Introduction to DADGAD, from Celtic Guitar with Tony McManus

In this Peghead Nation course, Tony McManus teaches you how to play reels, jigs, airs, and other traditional forms, both fingerstyle and with a flatpick. He walks you through melodies and shows you how to bring tunes to life with the ornamentation that defines Irish and Scottish traditional music. In this sample lesson, Tony gives an introduction to D A D G A D tuning, which is closely associated with playing Celtic music on the guitar.
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Tony McManus is recognized throughout the world as one of the leading guitarists in Celtic music. From early childhood, his twin obsessions of traditional music and acoustic guitar have combined to produce a startlingly original approach to this ancient art. In Tony’s hands the complex ornamentation normally associated with fiddles and pipes is accurately transferred to guitar in a way that preserves the integrity and emotional impact of the music while sounding completely suited to the guitar.
Tony’s first, self-titled, recording in 1996, followed by Pourquoi Quebec in 1999, led to worldwide recognition. However, it was with the release of Ceol More in 2002 that Tony’s stature as a first-class musician reached a new level. Critics hailed the focussed, spell-binding nature of the music, from the plaintive Jewish hymn “Shalom Aleichem” to the ingenious arrangement of the Charles Mingus classic “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat.” Along with nominations for Tony as Musician of the Year by both the BBC Folk Awards and the Scottish Traditional Music awards, Ceol More made the Album of the Year list in Acoustic Guitar magazine and was named the “Live Ireland Awards” Album of the Year.
Tony’s live work ranges from intimate solo performances to a duet with Italian flatpicker Beppe Gambetta to a trio with brothers Gary and Greg Grainger to the quartet Men of Steel (with fellow guitarists Dan Crary, Gambetta, and Don Ross). He is an enthusiastic collaborator as leader and sideman, and has worked with Dougie MacLean, Phil Cunningham, Mairi MacInnes, Liam O’Flynn, Martin Simpson, Kevin Burke, Alison Brown, Martyn Bennett, Natalie MacMaster, Patrick and Jacky Molard, Mairead ní Mhoanaigh and Dermot Byrne, the Nashville Chamber Orchestra, John Jorgenson, Jean Michel Veillon, Catriona Macdonald, Seikou Keita, Xosé Manuel Budiño, Ewen Vernal, and Andy Irvine. He is also in great demand as a studio musician and has contributed to more than 60 recordings.
His 2009 release The Maker’s Mark showcased 15 of the finest luthier-built guitars in the world. Recording a solo piece on each instrument, the project caught the attention of the mainstream rock guitar press in a way that acoustic work rarely does.
Never one to be typecast, Tony’s 2013 album Mysterious Boundaries stemmed from a challenge from mandolin virtuoso Mike Marshall to learn the Bach E Major Prelude for Violin on guitar. This led to an exploration of classical and baroque music, seemingly very different from the jigs and reels that he grew up with. By examining the boundaries between genres and sticking to his steel-string guitar (rather than the conventional nylon-strung classical guitar) McManus produced a work of great originality and beauty, hailed by his peers as “a masterpiece” (John Renbourn) and “beyond beautiful… it’s perfect!” (Tommy Emmanuel).
His 2015 duet album with Beppe Gambetta, Round Trip, features virtuoso fingerstyle playing, flatpicking, and beautiful songs, recorded on a selection of great instruments.

[@SZG65]

DADGAD Tuning - fingering for 24 chords of the Circle of Fifths To get started, most of the chords can be made with two simple finger positions, with small variations for using minor chords. Example: A - xx2242 and Am xx2232 or A - xx7677 and Am xx7577 You might see performers using this tuning and applying the middle finger to the top bass strings on some chords where I have it as xx (looks like they're giving the bird) There are other ways to make these chords, but these are the simplest. After learning these you will be able to play Pachelbel's Canon, or Hotel California with ease. Fingerstyle picking is fun too! D - xx0200 or xx7797 G - 55oo2o (big stretch needed) or xx5455 C - x32032 or xx5575 F - xx3233 or xx10101210 Bb - xx3353 or xx8788 Eb - xx1011 or xx99119 Ab - xx1131 or xx6566 Fm - xx3133 or xx10101110 Cm - x32o31 or xx5565 Gm - xx5535 or xx12121112 Dm - ooo201 or oo7787 Am - xx2232 or xx7757 Em - xx2022 or xx99109 Bm - xx4454 or xx9799 F#m - xx4244 or xx11111211 C#m - xx6676 or xx1191111 G#m - xx6466 or xx13131413 Ebm - xx8898 Bbm - xx3343 or xx8688 Db or C# - xx6686 Gb or F# - xx4344 or xx11111311 Cb or B - xx4464 or xx9899 E - xx2122 or xx99119 A - xx2242 or xx7677 Scales are a bit different in DADGAD, but that is for another lesson. Cheers! and Your Welcome!

[@aidanroach5091]

Wow thanks!!!

[@tamegomait]

🙏

[@mikeriderart1121]

Thx dude!

[@DarkNightDreamer]

I'm sitting here holding my guitar, feeling like a fast food worker getting a master class by Gorden Ramsey

[@myfirstmethod3872]

DarkNightDreamer agreed

[@kingofthehillawa5331]

Lol same

[@thatsamuellu]

Lmfao

[@Givingitashot]

I'm thinking about burning all my guitars. 😢

[@jamesgeiger4795]

@@Givingitashot Sell them instead.

[@dba4292]

And this is why theory in music is GOLD. You need this knowledge it opens everything up, you'll get it. Theory is the key and you have been standing on the door step for long enough now. Thank you Tony for a great and inspiring video :))

[@Afurthyclays]

I'm ashamed to say that I've been a guitar player for over 40 years, & never heard of this amazing player until today! Hey.... better late than never. I'm on board! Incredible tutorial, as well as ideas. Thank you.

[@tedpeterson1156]

Afurthyclays Sometimes after listening to guys like Tony I just want to pitch the old guitar onto the bonfire.

[@0949jim]

You there rye try

[@guibox3]

When you change your tuning, you open a whole new world of playing. That is why the guitar is so amazing. :)

[@textucker1158]

Great player.Great teacher.Great man.

[@melodymatters7742]

Love this guy.... Humble, skilled and a great teacher

[@RonChibnik]

Really good context; I had no clue about DADGAD besides the fact that Kashmir uses that tuning. Thank You.

[@Geotubest]

Saw Tony at an event a couple of years ago. He played a few tunes. My God what a player. Flawless, totally in control of the instrument.

[@alpetteway1387]

As clearly as it can be stated. Thank you Tony.

[@roberthunt1540]

"I can't play slide guitar to save my life" then proceeds to play perfectly even without a slide.

[@user-re6cb4po7i]

Modesty is alive. I like this guy

[@climberbob1]

I don't know why so many people get freaked out about playing alternate tunings. Ok, they're different, but I think they're actually much easier. without fretting a string, you've got a nice sounding chord. doesn't take much to pick up a few key fingerings, and modifying them is easy. With a nice chord structure in the tuning, you can play leads just fingering one string at a time while the tuning keeps you in a chord.His playing slide with out a slide - the tuning is doing the work. He's just barring the open chord. Same thing I did when I got a lap steel. I've got the action too low on my acoustics because I'm a figerstylist for playing slide, so picked up and refurbished an old Silvertone (yes, Sears!), that along the way of finding a nice hard case for it ran into a guy who knew lap steels. After seeing the pics I sent him of the PAPER pickup, I fond out it was made by Valco - a very good maker. But my point being, sitting in your lap, open tuning, playing slide that just seemed so much more logical - very much like playing keyboards.

[@guzmanperez1109]

La modestia de los inmodestos"

[@spinningreelsofrhyme]

Yep! 😂

[@seannel583]

@@guzmanperez1109 It's everywhere on KZbin mate.. Well said.

[@jkennan]

Excellent. I’ve been messing around with DADGAD for years but still found this very informative. Thanks very much. Beautiful playing on a lovely sounding guitar.

[@ricktheexplorer]

When he did that scale - brilliant.

[@steffenpfeifer5839]

You're such a great teacher Tony! Thanks for everything you give! 😊

[@mikeriesco6174]

This guy has a particular set of skills...

[@Deliquescentinsight]

What a great guitar instructor, very clear and pleasant approach

[@yoyoelektriko]

Tonight Tony played for three hours at a house concert in Santa Rosa, California. Superb, understated and thrilling. Tomorrow night he is in Reno Nevada.

[@tedpeterson1156]

Whose house? That would narrow it down some. I missed it!

[@juddaustin399]

I am not sure what bought me here, and I am not familiar with the artist, but I am a guitar player and I enjoyed this very much! A very talented musician speaking plainly and sincerely about something he is very passionate and knowledgeble about is always a pleasure! I'll check in for more!

[@michaelshinn3572]

Bravo! Great introduction to open D Tony. Beautiful guitar and tone as well. I truly enjoyed watching, listening & learning. You are a great player & teacher sir. Thank you & keep enjoying music, life and all the wonderful thing that both offer,

[@timewalkarts286]

You're a good teacher. Thanks for this video.

[@MauroRezende]

That was the best explanation on how tuning affects the playing I've heard.

[@ccrydurrr2958]

The DADGAD is such a beautiful tuning. I started screwing around in Strawberry Fields, Central Park while busking there & I was always complimented on my work. Ty.

[@telboy1966manu]

What a bloody brilliant lesson, so much packed into such a short time!!

[@matinee310]

What a great teacher! Totally absorbed in everything he says!

[@marklandis5794]

matinee310 jjñjkioioioioioiooioooo

[@marklandis5794]

Phi j

[@jerrywigens3730]

Brilliant - this is really helpful. I've been putting off my exploration of DADGAD for years. Thanks Mr. McManus!

[@nbnguitar]

That guitar sounds absolutely amazing. Great video and explanation of this tuning.

[@kardRatzinger]

Couldn't focus on what the good man was saying, too enchanted with the guitar sound.

[@RJD0314]

Agreed. On both points!

[@richardedwards9333]

It's a Paul Reed Smith acoustic, and you're right it sounds amazing!

[@juanvaldez5422]

joshua rogers PRS are amazing instruments

[@johnnyroxx8513]

prs they're all that good I own 5

[@CraftyOldGit]

When Tony McManus plays, even scales sound heavenly.

[@wucks3666]

Saw so many videos on KZbin about DADGAD where the main focus was just to show some regular chords played with strumming and not giving a proper explanation about the tuning and its possibilities. This video made me understand the real beauty and the possibilities playing wise. I appreciate the theory aspect and the harp example etc. Was very nice to see the fretboard and how the melodies are build moving around it. Thank you!

[@FerneyManrique]

Just wow!. That was an amazing lesson.

[@jamesclaygarrison7192]

What a beautiful sounding guitar

[@69lespauls]

Wow! I have played a little in DADGAD and this has really opened my eyes to playing this timing more... great lesson. Thank you! Your PRS really sparkles and sounds great!

[@GrotrianSeiler]

So glad I found this guy. He’s really really good.

[@alvagoldbook2]

Thank you for this explanation! It sounds absolutely beautiful. I will have to try this tuning.

[@lshin80]

Saw mr. McManus in concert around 2005... one of the best concert I went to. He's awesome on the guitar. If you're into guitar music, go see him, you won't be disappointed.

[@Joe_Atherlay]

Met Davy graham before he passed. He played beautifully and went between talking and playing, He was in his own world and it was beautiful to see! Great you mentioned him ❤️

[@Michael-mg4tx]

Great player, great teacher. Should have thousands of views in my humble opinion!

[@ericbergmueller2981]

I never thought of this tuning in this way. Thank you for opening my ears and mind with your wonderful sound!

[@Getyabootsoffskinny]

Thank you for a marvellous explanation. Fine touch , beautiful playing

[@richarddover296]

II’ve used DADGAD for about 50 years. This is a great video. What a nice man

[@matthaverly98]

Thanks - this was a really insightful look into DADGAD. Really appreciate it. Very nicely and fluidly done.

[@Yanto2013]

My God THAT Guitar ! - Yes, we all know Mr McManus borders on genius, but THAT Guitar sound!!! Un-Believable.

[@eugenerisi3811]

Paul Reed Smith guitars for you. They go for about 10k

[@gijsbertuslaurensvandevooren]

Borders on?

[@alanmcbride8095]

Many thanks Tony, fascinating stuff.

[@zepp2498]

Very interesting lesson (guitar+ english for me, héhé). And your explanation gives up answer about this DADGAD tuning, thank you. Your guitar sounds just wonderful. Thumbs up

[@plentius]

Gorgeous! Thank you. I must learn this.

[@davidsevenbros3065]

I have watched this video several times now and ask myself the same question; why have I ignored this tuning for so long? Tony in his understated way (thank you Steve D) makes such a strong case for it. I love his presentation here, he is simply a master of the instrument with a keen understanding of the fretboard and wry sense of humor.

[@oliverk191]

This guitar sounds incredible!

[@thefurbeastunderyourbed5012]

07:25 I was like "Ryan Sheridan - Home yaaay" right away lol. Beautiful sounding guitar.

[@fjmNYLondon]

Yeah, I caught the Joni immediately. Love it. This is really informative. Thanks!

[@KirkHanser]

Wonderful, Tony!

[@danross9095]

Always have loved DADGAD. But this lesson really has helped me develop my DADGAD playing even more! Great information. Thanks.

[@donnachamcgowan]

This is a brilliant tuning by a brilliant guitarist of Irish music a master class..period. . .

[@robbierockin939]

Seen the master of Celtic Figerstyle Tony ,, amazing one of a kind ,mindblowing guitar player ,, in a league of his own , truly a master

[@777Yoni]

This was just so well done. Thank you much.

[@karukaru1960]

A very fine video. The explanation, demonstration, insight and historical context are excellent. Many thanks.

[@jdolby513]

Brilliant explanation - looking forward to more great videos!

[@Yrksman]

Great to watch, thanks Tony

[@danmcbmusic]

Fantastic, thank you. I was shown this by a guy I met in the youth hostel in Ennis. When I got home I got lost in it for a few weeks after which I'd written a few pieces. Love this tuning.

[@butterman2205]

Thanks for this video! The way you explain it is so peaceful :)

[@melindalemmon2149]

This gives me insight into Gaughan's genious.

[@Ragnar-Viking]

What a gift this man has

[@kieronconcannon]

Fantastic, thank you. Love this little intro and the guitar sounds great btw.

[@lundbergbv]

Very cool. I love it! Thanks for sharing.

[@theguitardude5613]

Great lesson. I look forward to seeing more!

[@shaunmcinnis1960]

The sound of that guitar is amazing

[@peterkelemen1157]

I don't know what I liked more, your eloquence or the actual guitar playing, great video!

[@petermcclelland5710]

What a great bunch of guys !!! And who said you can't play guitar with short, plump fingers? Wonderful !!!

[@earnestthompson5136]

wonderful commentary .....thank you !

[@herbertvonzinderneuf8547]

As a non-muso I did not have a clue what you were talking about. But your playing and relaxed teaching style made this all rather entertaining.

[@joemurray2523]

Masterful - interesting and insightful, and inspiring without being daunting. Hats off to you Mr McManus

[@songsandtunesofpatsyobrien221]

Nicely explained- Tony really gets that "singing" quality out of his strings...thanks for sharing👍😁

[@trockfield77]

What a fantastic video!

[@tamegomait]

That simple scale is just amazing

[@mikestrashcan63mc]

Great video awesome sounds I love the sounds created from that tuning 👍👍👍

[@gerrett108]

Tony, your Awesome. Thanks bro Reminds me of Jimmy page w these tunings!!

[@johnc206]

in the movie "this might get loud" jimmy page shows edge and jack white kashmir with this tuning

[@kcdaizeux9869]

Really good explanation about Dadgad tuning specialy about the scales sounding like a harp because the two notes closed sounding together. It's really the spirit of Dadgad. Thanks for lihgting m'y mind.😉

[@clayearth8287]

Great instruction Tony. Thanks

[@vindicari]

your guitar has a beautiful voice and presence.

[@cloudburn498]

master class introduction

[@christopherdunn9488]

I never heard a scale played more beautifully than the D Major scale he played. I will be back Tommy!

[@Unborn-Lives-Matter]

YES! The only other time I tried double drop D was slide guitar. Not very impressed. But now, years later, forming new chords that just ring out is wonderful. And the chords are fairly simple. So many drones to play with. Already composed my first song in the last hour! At the 7th to 5th fret. Thanks!

[@johnmitchelljr]

Thanks for the teaching lesson and also the history lesson.

[@6stringks]

Very nice explanation, thank you!

[@yitzchallevi8208]

Great teaching! Thanks

[@musicdude1coma147]

A Master Musician, thank you

[@osagie2]

Great demonstrations ✌🏿👍🏾🎸

[@ajboyd9389]

His fingers just glide. Beautiful

[@ClarenceHW]

Beautiful lesson, love the soft spoken approach, re-tuning now!

[@suvienbloggar7752]

beautiful playing style

[@greettify]

It's Saturday night, and I find myselft sitting in the sofa, eating candy and watch this man talking about cons and pros of dadgad tuning... and somehow I actually find it very amusing. Thank you

[@kkarthurs721]

Wow beautiful work and tone on that guitar. I'll have to start over and try to pay attention to your instruction. Too mesmerized by the luthiery in your lap.

[@World-as-i-c-it]

Wow, impressive!

[@paulbangash4317]

Great playing , great video 💫

[@thomast8539]

The tone of his guitar is stunning. I am mesmerized.

[@DavidJNann]

Very informative video, nice work Tony

[@GetStrumming]

Keep up the good work, really like your chilled out style! Makes a change to most OTT youtubers!

[@epicsanchez9929]

Thank you Tony Mcanus

[@WaveTrader-UK]

Thanks Tony

[@Denny_Eddy]

Tony, I really like this

[@sirjuaffreblumpkins9396]

I've been playing guitar since 2007 and I'm just finding out about this tuning. Nice change.

[@alanscott6836]

Brilliantly explained