The Modal D tuning, more famously known as DADGAD, is an iconic and highly resonant alternate tuning for the guitar, revered for its open, droning sound and modal versatility. This tuning has left an indelible mark on music history, particularly through its extensive use by legendary guitarists.

Historical Context and Famous Uses

As the description highlights, DADGAD was famously employed by Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and The Yardbirds throughout the late 60s and 70s. His instrumental, "White Summer," recorded with The Yardbirds, was notably inspired by Davey Graham's arrangement of "She Moved Through the Fair," which is considered the first recorded DADGAD tune. Page continued its legacy with Led Zeppelin, utilizing this tuning for masterpieces like "Black Mountain Side" on their debut album, though he famously detuned the entire guitar a half-step down to D♭-A♭-D♭-G♭-A♭-D♭ for the recording. This piece itself drew influence from Bert Jansch's "Blackwater Side" (which used Drop D tuning). Page revisited DADGAD for the epic "Kashmir" from the album Physical Graffiti, solidifying its place in rock folklore. Beyond rock, DADGAD is a staple in Celtic, folk, and world music, appreciated for its rich, open soundscapes.

Technical Analysis

Technically, DADGAD stands for D-A-D-G-A-D (from low E to high E string). This tuning is characterized by:

• Open Chord: The open strings form a Dsus4 chord (D-A-D-G-A-D). This gives it a bright, open, and somewhat ethereal quality, avoiding the typical major or minor tonality when strummed open.
• Modal Qualities: The absence of a third (F# or F) in the open tuning contributes to its "modal" designation, allowing for great harmonic flexibility. It facilitates playing in D Dorian, Mixolydian, or even Aeolian modes with relative ease, without being tied to a specific major/minor key from the start.
• Drone Effect: The repeated D and A notes across different octaves (D2-A2-D3-G3-A3-D4) create a natural drone effect, providing a rich sonic backdrop that is especially effective for fingerstyle playing and melodic improvisation.
• Easily Accessible Chords: While it presents a departure from standard EADGBe fingering, DADGAD simplifies many chord voicings. Open power chords on the lower D-A-D strings are readily available. Many common shapes involving only one or two fingers can yield complex, beautiful voicings, especially those based on fourths and fifths. Sus4 and sus2 chords are particularly resonant and easy to achieve. The unique interval structure (perfect fifth, perfect fourth, major second, perfect fifth) facilitates unique harmonic textures.

How to Tune Your Guitar to DADGAD (Modal D)

To achieve the DADGAD tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

All string adjustments involve tuning down by 2 semitones or no change, which is well within safe limits for standard guitar string gauges. No special string sets are typically required for this tuning.