D (string 6)
A (string 5)
D (string 4)
G (string 3)
A (string 2)
D (string 1)
A (string 5)
D (string 4)
G (string 3)
A (string 2)
D (string 1)
WEEK ONE The first week in the dadgad series presents a broad overview of melodic major and minor chord scale intervals in D.
WEEK TWO class is a focus on the major chord scale intervals used to contrast melodic elements of the music. Our primary first position scale is set in D. When the key changes, we apply a capo to the fret that correlates with that key in dadgad, and apply the chord shapes there.
WEEK THREE minor chord scale interval patterns.
WEEK FOUR Major Minor mixer.
If you want to move the key from D (major or minor) here's a sample of capo placement:
D > E = Capo 2
D > F = Capo 3
D > F# = Capo 4
D > G = Capo 5
D > A = Capo 7
D > Bb = Capo 8
D > C = Capo 10
The number system is helpful to ease transposition mentally. We will learn the primary chords (1-4-5) in the open first position - and then we can move those shapes into whatever major key we want to play in with use of the capo.
I've notated the "major" D scale chords (full and partial chords) on the DADGAD Chord page that we will use for today's class and you can find them here and the url is https://www.qualityfolk.com/dadgad-chords.html.
The chord pictures are sequenced in patterns up and down the neck. The description format is the name of the chord, which finger plays what string on what fret. Don't let the "Full" chords scare you, there are alternatives in partial chords that work great.
These harmonic interval chords are partial chords that may require minimizing (damping or not playing) unincluded strings - so concentrate on the strings sections you are fretting and "minimize" use of the higher strings 1 + 2 for this series of chords. There are ways to play these with complete chords but it's murder on the hand and unnecessarily difficult. You will achieve the dadgad sound beautifully with a focus on the patterns and fingerpicking mostly strings 3, 4, 5, 6 in this set of shapes.
WEEK TWO class is a focus on the major chord scale intervals used to contrast melodic elements of the music. Our primary first position scale is set in D. When the key changes, we apply a capo to the fret that correlates with that key in dadgad, and apply the chord shapes there.
WEEK THREE minor chord scale interval patterns.
WEEK FOUR Major Minor mixer.
If you want to move the key from D (major or minor) here's a sample of capo placement:
D > E = Capo 2
D > F = Capo 3
D > F# = Capo 4
D > G = Capo 5
D > A = Capo 7
D > Bb = Capo 8
D > C = Capo 10
The number system is helpful to ease transposition mentally. We will learn the primary chords (1-4-5) in the open first position - and then we can move those shapes into whatever major key we want to play in with use of the capo.
I've notated the "major" D scale chords (full and partial chords) on the DADGAD Chord page that we will use for today's class and you can find them here and the url is https://www.qualityfolk.com/dadgad-chords.html.
The chord pictures are sequenced in patterns up and down the neck. The description format is the name of the chord, which finger plays what string on what fret. Don't let the "Full" chords scare you, there are alternatives in partial chords that work great.
These harmonic interval chords are partial chords that may require minimizing (damping or not playing) unincluded strings - so concentrate on the strings sections you are fretting and "minimize" use of the higher strings 1 + 2 for this series of chords. There are ways to play these with complete chords but it's murder on the hand and unnecessarily difficult. You will achieve the dadgad sound beautifully with a focus on the patterns and fingerpicking mostly strings 3, 4, 5, 6 in this set of shapes.
D Major harmonized chord scale in dadgad...
Play these shapes to ascend and descend in D major.
D Minor harmonized chord scale in dadgad...
Play these shapes to ascend and descend in D minor.
Nashville Number System
Quick reference for finding the 1-4-5 in any key
The original dadgad map
Irish guitar icon, Míchéal ÓDomhnaill (Bothy Band, Nightnoise, Relativity) inspired guitar lovers worldwide to play in dadgad tuning. Here is a map he drew for us over pints at Cassidy's restaurant back in the early 80's tol give you a look at the guitar neck and how it works.
