"When I Come Around" by Green Day

Green Day's iconic song "When I Come Around" is a timeless example of punk rock simplicity and energy, showcasing the powerful and melodic guitar style of Billie Joe Armstrong. This song, from the band's landmark album Dookie (1994), features straightforward yet effective techniques that are ideal for players looking to refine their skills and capture the essence of punk rock guitar playing. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Billie Joe Armstrong and Green Day

Billie Joe Armstrong, the guitarist and vocalist of Green Day, has been a defining influence in the punk rock and alternative music scenes. Known for his rhythmic precision, melodic sensibility, and use of clean, straightforward techniques, Armstrong has inspired countless guitarists. His playing in "When I Come Around" epitomises the balance between simplicity and musicality, demonstrating how a song can be impactful without overly complex arrangements. His knack for crafting memorable riffs and chord progressions makes this track a perfect study for both beginners and seasoned players looking to master the fundamentals of punk rock guitar.

Techniques Explored in "When I Come Around"

Power Chords

At the heart of "When I Come Around" lies its driving power chord riff. Power chords are a staple in punk rock, providing a full, aggressive sound without the complexity of barre chords. This song uses basic two-note power chords to outline its catchy chord progression, making it a fantastic starting point for players learning how to build dynamic, rhythmic guitar parts.

Benefit: Learning power chords helps guitarists strengthen their fretting hand, develop rhythmic consistency, and form the foundation for countless rock and punk songs.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is extensively used to add rhythmic texture to the chord progression, creating dynamics and contrast between sections. By lightly resting the picking hand on the strings near the bridge, you achieve a tight, percussive sound that complements the open, ringing chords in other parts of the song.

Benefit: Mastering palm muting improves right-hand control and allows guitarists to create dynamic shifts in their playing.

Chord Progressions

The song's catchy progression is a prime example of how simple, repetitive structures can create memorable hooks. The transitions between chords are smooth and provide a solid framework for vocal melodies.

Benefit: Practicing this progression helps players understand song structure and develop their ability to switch chords seamlessly, an essential skill for any guitarist.

String Bending

While not as prominent as the chordal elements, subtle bends appear in melodic fills, adding expression to the song. This technique requires precise finger strength and control to ensure the pitch is raised accurately.

Benefit: String bending enhances a player’s ability to add emotion and flair to solos and riffs.

Slides

Slides are used to transition between chords and notes, creating a fluid and connected sound. These subtle embellishments give the song its laid-back feel and add a layer of polish to its straightforward composition.

Benefit: Practicing slides improves finger coordination and helps players transition smoothly between notes and positions.

Why Learn "When I Come Around"?

This lesson is ideal for guitarists seeking to:

• Develop essential punk rock guitar skills.
• Strengthen rhythmic precision and timing.
• Understand the balance between simplicity and musicality in songwriting.
• Learn techniques like power chords, palm muting, and slides in a real-world context.

By mastering these elements, players will not only be able to recreate the iconic sound of Green Day but also gain tools that are widely applicable across genres.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

1. Power Chords
2. Palm Muting
3. Chord Progressions
4. String Bending
5. Slides

By focusing on these techniques, you'll be well-equipped to capture the essence of "When I Come Around" and elevate your guitar playing to the next level. Dive into this lesson today and experience the enduring appeal of Green Day’s music!