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# Six Tone Symmetric Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in DADGAD tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

G# Six Tone Symmetric in DADGAD — Notes and Intervals

The G# Six Tone Symmetric scale is a mathematical abstraction that divides the octave into six equal parts. On Guitar, its notes are G#, A, C, C#, E, F. It lacks a tonic or a home note, making it perfect for modern composers who want to avoid traditional keys and explore total tonal suspension. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Experimental, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Bela Bartok, Olivier Messiaen. Use for atonal or polytonal composition. Not chord-specific — this is a tool for breaking free of traditional harmony.

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

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

Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 #5 6

Formula: H-WH-H-WH-H-WH

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

AbstractSuspendedMathematicalAtonal

Divides the octave into 6 mathematically equal parts — a scale without a home. Perfect for composers who want to intentionally avoid any tonal center.

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in DADGAD tuning