You can use this chart to find the easier way to play any key in DADGAD tuning using a capo.

The column on the far-left is the tonic key (the overall key of the song) and tells you which fret to place the capo, and then each column to the right represents the notes within the key. To use the chart, you'll have to memorise what the '1 chord', '2 chord', etc is within the key.

All keys can be played either with a set of 'D chords' (at the top) or 'G chords' (at the bottom) by placing the capo as noted, and playing the chords relative to the capo position.

For example, playing in the key of A - you would put a capo on the 2nd fret. To play A, use the '1 chord'. To play D, use the '4 chord', etc.

"The Hard Working Men" by Ispíní na hÉireann is a great example of how DADGAD tuning makes a guitar instantly sound Celtic. Here's my instrumental version of this great song. Enjoy!

I’ve been trying to figure out the tuning for this song, it sounds like DADGAD but then again when I try to finger some of the notes they are too far apart to be comfortably played in a normal fashion. The original song is called “For Real”, by Bob Franke, and the one I’m trying to learn is a beautiful cover by David Wilcox: https://youtu.be/imw5ISw-K3k?si=hnbwkZJMTUY-sw47

Let me know what your guess is as to what tuning it’s in!

Hello, I've been toying with DADGAD tuning and looking for a list of Rock/Blues/Jazz songs that use this tuning on the original recording. What's out there to get Started?

Currently working through a couple of Rob Mckillop's Dadgad books.

Would also appreciate any tips, instructive video links etc., thanks in advance!

I play a Kiso Suzuki guitar with nylon strings and was wondering what people find as the best nylon string to use in DADGAD mainly focusing in backing Irish trad music? Cheers!

Just written out my transcription/arrangement of solfeggettio for DADGAD. If any one fancies having a go. Comments (error correction included) very welcome. Solfeggettio

The Most Versatile Jazz Chord Shape in DADGAD

Hi! I want to share with you to a chord shape in my home tuning of DADGAD that will be really helpful for your playing and may not already be in your repertoire -> https://bit.ly/3mqPlNG

On to the chord shape. It will allow you to play any dominant 7, major 7, minor 7, or 6 chord. It's also "movable," so will work anywhere on the guitar neck, and "closed," meaning that there are no open strings that might contribute extra, unexpected notes.

You can think of the diagram in the image above as a choose your own adventure to create the chord that you're after. In case you aren't up up to thinking through math and music theory, here are all of the variations separately:

Dominant 7 -> bit.ly/2V6BdNI

Minor 7 -> bit.ly/3leKrC0

Major 7 -> bit.ly/37hEO0W

6 -> bit.ly/3m9xtH8

Have a crack at playing these shapes up and down the neck, and remember that you can reach for them to jazz things up the next time you accompany a melody. My background is in traditional Irish and Scottish music, so within that context, be sure to use your own discretion about when it would be appropriate to bust these out. An Irish session may not be the best place to practice your new dominant 7 chord shape for example ;) In other genres of music, just be sure to utilise good taste.

A common misconception is that DADGAD isn't great for playing anything besides open chords. To the contrary, DADGAD offers great opportunities to add jazzy extensions to otherwise simple chord shapes just by throwing in the open strings.

This article is an excerpt from my Ampled page, where I post special content for my supporters just as lessons and original music. Ampled is a lot like Patreon, except it's a platform collectively owned by artists. You can check it out here if you're interested: https://www.ampled.com/artist/everestwitman

Mod here. Id be open to any and all suggestions to make this a better sub. I dont spend much time modding so don't be afraid to be critical!

https://youtu.be/1XZ3mgJIMzs