The primary way that DNA testing contributes to your genealogy is by providing lists of individuals with whom you share different amounts of DNA. You can use these DNA match lists to verify your paper records and to identify DNA matches that may provide new information about your ancestors. We want as many DNA matches as possible.
A way to get more DNA matches is by testing relatives. Because everyone inherits a different mix of DNA from his parents, your relatives will have DNA matches that you do not. Even if YOU don’t share DNA with these matches, they are still your genealogical relatives.
But which relatives to test first? Go for grandparents first. In general, it’s valuable to test the oldest relative in each of your family lines. These older generations are closer to your ancestors and therefore have a bigger percentage of their DNA and thus will have unique DNA matches.
Then, choose parents. If both of your parents have tested, you should use your parents DNA matches for genealogical research instead of your own. Afterall, you only received half of their DNA.
Next, I would go for aunts and uncles. Not only are they a generation closer to your ancestors, but they inherited DNA from your grandparents that your parents did not. And therefore, you did not. Every one of their DNA matches is relevant to you. You can explore your aunt’s and uncle’s matches just as you would your own. Your aunt’s and uncle’s DNA is valuable even if you have your parent’s DNA.
Then consider siblings. Since each of you inherited a different mix of DNA from your parents, your siblings will have DNA matches that you don’t. But remember you don’t need your siblings DNA if you have your parents DNA. And you don’t need your parents DNA if you have all four of your grandparents DNA.
Happy testing! Be sure to watch for DNA sales.
