What is DADGAD tuning?

DADGAD tuning changes all six strings to D-A-D-G-A-D (low to high). When strummed open, it produces a Dsus4 chord — a suspended chord that sounds neither major nor minor, giving it a hauntingly open quality.

What scales sound best in DADGAD?

D Mixolydian and D major pentatonic are natural fits. The D Dorian mode creates a beautiful Celtic feel. Scales rooted on D work best because they can use the three open D strings as drones.

Is DADGAD good for songwriting?

Absolutely. DADGAD is a songwriter's dream tuning. Its open, ambiguous quality inspires new chord shapes and melodic ideas you'd never find in standard tuning. Many acoustic singer-songwriters use it as their primary creative tuning.

C# Messiaen's Mode #5 Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in DADGAD tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

C# Messiaen's Mode #5 in DADGAD — Notes and Intervals

The C# Messiaen's Mode #5 scale is a majestic limited-transposition scale that emphasizes large intervals. On Guitar, it contains the notes C#, D, F#, G, G#, C. It creates an atmosphere of immense power and grandeur, suitable for depicting grand spiritual or cosmic concepts. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Film Scores, Orchestral. Notable players include Olivier Messiaen. Use in orchestral and cinematic contexts for moments of grandeur. Best over sustained pedal tones.

Notes: C#, D, F#, G, G#, C

Intervals: 1P, 2m, 4P, 4A, 5P, 7M

Degrees: 1 b2 3 #4 5 6

Formula: H-4-H-H-4-H

Number of notes: 6

Tuning: DADGAD (D-A-D-G-A-D)

About DADGAD Tuning

DADGAD tuning creates an open Dsus4 chord when strummed open, producing a hauntingly beautiful, droning sound that has become synonymous with Celtic folk music and modern acoustic songwriting. The tuning's natural resonance and overtones make even simple fingerpicking patterns sound rich and complex.

Popularized by Davey Graham in the 1960s and later championed by Pierre Bensusan and Jimmy Page, DADGAD has become one of the most beloved alternate tunings for acoustic guitarists. Its suspended quality — neither clearly major nor minor — creates an ethereal, meditative atmosphere that invites exploration. The tuning excels at creating drone-based arrangements where open strings ring against fretted notes.

CelticFolkAcousticWorld MusicNew AgeAmbient

Notable artists: Pierre Bensusan, Jimmy Page, Andy McKee, Davey Graham, Laurence Juber

Best for: Celtic folk, acoustic songwriting, drone-based fingerpicking, and meditative compositions

Musical Character

GrandPowerfulMajesticVast

Emphasizes large intervals creating an atmosphere of immense power and grandeur — used for depicting grand spiritual or cosmic concepts.

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in DADGAD tuning