Guitar tuning

Celtic (C-G-D-G-A-D)

This Celtic tuning sets the strings to C-G-D-G-A-D. It is a relative of DADGAD, but with the sixth dropped to C and the fifth to G, which strengthens the low foundation and widens the range of the suspended chord.

The tuner opens already preconfigured; you only need to allow microphone access.

Strings and frequencies

How it sounds

It has a modal, spacious character with a deeper low end than DADGAD. It works very well for backing folk melodies and for building atmospheres with many open strings ringing at once.

Styles and genres

Recommended string gauges

Dropping the sixth to C calls for a heavy string; a 0.012-0.053 set or heavier keeps it from buzzing. The remaining strings sit at a comfortable picking tension.

Tuning tip

Explore three-note chords on the middle strings while letting open C, G and D ring below: you get rich harmonies without complicated fingerings.