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.

G# Messiaen's Mode #3 Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in DADGAD tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

G# Messiaen's Mode #3 in DADGAD — Notes and Intervals

The G# Messiaen's Mode #3 scale is a complex nine-note symmetrical scale used by Olivier Messiaen. On Guitar, its notes are G#, A#, B, C, D, D#, E, F#, G. It creates a cosmic, suspended tonality that feels both religious and scientific, evoking a sense of divine awe. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Film Scores, Ambient, Experimental. Notable players include Olivier Messiaen, Gyorgy Ligeti, Thomas Ades. Use for creating atmospheres of 'cosmic awe'. Not bound to traditional chord progressions — works best over sustained harmonies or ostinato patterns.

Notes: G#, A#, B, C, D, D#, E, F#, G

Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 3M, 4A, 5P, 6m, 7m, 7M

Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 #5 6 b7 b8 9

Formula: W-H-H-W-H-H-W-H-H

Number of notes: 9

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

CosmicSuspendedDivineCrystalline

A 9-note scale with limited transposition — only 4 unique transpositions exist before repeating. Creates a cosmic, suspended tonality that is neither major nor minor but something transcendent.

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in DADGAD tuning