Introduction
Welcome to this acoustic guitar lesson on playing When I Come Around by Green Day.
Before we dive in, double-check you have your acoustic guitar ready and tuned.
So lets get started and learn the iconic acoustic rendition of When I Come Around by Green Day!
Heres what youll need to get started:
These are the basic items youll need to play the song.
Nonetheless, lets focus on the essentials for now.
Its worth noting that the song can beplayed on both acoustic and electric guitars.
However, for the purpose of this lesson, we will be specifically focusing on the acoustic guitar version.
Repeat this progression throughout the song, and youll have the foundation of When I Come Around down.
Remember, take your time with each chord and ensure that all the notes sound clear and clean.
Practice transitioning from one chord to another smoothly to maintain a steady rhythm.
With consistent practice, youll soon be able to flow through the basic chord progression effortlessly.
It adds a dynamic feel to the song and helps drive the rhythm forward.
The strumming pattern for this song is relatively straightforward and follows a consistent down-up pattern.
Lets break it down:
1.
Start by strumming downward with the pick across all the strings.
This is the down part of the pattern.
Next, strum upward with the pick across all the strings.
This is the up part of the pattern.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 in a continuous motion, maintaining a steady rhythm throughout the song.
This will give the song a driving and rhythmic feel.
Use a metronome if necessary to help you maintain a consistent tempo.
Heres how to play it:
1.
Start by playing the G chord for one measure using the strumming pattern outlined earlier.
Transition to the D chord and play it for one measure with the same strumming pattern.
Move to the C chord and strum it for one measure.
Finally, return to the D chord and play it for one measure again.
Repeat this chord progression throughout the verse, maintaining a steady rhythm with consistent strumming.
Pay attention to the timing and ensure a smooth transition between the chords.
As you play the verse, double-check to listen to the original song for reference.
This will help you get the correct feel and timing of the chord changes.
With practice, youll be able to play the verse of When I Come Around smoothly and confidently.
Next, lets dive into the chorus section of the song.
It builds on the basic chord progression weve already learned.
Lets break down how to play the chorus:
1.
Start by playing the G chord for two measures using the strumming pattern.
Transition to the D chord and strum it for one measure.
Return to the G chord and strum it for two measures.
Repeat this chord progression throughout the chorus, following the strumming pattern weve previously discussed.
As you play the chorus, pay attention to the songs dynamics.
Listening to the original recording is essential for capturing the nuances and timing of the chorus.
It will help you understand the transitions between the chords and incorporate any slight variations that Green Day uses.
With practice and consistency, youll be able to play the chorus of When I Come Around with confidence.
Now, lets explore some ways to add variations and embellishments to make your performance even more exciting.
Here are a few ideas to spice up your playing:
1.
Palm muting: Experiment with palm muting the chords to create a muted and percussive sound.
This technique works best on the verse sections to give the song a gritty and intense feel.
Accents: Accentuate certain strums within the pattern to add dynamics.
Fingerpicking: Instead of using a pick, try fingerpicking or hybrid picking the chords.
Arpeggios: Break down the chords into arpeggios by picking each note individually.
Dont be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.
Listening to live performances or covers of When I Come Around can provide inspiration for different variations and embellishments.
Pay attention to how other guitarists interpret the song and incorporate their own unique style into their playing.
Now, lets move on to some tips for mastering the song and refining your overall performance.
Be patient with yourself and enjoy the process of learning and refining your skills.
Practice regularly and dont be afraid to seek feedback or guidance from experienced guitarists or instructors.
Conclusion
Congratulations!
You have now learned the essentials of playing When I Come Around by Green Day on the acoustic guitar.
Remember to practice consistently, paying close attention to your timing, technique, and dynamics.
Lastly, enjoy the process of learning and mastering When I Come Around.
