Death
Required String Notes:B - F# - B - F# - B - D#
Tune to Open B TuningHow to Tune from Standard to Open B Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Death”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | B1 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | F#2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | B2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | F#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| String 1 | E4 | D#4 | Tune down a half step |
Recommended string gauge: .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Death" by Devin Townsend is played in Open B Tuning (B - F# - B - F# - B - D#). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 down to B, string 5 down to F#, string 4 down to B, string 3 down to F#, string 1 down to D#. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 5 semitones down. Devin Townsend uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Open B Tuning
Already tuned to B - F# - B - F# - B - D#? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open C Tuning34 songs
C - G - C - G - C - ESame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.Custom Tuning (A#FA#FA#D)4 songs
A#FA#FA#DSame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Custom Tuning (BF#BF#BF#)4 songs
BF#BF#BF#Only string 1 differs: F# instead of D#.Custom Tuning (BF#C#F#BD#)3 songs
BF#C#F#BD#Only string 4 differs: C# instead of B.Devin Townsend’s Guitar Tunings
Devin Townsend plays 3 of 25 songs in our catalog in Open B Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (AAAEAE)AAAEAE6 songs
- Open B TuningB - F# - B - F# - B - D#3 songs
Gear for Open B Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Death" in Open B Tuning easier.
Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056)
Recommended gauge .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
D'Addario Universal Micro Headstock Tuner
A headstock tuner makes switching in and out of this tuning quick, even on stage or without a mic.
D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)
Retuning 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Death” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Death" by Devin Townsend in?
"Death" is played in Open B Tuning: B - F# - B - F# - B - D#, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Death"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 5 semitones (E2 → B1). String 5: tune down 3 semitones (A2 → F#2). String 4: tune down 3 semitones (D3 → B2). String 3: tune down a half step (G3 → F#3). String 1: tune down a half step (E4 → D#4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Open B Tuning?
Use a .012–.056 set. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
Which other Devin Townsend songs use this tuning?
"Devoid", "The Complex" — all in B - F# - B - F# - B - D#, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Devin Townsend
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Devin Townsend:
Open C 7-String (GCGCGCE)Intermediate
G - C - G - C - G - C - ENo Capo
Other Songs in Open B Tuning
Once tuned to B - F# - B - F# - B - D#, try playing these tracks next: