Best DADGAD Tuning Songs: 2026 Acoustic Picks

To truly unlock the magic of DADGAD tuning, immerse yourself in songs specifically written for it. This list provides a clear path from beginner-friendly tunes to advanced masterpieces, each selected to build your skills step by step.

In short, these 25 songs form the essential playlist for mastering DADGAD. Organized from easy to challenging, learning them will deepen your understanding of the tuning's unique sound and techniques.

What Is DADGAD Tuning and Why Learn It?

DADGAD tuning songs produce a distinctive sound that's impossible to achieve in standard tuning. The strings are tuned to D-A-D-G-A-D from low to high. Strum them open, and you get a Dsus4 chord—a neutral, suspended sound that feels open and anticipatory. This creates a beautiful, ringing resonance ideal for narrative music.

Often dubbed "Celtic tuning," DADGAD is a staple in Irish and Scottish folk music. The low and high D strings, along with the A string, function as drone notes. They sustain while you play melodies on the other strings, mimicking instruments like bagpipes or fiddles. But don't pigeonhole it as just for folk; rock legends, blues musicians, and modern fingerstyle virtuosos all leverage its unique qualities.

One of the biggest appeals of DADGAD is its accessibility. Half your guitar remains in familiar territory: the A, D, and G strings stay the same as in standard tuning. You only need to adjust the low E, B, and high E strings. This makes it less daunting than tunings where every string changes.

The tuning shines in the keys of D, A, and G. Many chords require only one or two fingers, thanks to the open strings. This unlocks the fretboard for new melodic and harmonic possibilities you might never discover in standard tuning.

How to Tune Your Guitar to DADGAD

Tuning to DADGAD is straightforward. Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these steps:

1. 6th string (Low E): Tune down a whole step to D.
2. 5th string (A): Leave this as A.
3. 4th string (D): Leave this as D.
4. 3rd string (G): Leave this as G.
5. 2nd string (B): Tune down a whole step to A.
6. 1st string (High E): Tune down a whole step to D.

For best results, use a chromatic tuner. To check your tuning, pluck the open 4th string (D) and match your low D and high D strings to it—they should be the same note in different octaves.

The Ultimate List of DADGAD Tuning Songs

This list is divided into three levels. Start at the beginning and work your way. Each song teaches you something new about this special tuning.

Beginner DADGAD Songs

These tracks use simple chords and repetitive patterns. They're perfect for getting your ears and hands used to the new layout.

1. "The Irish Rover" (Traditional)
   Many players begin here. It employs basic, easy-to-fret chord shapes. The driving rhythm and repetitive structure allow you to concentrate on the tuning's drone effect. You'll learn how a simple bass note on the low D can anchor a whole song.

2. "Black Mountain Side" by Led Zeppelin (Jimmy Page)
   This instrumental, based on a traditional folk tune, is a cornerstone of DADGAD playing. Jimmy Page's version introduces hammer-ons, pull-offs, and a melodic, almost Eastern-sounding scale over a steady drone. Widely available tabs make it great for beginners.

3. "She Moved Through the Fair" (Traditional)
   A slow, haunting Irish ballad that truly comes alive in DADGAD. You can play the melody on the higher strings while the lower strings provide a constant, ethereal background. It's excellent practice for controlling right-hand dynamics to make the melody sing out.

4. "Over the Hills and Far Away" (Intro) by Led Zeppelin
   While the main song is in standard tuning, the iconic intro is played in DADGAD. It's a fantastic exercise for fingerpicking a flowing, arpeggiated pattern. Learning this intro gives you a classic lick and teaches you how to blend bass and melody.

5. "Boothill" by Bert Jansch
   A lovely, rolling instrumental from the British folk legend. It uses a capo on the 2nd fret, which is common in DADGAD to change keys. The meditative pattern builds muscle memory for moving around open chord shapes.

6. "The Snows They Melt the Soonest" (Traditional)
   Another beautiful folk tune that sits perfectly in the tuning. The straightforward chord progression lets you work on creating mood and atmosphere with your right-hand touch rather than complex left-hand work.

7. "Hello in There" by John Prine
   A poignant folk song often adapted to DADGAD. The simpler chord voicings in this tuning add a layer of warmth and resonance that matches the song's empathetic lyrics. It's a great example of using DADGAD for singer-songwriter material.

Intermediate DADGAD Songs

Now we add more complex fingerpicking, rhythm work, and iconic riffs. These songs define the sound of DADGAD for many people.

8. "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin
   This is the song. Jimmy Page's monolithic riff, played on a Gibson EDS-1275 double-neck with one neck in DADGAD, single-handedly introduced millions to the power of this tuning. Learning this riff teaches you about rhythmic power, drone, and creating a huge sound.

9. "The Rain Song" by Led Zeppelin
   A masterpiece of dynamics and emotion. The verses are in DADGAD, featuring lush, cascading chords impossible in standard tuning. It's a lesson in using open strings within chord shapes to create a rich, orchestral texture on a single acoustic guitar. For the lush, atmospheric tones in this song, a good chorus pedal can be magical. Check out our guide on the best chorus pedals to find one that suits your style.

10. "Little Martha" by The Allman Brothers Band
    The only instrumental Duane Allman ever wrote. While often played in standard, it translates beautifully to DADGAD. The intertwining melody and harmony lines become even more resonant, offering a sweet-sounding challenge for your fingerpicking coordination.

11. "Big Love" (Live Version) by Fleetwood Mac (Lindsey Buckingham)
    Lindsey Buckingham's one-man-band live arrangement is a fingerstyle tour de force. He maintains a constant thumb rhythm on the bass strings while playing melody and harmony simultaneously. In DADGAD, the open strings fill out the sound, making this exhausting but rewarding piece slightly more manageable.

12. "Going to California" by Led Zeppelin
    A gentle, melodic piece that makes beautiful use of the tuning's airy quality. The intro and main progression use open chords that ring together, creating a dreamy, traveling atmosphere. It's essential for any Zeppelin fan and a great study in melodic folk playing.

13. "Spiegel im Spiegel" (Arrangement) by Arvo Pärt
    This modern classical piece, often arranged for guitar, is profoundly peaceful. A DADGAD arrangement uses the open strings as a constant tonal center, over which a simple, stepwise melody unfolds. It's an exercise in minimalism, patience, and beautiful tone production.

14. "The Boxer" by Simon & Garfunkel
    The iconic guitar part, with its distinctive picking pattern, adapts wonderfully to DADGAD. The tuning adds depth and warmth to the circular riff, making it sound fuller on a solo acoustic. It's a fantastic way to learn a famous pattern in a new context.

15. "Anji" by Davey Graham
    A cornerstone of the British folk revival, this instrumental blends folk with jazz and blues influences. While Graham used other tunings, a DADGAD arrangement captures its driving energy and quirky melody perfectly. It pushes your alternating bass technique.

16. "Fear is the Mind Killer" by Toad the Wet Sprocket
    A lesser-known gem from the 90s alt-rock scene. The acoustic guitar work is entirely in DADGAD, creating a shimmering, suspended bed of sound for the vocals. It's a perfect example of using the tuning in a pop-rock context for texture.

Advanced DADGAD Fingerstyle Songs

This is the summit. These songs are composed by masters who use DADGAD as their primary voice. They demand technical skill, independent finger control, and a deep feel for the tuning's possibilities.

17. "The Last Steam Engine Train" by John Fahey
    Fahey's American Primitive style finds a unique home in DADGAD. This piece uses repetitive, driving patterns that create a trance-like state. It's less about flashy technique and more about rhythm, feel, and maintaining steady, rolling momentum.

18. "La Dame de Cleves" by Gérard "Gerry" Conte
    A beautiful, lyrical waltz from a French master of the tuning. It flows like a classical piece, with a singing melody supported by rich, moving harmonies. Excellent for developing smooth chord transitions and lyrical phrasing.

19. "Ladies and Gentleman We Are Floating in Space" (Arrangement) by Spiritualized
    Arranging this psychedelic space-rock ballad for solo DADGAD guitar is a challenge. It involves capturing the ethereal, floating quality of the original using harmonics, open strings, and spacious chord voicings. A creative arranging exercise.

20. "Si Bheag Si Mhor" by Turlough O'Carolan (Arranged by Pierre Bensusan)
    A gorgeous Irish harp tune arranged by the modern king of DADGAD. Bensusan's version is a lesson in ornamentation and grace. He makes the melody dance with rolls, turns, and harmonics, all while maintaining a flowing bass line.

21. "Wu Wei" by Pierre Bensusan
    Bensusan's original compositions are the holy grail for DADGAD players. "Wu Wei" is a masterpiece of counterpoint and rhythm. Multiple independent melodic lines weave in and out over a percussive thumb slap. Learning even a section will revolutionize your approach to the guitar.

22. "The Mystery" by Tommy Emmanuel
    While Tommy is known for standard tuning, his forays into DADGAD are stunning. "The Mystery" is a lyrical, emotional piece that uses the tuning's resonance to create a huge, piano-like sound. His control of dynamics and tone is the ultimate lesson.

23. "Open Book" by Michael Hedges
    Hedges was a revolutionary, and while he used many tunings, his concepts apply everywhere. "Open Book" in DADGAD would involve his trademark techniques: two-handed tapping, harmonics, and explosive rhythms. Studying Hedges teaches you that the guitar is a limitless instrument.

24. "Le Voyage pour l'Irlande" by Pierre Bensusan
    Another Bensusan classic. This is a journey of a piece, moving through different sections and moods. It incorporates jazzy harmonies, lightning-fast melodic runs, and rhythmic shifts. It represents the full technical and expressive potential of the tuning.

25. "Lament for the Death of a Bullfighter" by John Renbourn
    From the other pillar of the Pentangle duo, this piece shows the classical and Baroque influences in DADGAD. It's structured, intricate, and deeply melodic, requiring precise fingerpicking and clear separation of voices.

Techniques and Patterns Found in DADGAD Songs

As you learn these songs, you'll encounter several key techniques. Here's what to watch and listen for.

The Drone: At the heart of DADGAD is the drone. Your thumb typically alternates between the low D and A strings, establishing a constant rhythmic foundation. The high D string also rings open as a drone, essential in Celtic music and tracks like "Kashmir."

Open Chord Shapes: Standard E and A chords are out. In DADGAD, you'll use shapes that often need just one or two fingers. For instance, a common "D" chord is a barre across the 2nd fret of the three highest strings. An "A" chord might involve a single finger on the 2nd string, 2nd fret. These shapes allow open strings to ring, producing full, resonant chords.

Fingerstyle Patterns: Your right-hand thumb drives the rhythm, frequently playing a steady "bass-bass" pattern on the low strings. Meanwhile, your index and middle fingers pluck the melody and harmony on the higher strings. This independent coordination is vital for pieces by Bensusan or the intro to "The Rain Song."

Using a Capo: A capo is indispensable for DADGAD players. Place it on the 2nd fret, and your tuning becomes E-B-E-A-B-E. This enables you to play in new keys while retaining familiar fingerings and open string relationships. It's a straightforward way to access keys like E or Bm.

Common Chord Progressions: DADGAD songs often feature simple yet powerful progressions that emphasize the drone. A classic example is shifting between the open "Dsus4" sound and a chord shape higher on the neck (e.g., at the 5th fret), then returning. Another is a basic I-V (D to A) progression, which sounds massive due to the ringing open strings.

Comparing DADGAD to Other Popular Alternate Tunings

How does DADGAD compare to other common tunings? This table breaks it down.

Tuning	Notes (Low to High)	Open Chord Sound	Best For	Transition Difficulty
Standard	E-A-D-G-B-E	E Major	Everything. The baseline.	N/A
DADGAD	D-A-D-G-A-D	Dsus4 (neutral)	Celtic music, folk, atmospheric rock, drone, fingerstyle.	Medium. 3 strings change, but patterns are new.
Drop D	D-A-D-G-B-E	D Major	Heavy rock riffs, classical guitar, easier power chords.	Easy. Only one string changes. Logic is similar.
Open G	D-G-D-G-B-D	G Major	Blues slide guitar, Rolling Stones-style rock, folk.	Medium-Hard. Three strings change to a major chord.
Double Drop D	D-A-D-G-B-D	D Major	Folk, alternate bass lines, some Neil Young songs.	Easy. Two strings change to the same note.
Open D	D-A-D-F#-A-D	D Major	Slide guitar, resonant folk, powerful open sound.	Hard. Three strings change to a specific major chord.

DADGAD offers a unique "suspended" sound that's neither major nor minor, setting it apart from open major tunings like Open G or Open D. Its closest relative in feel might be modal tunings used by Nick Drake, but DADGAD is more standardized with a vast repertoire. Analysis shows its partial similarity to standard tuning makes it a popular "second step" after Drop D.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Transitioning to DADGAD can have its hurdles. Here are common issues and how to tackle them.

"I have to relearn everything!" This is a major mental barrier. While your chord shapes do change, you're not starting from scratch. Your knowledge of the fretboard on the A, D, and G strings remains intact. Begin with simple songs that use these strings as anchors, and your brain will adapt quicker than you expect.

String tension feels floppy. Tuning down three strings reduces overall tension, which can lead to fret buzz or a loose feel. An easy solution is to switch to a slightly heavier string gauge. For example, if you use .012-.053 strings, try .013-.056. The extra thickness compensates for the lower tuning, restoring tension and enhancing tone. For more instrument care tips, check out our guide on how to clean a guitar fretboard.

Finding chords is hard. Resist the urge to force standard tuning chords. Instead, embrace the new shapes. Start with the basic "DADGAD D chord"—a barre on the 2nd fret of the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings. Learn the simple "A" shape, and experiment with moving these shapes up the neck. Numerous online charts and video tutorials focus exclusively on DADGAD chord voicings.

My guitar sounds out of tune. DADGAD can highlight intonation issues. If your guitar's intonation isn't spot on, the unique intervals in this tuning may exaggerate the problem. Consider a professional setup, especially if you intend to keep a guitar in DADGAD long-term. This ensures every fret plays in tune across the neck.

It only works in a few keys. While DADGAD excels in D, G, and A, a capo dramatically expands your options. With a capo on the 2nd fret, you're in E; on the 4th fret, you're in F#. This multiplies your key choices while preserving familiar fingerings. Keep in mind that a capo can restrict access to higher frets, so a cutaway guitar is helpful. For the best sound in open tunings, your amp choice is key. Compare the warmth of tube amp vs solid state to find your ideal match.

Gear Tips for Playing in DADGAD

You don't need special gear, but a few choices can enhance your experience.

Guitars: A good acoustic guitar with a solid top (spruce or cedar) will respond beautifully to the tuning's overtones and drones. A cutaway helps if you use a capo and explore higher melodies. For a dedicated DADGAD guitar on a budget, see our roundup of the best acoustic guitar under $500.

Strings: Consider a medium gauge set (.013-.056) if tension feels too low with your regular strings. Phosphor bronze strings often complement the woody, resonant tone of DADGAD.

Capo: A reliable, easy-to-use capo is essential. A spring-loaded or adjustable tension capo from brands like Shubb or G7th works well.

Tuner: A robust chromatic tuner is a must. A clip-on tuner that senses vibration is perfect for noisy environments.

Expanding Beyond the List: Find Your Own Sound

After working through these songs, the real fun begins. Use DADGAD to write your own music. Start with a simple drone or a basic two-chord pattern. Experiment with a capo. The neutral, open quality of the tuning is a fantastic spark for creativity.

Listen to how different artists use it. Compare the folk drive of Bert Jansch, the rock power of Jimmy Page, and the jazz-influenced complexity of Pierre Bensusan. Each has a unique voice within the same six notes.

Don't be afraid to blend techniques. Maybe a song needs a percussive slap like Tommy Emmanuel or a two-handed tap like Michael Hedges. DADGAD is a framework, not a cage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest DADGAD song to learn first?

"The Irish Rover" or a simple arrangement of "Black Mountain Side" are the best starting points. They use basic, repetitive patterns that help you internalize the drone and new fretboard layout without complex chords or speed.

Do I need special strings for DADGAD tuning?

You don't need special strings, but you might want slightly heavier ones. Tuning down three strings reduces tension, which can make strings feel floppy and cause buzz. Switching from a light (.012) to a medium (.013) gauge set can restore a more familiar feel and improve your tone.

Is DADGAD tuning bad for my guitar?

No, it's perfectly safe for your guitar. The lower tension from tuning down might even be slightly easier on the neck over the long term compared to standard tuning. If you keep it in DADGAD permanently, a slight truss rod adjustment might be needed, which is normal maintenance.

Can I play electric guitar songs in DADGAD?

Absolutely. While famous for acoustic, DADGAD is used on electric guitar too. Jimmy Page's riff for "Kashmir" is the most famous example. Bands like Slipknot and Russian Circles have used it for heavy, atmospheric riffs. The principles of drone and open chords work just as well through an amp. To shape that electric tone, explore our review of the best wah pedals for expressive leads.

Why are so many DADGAD songs in the key of D?

The tuning itself is based on a D chord (Dsus4). All six strings are notes from the D major scale (D, E, F#, G, A, B). This makes playing in D, and its related keys like G and A, very intuitive. The open strings act as constant drone notes that are all in-key, creating a full, resonant sound with minimal effort. You can use a capo to play in other keys while keeping the same easy fingerings.

Who are the best guitarists to listen to for DADGAD inspiration?

Start with the pioneers: Davey Graham (who helped popularize it), Bert Jansch, and Jimmy Page for foundational folk and rock. Then, study the modern masters: Pierre Bensusan is essential for advanced fingerstyle, Martin Simpson for incredible folk and blues technique, and Tony McManus for Celtic mastery. For contemporary singer-songwriter use, listen to Ben Howard and John Smith.