The Tablature
This web site assumes you are already familiar with reading tablature. In an
effort to make the tab less cluttered, hammer-ons and pull-offs are simply
noted by a tie instead of the usual H and P.
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Getting to DADGAD tuning from standard tuning EADGBE
You only need to lower 3 strings one step or note: the 1st, 2nd and 6th
strings.
1. Tune the 6th string (E) down one step to D so it sounds an octave below the
4th string D. Or, lower the 6th string one note until the 6th string 7th fret
sounds the same note as the 5th string A.
2. Tune the 1st string (E) down one step to D so that it sounds an octave above
the 4th string D. Or, lower the 1st string down one step until it sounds the
same note as the 2nd string fretted at the 3rd fret.
3. Then tune the 2nd string (B) down one step to A until it sounds an octave
above the 5th string A. The note will match the 3rd string fretted at the 2nd
fret.
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Playing the Tunes
Many of the tunes employ what’s been called a “harp” style of guitar. Simply
put, you try to keep all notes ringing as long as possible. Fretted notes are held
down while you the fret the next note or notes on adjacent strings. In this
way you can get 2 or more notes sounding at the same time. A good example
is the 2nd measure of Humours of Whiskey.
For variation, on the 1st time through a jig, reel or hornpipe you can drone a
bass note. Try playing a bass note once per measure or on each downbeat.
For instance, on Garrett Barry’s play a 6th string D on every downbeat.
Lately, in order to play the faster jigs and reels up to speed, I've been replacing
some fretted bass notes with an open string. This works especially good for
some awkward stretches and the tune will sound just as good or better. For
instance, in the 8th measure of the Mist on the Mountain I'll replace the fretted
C on the 5th string with the open G 5th string. This makes the tune much
smoother and easier to play. I think some of the arrangements might be a little
too busy and if you have trouble playing them this is a good idea to try.
Many guitarists will damp the bass strings with the palm of their right hand to
create a percussive effect.
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Capo
The capo settings given for some tunes are so the tune will sound in the key
the tune is usually played in. For instance, Planxty Fanny Powers is arranged
in the key of G, but by putting the capo on the 2nd fret the tune will sound in
the key of A. In practice, I capo many tunes at the 2nd fret for a brighter
sound and easier fingering.
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String Gauges
I usually use light gauge strings (1st .012 - 6th .053), however, many guitarists
don’t like the looseness of the lowered strings or think the tone suffers so they
will use heavier strings for the lowered strings. Some manufacturers make
strings sets especially for DADGAD and other tunings, or you can buy single
strings. You could use medium gauge for these strings or gauges in between
light and medium.
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