DADGAE Guitar Tuning
DADGAE sets the six strings from low to high to D A D G A E. Its suspended, bright and melodic voice works especially well for Celtic melody, high-E colour and D drones.
Do this first
No theory test. No perfect technique required. Follow these three steps and start making music.
Tap each string to hear it
What changes in DADGAE
It keeps the DADGAD lower five strings but leaves E on top, adding a ninth to the suspended D sound.
Make the tuning sound intentional
Play a D–A bass pattern and write a melody that repeatedly returns to the open high E.
Shape tip: Use the high E as a melody drone and resolve it to D or F-sharp when the phrase needs closure.
Retune to D A D G A E safely
The sixth and second strings lower while the first remains standard; a normal set usually works.
Change one string at a time, approach the target pitch gradually and recheck every string after the neck settles. Stop if a string feels unusually tight, the bridge lifts or the instrument reacts unpredictably.
Turn the open strings into music
Quick answers before you play
What are the notes in DADGAE Guitar Tuning?
From the sixth string to the first string, tune to D A D G A E. Use the six playable reference notes above and recheck them after the neck settles.
Is DADGAE Guitar Tuning safe for my guitar?
The sixth and second strings lower while the first remains standard; a normal set usually works. Stop if a string feels unusually tight, the bridge moves or the guitar becomes difficult to intonate.
Can I use normal chord shapes in DADGAE Guitar Tuning?
Some shapes may still work, but a celtic modal tuning changes at least part of the fretboard. Start with the open strings, simple drones and the shape guidance on this page.
Why do the strings go out of tune again after retuning?
Changing one string changes the total tension on the neck. Tune all six strings, wait briefly and repeat the process until every reference pitch remains stable.