DADGAD tuning: notes, frequencies and string changes

Which strings change from standard?

1. Sixth string: lower E2 to D2. The target is about 73.42 Hz at A4 = 440 Hz.
2. Fifth, fourth and third strings: keep A2, D3 and G3.
3. Second string: lower B3 to A3, about 220.00 Hz at the same reference.
4. First string: lower E4 to D4, about 293.66 Hz.
5. Check the whole guitar again, one open string at a time. The new string tensions can affect earlier adjustments.

Each changed string goes down two semitones. Make small adjustments and listen to the direction of the pitch change. If you are already in Drop D, the sixth string is ready; lower only the second and first strings to reach DADGAD.

Is DADGAD the same as Open D?

No. DADGAD uses G3 on the third string; Open D uses F♯3. Their other open strings match. DADGAD’s open notes contain D, G and A, without the F♯ that would define a D major chord. Check the third string when moving between these two presets.

Save DADGAD in MultiTuner

Choose Guitar, select DADGAD, and set your A reference before saving. Keep a standard tuner and a DADGAD tuner as your two free saved setups, or use Premium for a larger library. The built-in DADGAD preset itself is free.

Your saved setup includes the reference pitch and your choice of Classic Needle or Precision Meter, so you can return to the same configuration next time.

Why are there three D notes?

The sixth, fourth and first strings are D2, D3 and D4. Each is an octave above the previous D: their frequencies approximately double from 73.42 to 146.83 to 293.66 Hz at A4 = 440. They share a note name, but each string needs its own octave.

What if I play with a recording?

Match both its tuning and its reference pitch. A guitar in DADGAD at A4 = 432 Hz will not match the same tuning at A4 = 440 Hz. Changing the reference does not turn DADGAD into another tuning pattern. See how reference pitch works.