Things You'll Need:
- Tuning source
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Step 1
Drop the pitch of the low E string (sixth string) by one whole step to begin tuning your guitar to DADGAD tuning. The easiest way to do this is to use a piano as a tuning source and play the D below middle C. You can also tune the low E string to sound one octave lower than the D string
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Step 2
Check the pitch of the A string (fifth string) against your tuning source. You may need to fine-tune the A string as the other strings on the guitar are raised or lowered in pitch. If the sixth string has been tuned to D, fret the sixth string at the seventh fret and tune the open A string to this note.
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Step 3
Check the pitch of the D string (fourth string). As with the A string, changing the tuning of your guitar may affect the sounding pitch of the D string, even though you have not directly altered that string's tuning. Assuming the A string is in tune, tune the open D string to the fifth fret of the A string.
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Step 4
Check the G string (third string). When you are tuning a guitar to DADGAD tuning, the G string tends to be the most sensitive to changes in pitch caused by the changing tension on the neck. Assuming your D string is in tune, tune the open G string to the fifth fret of the D string.
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Step 5
Drop the pitch of the B string (second string) by one full step. The sounding pitch of this string should be one whole octave above the low A string. If the G string is in tune, you can tune the second string to the note sounded at the second fret of the G string.
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Step 6
Drop the pitch of the high E string (first string) by one full step. The sounding pitch of this string should be one full octave above the pitch of the fourth string, or the second D above middle C on the piano. Double-check the tuning of the other strings and get ready to rock with DADGAD tuning.
