15 Best DADGAD Guitar Songs: From Led Zeppelin to Celtic Folk Classics

DADGAD tuning has revolutionized acoustic guitar playing since its discovery in the 1960s by British folk guitarist Davey Graham. This alternative tuning creates a dreamy open-D suspended fourth chord that’s become a signature sound in Celtic folk music contemporary fingerstyle and modern rock. Many iconic songs showcase the unique qualities of DADGAD tuning from Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” to Pierre Bensusan’s intricate compositions. The tuning’s distinctive drone-like qualities and rich harmonics have inspired countless musicians to explore new sonic territories making it a favorite among both traditional folk artists and experimental performers. Musicians appreciate DADGAD for its ability to create lush textures and haunting melodies that aren’t possible with standard tuning.

Dadgad Songs

DADGAD tuning transforms a standard guitar’s strings into D-A-D-G-A-D, creating a suspended fourth chord when strummed open. This alternative tuning unlocks unique sonic possibilities through its modal characteristics.

History and Origins

British folk guitarist Davey Graham introduced DADGAD tuning in 1962 during his travels through Morocco. The tuning emerged from Graham’s desire to replicate the droning sounds of Middle Eastern instruments like the oud. Pierre Bensusan popularized DADGAD in the 1970s through his Celtic-influenced compositions, establishing it as a cornerstone of contemporary folk music. By the mid-1970s, rock guitarists like Jimmy Page incorporated DADGAD into mainstream music, as evidenced in Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir.”

Basic Fingering Patterns

DADGAD tuning creates distinctive chord shapes that differ from standard tuning fingerings:

• • Basic D Chord: Place one finger on the 3rd string, 2nd fret

• • G Chord: Barre the 5th fret with index finger, add ring finger on 7th fret

• • A Chord: Place fingers on 2nd fret of strings 3 4 5

• • Em Chord: Barre 2nd fret with index finger add pinky on 5th fret

1. 1. Ascending runs using the open strings as drone notes

1. 1. Hammer-on sequences focusing on the D and A strings

1. 1. Cross-string patterns utilizing the paired D strings

1. 1. Celtic-style rolls incorporating open string resonance

String Number	Standard Tuning	DADGAD Tuning	Pitch Change
1 (High)	E	D	Down 2 steps
2	B	A	Down 2 steps
3	G	G	No change
4	D	D	No change
5	A	A	No change
6 (Low)	E	D	Down 1 step

Popular Songs Written in DADGAD

DADGAD tuning appears in numerous iconic songs across multiple genres, showcasing its versatility and unique sonic characteristics. The distinctive resonance of this tuning creates atmospheric textures that define many classic recordings.

Celtic and Folk Music Classics

• • “She Moves Through the Fair” by Davey Graham features intricate fingerpicking patterns that highlight DADGAD’s modal qualities

• • “The Water Is Wide” by Paul Brady incorporates rolling arpeggios that maximize the open string drone effects

• • “Hills of Ireland” by Pierre Bensusan demonstrates complex harmonics using DADGAD’s natural overtones

• • “Raglan Road” by Andy Irvine employs melodic passages that blend traditional Irish motifs with contemporary arrangements

• • “The Rights of Man” by Martin Carthy showcases rhythmic accompaniment patterns unique to DADGAD tuning

• • “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin stands as the most famous DADGAD rock song with its distinctive riff structure

• • “Black Mountain Side” by Led Zeppelin adapts traditional folk elements through DADGAD arrangements

• • “City of Dreams” by Talking Heads features ambient DADGAD chord progressions in its verses

• • “The Rain Song” by Led Zeppelin uses DADGAD’s suspended qualities for ethereal textures

• • “White Summer” by The Yardbirds combines Eastern-influenced melodies with Western rock elements

• • “Bron-Yr-Aur” by Led Zeppelin demonstrates intimate acoustic passages in DADGAD

• • “Into The Mystic” by Jeff Johnson utilizes open string harmonics for atmospheric effects

Artist	Song	Year Released	Genre
Led Zeppelin	Kashmir	1975	Rock
Davey Graham	She Moves Through the Fair	1963	Folk
Pierre Bensusan	Hills of Ireland	1978	Celtic
The Yardbirds	White Summer	1967	Rock
Paul Brady	The Water Is Wide	1976	Folk

Famous Musicians Known for DADGAD

DADGAD tuning pioneers transformed acoustic guitar playing through their innovative approaches and distinctive compositions. Several influential musicians have mastered this alternative tuning, creating signature sounds that inspired generations of guitarists.

Pierre Bensusan’s Influence

Pierre Bensusan revolutionized DADGAD tuning in the 1970s through his sophisticated fingerstyle techniques. His albums “Près de Paris” (1975) and “Intuite” (2001) showcase complex harmonies created exclusively in DADGAD. Bensusan’s compositions feature:

• • Intricate cross-picking patterns across multiple strings

• • Percussive techniques incorporating body taps

• • Melodic runs utilizing natural harmonics

• • Celtic-influenced modal progressions

• • Two-handed tapping sequences combined with open strings

Jimmy Page’s DADGAD Legacy

Jimmy Page popularized DADGAD tuning in rock music through iconic Led Zeppelin compositions. His implementation of DADGAD appears in these significant tracks:

Song Title	Album	Year	Notable DADGAD Elements
Kashmir	Physical Graffiti	1975	Driving riff, Eastern-influenced melody
Black Mountain Side	Led Zeppelin	1969	Folk arrangement, Celtic influences
White Summer	BBC Sessions	1969	Modal exploration, drone patterns

• • Layered overdubs creating orchestral textures

• • Alternative chord voicings with suspended fourths

• • Integration of Eastern musical scales

• • Drone-based accompaniment patterns

• • Power chord variations utilizing open strings

Learning to Play in DADGAD

DADGAD tuning opens up unique possibilities for guitarists through its modal characteristics and resonant open strings. The transition from standard tuning requires learning new chord shapes and picking techniques specific to this alternative tuning.

Essential Chord Shapes

Basic DADGAD chords utilize simple finger positions that create rich harmonies. The root D chord forms by simply strumming all open strings, while other common shapes include:

• • Index finger barred across the 2nd fret creates a Em11

• • Middle finger on 3rd string/2nd fret produces a Dsus2

• • Ring finger on 4th string/2nd fret forms a G6/9

• • First three strings barred at 5th fret generates an A

• • Ring finger on 3rd string/7th fret creates Dsus4

• • Cross-picking patterns between bass and treble strings create Celtic-style rolls

• • Alternating thumb technique on the bottom three strings establishes rhythmic drones

• • Hammer-ons and pull-offs on open strings produce cascading note sequences

• • String skipping between D strings (6th, 4th, 1st) forms triadic arpeggios

• • Light palm muting near the bridge controls sustained open string overtones

String Number	Standard Tuning	DADGAD Tuning
1 (thinnest)	E	D
2	B	A
3	G	D
4	D	G
5	A	A
6 (thickest)	E	D

Converting Standard Songs to DADGAD

DADGAD tuning transforms familiar songs through strategic chord substitutions and modified fingering patterns. The conversion process starts with identifying the key elements of the original arrangement and adapting them to DADGAD’s modal framework.

Basic Chord Conversions

Standard tuning chords map to DADGAD equivalents through these essential substitutions:

• • Em (standard) converts to Em11 at fret 0 in DADGAD

• • D (standard) becomes Dsus4 using open strings in DADGAD

• • G (standard) translates to G6/9 at fret 5 in DADGAD

• • A (standard) shifts to Asus2 at fret 7 in DADGAD

Melodic Adaptation Techniques

Transferring melodies to DADGAD requires these specific adjustments:

• • Move lead lines up the neck to find equivalent notes

• • Utilize open strings for drone accompaniment

• • Incorporate natural harmonics at frets 5 7 12

• • Adjust fingerpicking patterns to emphasize modal intervals

Rhythmic Pattern Modifications

The drone qualities of DADGAD enhance rhythmic arrangements through:

• • Constant open D string as a bass anchor

• • Syncopated strumming across suspended chord shapes

• • Percussive techniques on muted strings

• • Alternative bass note patterns using the 6th 4th strings

Original Key	DADGAD Compatibility	Position Shift
D Major	Direct conversion	None needed
G Major	Move up 5 frets	+5 positions
A Major	Move up 7 frets	+7 positions
E Minor	Use open position	-2 positions

This systematic approach maintains the essence of standard-tuned songs while leveraging DADGAD’s unique sonic characteristics. DADGAD tuning stands as a revolutionary force in guitar music that’s transformed how musicians approach their craft. From its Middle Eastern origins to its profound impact on Celtic folk rock and contemporary acoustic music this alternative tuning continues to inspire new generations of players. Whether exploring Led Zeppelin’s iconic riffs or Pierre Bensusan’s intricate compositions DADGAD opens up endless possibilities for creative expression. Its unique modal characteristics and rich harmonic textures make it an invaluable tool for songwriters and performers looking to expand their musical horizons. As more guitarists discover its potential DADGAD’s influence on modern music will undoubtedly continue to grow and evolve. The journey of learning this tuning might require patience but the rewards of mastering its distinctive sound are truly worth the effort.