Failure
Required String Notes:G - C - G - C - G - C - E
Tune to Open C 7-String (GCGCGCE)How to Tune from Standard to Open C 7-String (GCGCGCE)
Start in standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 7 strings to play “Failure”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 7 | B1 | G1 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | C4 | Tune up a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
Recommended string gauge: .010–.056 (7-string). A dedicated 7-string set keeps the low B tight enough to stay in tune.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String (.010–.056) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Failure" by Devin Townsend Project is played in Open C 7-String (GCGCGCE) (G - C - G - C - G - C - E). Starting from standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 7 strings: string 7 down to G, string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 2 up to C. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. Devin Townsend Project uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Devin Townsend Project’s Guitar Tunings
Devin Townsend Project plays 2 of 25 songs in our catalog in Open C 7-String (GCGCGCE). Most-used tunings:
- Open C 7-String (GCGCGCE)G - C - G - C - G - C - E2 songs
Gear for Open C 7-String (GCGCGCE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Failure" in Open C 7-String (GCGCGCE) easier.
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String (.010–.056)
Recommended gauge .010–.056 (7-string). A dedicated 7-string set keeps the low B tight enough to stay in tune.
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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“Failure” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Failure" by Devin Townsend Project in?
"Failure" is played in Open C 7-String (GCGCGCE): G - C - G - C - G - C - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Failure"?
Start from standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E). String 7: tune down 4 semitones (B1 → G1). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Open C 7-String (GCGCGCE)?
Use a .010–.056 (7-string) set. A dedicated 7-string set keeps the low B tight enough to stay in tune.
Which other Devin Townsend Project songs use this tuning?
"Planet Of The Apes" — all in G - C - G - C - G - C - E, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Devin Townsend Project
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Devin Townsend Project:
Other Songs in Open C 7-String (GCGCGCE)
Once tuned to G - C - G - C - G - C - E, try playing these tracks next:
Open C 7-String (GCGCGCE)Intermediate
G - C - G - C - G - C - ENo Capo
Open C 7-String (GCGCGCE)Intermediate
G - C - G - C - G - C - ENo Capo
Open C 7-String (GCGCGCE)Intermediate
G - C - G - C - G - C - ENo Capo
Open C 7-String (GCGCGCE)Intermediate
G - C - G - C - G - C - ENo Capo