Planned Obsolesence

Required String Notes:C - G - C - F - A - D

How to Tune from Standard to Drop C Tuning

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Planned Obsolesence”:

String	Standard	Target	What to do
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	F3	Tune down a whole step
String 2	B3	A3	Tune down a whole step
String 1	E4	D4	Tune down a whole step

Recommended string gauge: .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054) · affiliate link

Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

"Planned Obsolesence" by Gojira is played in Drop C Tuning (C - G - C - F - A - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 3 down to F, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. Gojira uses this same tuning on 7 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.

Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar

Tunings Close to Drop C Tuning

Already tuned to C - G - C - F - A - D? These tunings are just one small change away.

Drop D Tuning130 songs

D - A - D - G - B - ESame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.

D Standard / Whole-Step Down86 songs

D - G - C - F - A - DOnly string 6 differs: D instead of C.

Drop Db / Drop C#82 songs

Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbSame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.

Drop B Tuning39 songs

B - F# - B - E - G# - C#Same chord shapes, every string a half step lower.

Gojira’s Guitar Tunings

Gojira plays 8 of 27 songs in our catalog in Drop C Tuning. Most-used tunings:

D Standard / Whole-Step DownD - G - C - F - A - D15 songs
Drop C TuningC - G - C - F - A - D8 songs
Custom Tuning (CGCD#GC)CGCD#GC3 songs
Drop D TuningD - A - D - G - B - E1 song

Gear for Drop C Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "Planned Obsolesence" in Drop C Tuning easier.

Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054)

Recommended gauge .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.

View strings

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.

View tuner

D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

“Planned Obsolesence” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Planned Obsolesence" by Gojira in?

"Planned Obsolesence" is played in Drop C Tuning: C - G - C - F - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Planned Obsolesence"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). 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 3: tune down a whole step (G3 → F3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4).

What string gauge should I use for Drop C Tuning?

Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.

Which other Gojira songs use this tuning?

"Born In Winter", "L Enfant Sauvage", "The Cell", "The Gift Of Guilt", "The Shooting Star", "Toxic Garbage Island" and 1 more — all in C - G - C - F - A - D, so you can play them without retuning.