities. From beginners to seasoned musicians, this tuning welcomes all to venture into uncharted musical territories.

DADGAD, along with other alternative tunings, can be found throughout the Rocksmith+ platform within our more than 6,000 songs and genres from around the globe.

Sources:

History of Celtic Music | World Music Central

Triads and Chord Inversions On The Guitar | Musical U

Learn the Fundamentals of Flatpicking on Guitar | Acoustic Guitar

An Argument for Music Education | NAMM Foundation