DADGAD tuning: Reel in G

The following charts represent chords used in the accompaniment of a reel in the key of G. In this instance, no capo is used (common practice suggests the use of a capo on the 5th fret, with fingerings in the key of D).

The accompaniment visualizes the tune played three times. The first time, only chords played on the top four strings are used. The second time, chords on the top 4 and top 5 strings are mixed. The third time, chords on all 6 strings are used.

Please note that an accompaniment of this type is most effective when used in a performance situation. When playing for a session or a ceili, the guitar's role becomes more that of a rhythm instrument. Depending on whether or not microphones are available, the guitarist providing accompaniment for these functions may choose to use those chords that utilize all six strings.

Be aware that there are many possible accompaninments to a traditional Irish dance tune, with alternate interperations based on different harmonic interpretations of the tune's melodic structure.

Note: This page is placed on the web as an adjunct to a video tutorial that is being prepared by Dennis J. Gormley and being shared by those who aspire to accompany traditional Irish dance tuned on guitar using the DADGAD tuning.

DADGAD G chord:modal on top four strings G chord - played on top four strings only. There is no third in this voicing, so it can be used for both G major and G minor DADGAD D/F# chord on top four strings D/F# - played on top four strings only. This includes the open third string G as a suspension
DADGAD C/E chord on top four strings C/E - played on top four strings only. This includes the open first string D as a suspension DADGAD Em chord on top four strings Em - played on top four strings only. This includes the open first string D, which actually makes this voicing an Em7th.
DADGAD C chord on top five strings C - played on top five strings only. This includes the open first string D as a suspension DADGAD Am chord on top five strings Am - played on top five strings only. This includes the open third string g, which actually makes this voicing an Am7th, as well as the open first string D as a suspension.
DADGAD G chord on all six strings G chord - all six strings are strummed, but the third finger, as well as fretting the 5th fret, 6th string, is muting the 5th string. This includes the open 2nd string A as a suspension DADGAD D/F# chord on all six strings D/F# - all six strings are strummed, but the third finger, as well as fretting the 4th fret, 6th string, is muting the 5th string.
DADGAD Em chord on all six strings Em - The upper joint of the first finger on the left hand covers the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings, while the second joint lifts sufficiently to clear the 3rd string. This includes the open 1st string D, which actually makes this voicing an Em7th, as well as the open 2nd string A as a suspension. DADGAD D chord modal on all six strings D - There is no third in this voicing, so it can be used for both D major and D minor

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