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.

E Whole Tone Pentatonic Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in DADGAD tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

E Whole Tone Pentatonic in DADGAD — Notes and Intervals

The E Whole Tone Pentatonic scale is a weightless and tonally ambiguous five-note scale. On Guitar, the notes are E, G#, Bb, C, D. Because it lacks a traditional center, it creates a blurring effect, making it highly effective for dream sequences, transitions, and creating a sense of suspended reality in film scores. Commonly used in Film Scores, Ambient, Impressionist, Experimental. Notable players include Claude Debussy, Bill Frisell. Use over augmented chords, whole tone passages. Effective for creating a sense of suspended reality.

Notes: E, G#, Bb, C, D

Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5d, 6m, 7m

Degrees: 1 2 3 b4 b5

Formula: 4-W-W-W-W

Number of notes: 5

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

WeightlessBlurryDreamySuspended

Lacks any tonal center — every note is equidistant. Creates a blurring, impressionistic effect perfect for transitions and dream sequences.

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in DADGAD tuning