This is a formidable 7-string guitar tuning, famously associated with the progressive metal maestro Devin Townsend, who utilized it extensively in his solo work and with the groundbreaking band Strapping Young Lad. It's essentially an Open C tuning, but with an earth-shattering low G on the 7th string, creating an incredibly rich, dark, and expansive sonic landscape. This tuning is designed for maximum impact, delivering a massive wall of sound ideal for heavy riffs, atmospheric textures, and intricate compositions that demand a profound low end.

Technically, the open strings are tuned to G1-C2-G2-C3-G3-C4-E4. This arrangement primarily forms a C Major chord (C-E-G) across multiple octaves, but with the G1 on the lowest string acting as a powerful bass root (Cmaj/G). The repeating G-C intervals in the lower strings (G1-C2, G2-C3, G3-C4) make it incredibly intuitive to play expansive power chords and octave voicings across the fretboard. Strumming all open strings produces a full, resonant C Major chord with a dominant low G. This setup provides an excellent foundation for creating massive C5 and G5 power chords with minimal effort, and also lends itself to exploring rich suspended voicings. The high E4 offers a sparkling contrast to the deep, resonant lower register.

How to Tune Your Guitar for Devin's Crushing C

To achieve this unique tuning, adjust each string according to the following:

• 7th String (G1): Tune down 4 semitones. This significant drop to G1 means a heavier gauge string is strongly recommended for optimal tension and tone, as this adjustment exceeds the recommended range for standard gauges.
• 6th String (C2): Tune down 4 semitones. Similarly, this substantial drop to C2 also warrants the use of a heavier gauge string to maintain playability and avoid excessive floppiness.
• 5th String (G2): Tune down 2 semitones. Adjust this string down to G2.
• 4th String (C3): Tune down 2 semitones. Adjust this string down to C3.
• 3rd String (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains tuned to G3.
• 2nd String (C4): Tune up 1 semitone. Adjust this string up to C4. This minor increase is generally safe for most standard string gauges.
• 1st String (E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains tuned to E4.

Given the extreme drops on the 7th and 6th strings, using a dedicated heavier gauge 7-string set or selecting individual strings for these positions is highly recommended to ensure proper intonation and playability.

7th String: G1 (Lowest pitch)

6th String: C2

5th String: G2

4th String: C3

3rd String: G3

2nd String: C4

1st String: E4 (Highest pitch)