Is my grandfather really my biological grandfather? Vicky's DNA test results made her ask this intriguing question. Here are strategies she learned to use her DNA to look for answers. While looking at her DNA results, Vicky Grover noticed she had no apparent connections on her maternal...
How can half-siblings of your relatives be "better" than whole ones (at least, from a genetic genealogy perspective?) Here's what Joy learned about using descendants of half-siblings to cluster the shared matches she wanted. How can half-siblings be better than whole ones? At least, from a genetic...
The Shared cM Project has a new feature which lets you enter the shared cM of two testers, rather than just one. This can narrow down a list of possible relationships to DNA matches while using siblings or cousins from the same generation. Learn more about how to use the updated feature. Have you...
The AncestryDNA dots help you organize your DNA matches. What if you want to remove those dots and reorganize your match list? Here's how to remove AncestryDNA dots, and why you might want to. Here at Your DNA Guide, we recognize there is no single “right way” to use AncestryDNA’s colored dots in...
Looking for a fast people search for the UK? Finding living people in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland is easier when you use specific resources. Here are the resources you'll want to use. Are you looking for living people in the UK--anywhere in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern...
Your siblings' DNA tests can help your family history--even if you have already tested! Here's what you can do with the combined power of your brothers' and sisters' DNA test results. How many DNA tests does one family need? Does a genetic genealogist gain any advantage by testing their siblings,...
Use labels to organize your MyHeritage DNA matches so you can make more family history discoveries! Here’s how–and here’s a tip for finding a Best Known Match using the Theory of Family Relativity so you can create genetic networks.
I just got invited to a family reunion by a DNA match! Here’s how to find fellow descendants of common ancestors on your DNA match list. (Whether to invite them to a party, sight-unseen, is up to you.)
Need to download your DNA match list? Here’s how to export your DNA matches from AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage and Family Tree DNA.
DNA testing outside the US is not as popular as inside the US. If your goal is finding DNA matches (or ancestors) outside the United States, what should your DNA testing strategy be?
Is endogamy or pedigree collapse affecting your ability to work with your DNA matches? What’s the difference, how can you tell and what can you do about them? Check out these strategies you can try now.
Your generation of connection is key to learning how you’re related to your DNA matches. It’s where you’ll find your most recent common ancestor(s) (MRCA). You and your match may have two DIFFERENT generations of connection. Don’t worry, we’ve got an easy explanation! What is the generation of...
Say you took at DNA test with AncestryDNA but your cousin tested at 23andMe, MyHeritage, Family Tree DNA or Living DNA. How can you compare your DNA test results to each other?
Why don’t you have any DNA matches on your father’s side? Or maybe it’s your mother’s side without matches. Here are four reasons you may be missing matches you expect to see.
How are you related to your Y DNA matches at Family Tree DNA? YDNA tests don’t give shared cM clues about how closely you’re related. Take this video tour of your Y DNA match list to start figuring out your relationships to your Y DNA matches.