“Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day is a poignant ballad that resonates with many, especially guitar players looking for songs that blend emotional depth with accessible chords. This song, with its heartfelt lyrics and memorable melody, is a fantastic choice for guitarists of various skill levels to learn and add to their repertoire. Here are the guitar tabs to help you play this iconic song.
A Section: The Gentle Opening
The song begins with a soft and introspective feel, driven by simple yet effective chord progressions. This section sets the emotional tone for the entire piece.
G D/F# Em7 G
Summer has come and passed, the innocent can never lastC Cm G
Wake me up when September endsThis opening A section repeats, building the song’s narrative and musical foundation.
G D/F# Em7 G
Like my fathers come to pass, seven years has gone so fastC Cm G G D/F#
Wake me up when September endsB Section: Building Intensity
The B section, often considered the chorus, introduces a slight increase in intensity, both lyrically and musically. The chords become slightly more dynamic, reflecting the building emotion in the song.
Em Bm C G D/F#
Here comes the rain again, falling from the starsEm Bm C D
Drenched in my pain again, becoming who we areA Section #2: Return to Reflection
After the more intense chorus, the song returns to the reflective mood of the A section, reinforcing the central theme of memory and loss.
G D/F# Em7 G
As my memory rests but never forgets what I lostC Cm G
Wake me up when September endsThe familiar lines return, creating a sense of cyclical emotion and remembrance.
G D/F# Em7 G
Summer has come and passed, the innocent can never lastC Cm G G D/F#
Wake me up when September endsAnother verse in A section style adds to the song’s evolving narrative.
G D/F# Em7 G
Ring out the bells again, like we did when spring beganC Cm G
Wake me up when September endsB Section #2: Chorus Reiteration
The chorus returns, emphasizing the feelings of pain and transformation.
Em Bm C G D/F#
Here comes the rain again, falling from the starsEm Bm C D
Drenched in my pain again, becoming who we areA Section #3: Deeper Memory
This final A section delves deeper into personal history and the passage of time, adding another layer of emotional weight to the song.
G D/F# Em7 G
As my memory rests but never forgets what I lostC Cm G
Wake me up when September endsThe theme of lost innocence and enduring memory is revisited.
G D/F# Em7 G
Summer has come and passed, the innocent can never lastC Cm G
Wake me up when September endsA poignant variation on the earlier lyrics brings a sense of closure to this section.
G D/F# Em7 G
Like my father’s come to pass, twenty years has gone so fastCoda: Fade Out
The song concludes with a repeating coda, fading out on the central plea of the song.
C Cm G
Wake me up when September endsC Cm G
Wake me up when September endsC Cm G
Wake me up when September endsLearning “Wake Me Up When September Ends” on guitar is not just about mastering the chords; it’s about connecting with the raw emotion and storytelling within the song. These guitar tabs provide a straightforward path to playing this Green Day classic. Practice each section slowly, focusing on smooth chord transitions and capturing the gentle yet powerful essence of the music. You’ll soon find yourself playing one of Green Day’s most beloved and enduring songs.
