Planet Smasher

Required String Notes:G - C - G - C - G - C - E

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 “Planet Smasher”:

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

"Planet Smasher" by Devin Townsend 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 uses this same tuning on 5 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.

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Devin Townsend’s Guitar Tunings

Devin Townsend plays 6 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 - E6 songs
Custom Tuning (AAAEAE)AAAEAE6 songs
Open C TuningC - G - C - G - C - E4 songs
Standard EE - A - D - G - B - E4 songs
Open B TuningB - F# - B - F# - B - D#3 songs

Gear for Open C 7-String (GCGCGCE)

Strings and tools that make playing "Planet Smasher" 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.

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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.

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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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“Planet Smasher” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Planet Smasher" by Devin Townsend in?

"Planet Smasher" 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 "Planet Smasher"?

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 songs use this tuning?

"By Your Command", "Color Your World", "N9", "Solar Winds", "Ziltoidia Attaxx!!!" — all in G - C - G - C - G - C - E, so you can play them without retuning.