“When I Come Around” by Green Day, from their iconic album Dookie, is a song that resonates with generations of music lovers. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics have made it a staple for guitar players, especially those just starting their musical journey. The good news for aspiring guitarists is that “When I Come Around” is known for being quite accessible, making it a fantastic song to learn. You’ll find that breaking down the song into its core components – the verse, chorus, and even the memorable guitar solo – reveals a straightforward structure perfect for building your guitar skills.
To help you get started, guitar tabs are an invaluable resource. A guitar tab, or tablature, provides a simple visual representation of where to place your fingers on the fretboard to play the song’s notes and chords. For “When I Come Around,” guitar tabs will guide you through each section, from the instantly recognizable main riff of the verse to the power chords in the chorus.
Simple Structure: Verse, Chorus, and Solo
One of the reasons “When I Come Around” is so beginner-friendly is its clear and repetitive structure. The song primarily revolves around two main sections: the verse and the chorus. Once you’ve mastered these two parts, you’re already playing the majority of the song! For those looking to challenge themselves a bit further, the song also includes a guitar solo that, while melodic and impressive, is also achievable for intermediate beginners with some practice. Learning the solo can be a rewarding step to expand your lead guitar skills.
Tuning and Essential Chords
Before diving into the tabs, it’s important to make sure your guitar is tuned correctly. “When I Come Around” is played in standard tuning, but tuned down a half step. This means you’ll tune every string down slightly. While this might sound complicated, electronic tuners make this process very easy. Alternatively, you can tune to standard tuning if you prefer, and still learn the song effectively.
The chords you’ll need to learn for “When I Come Around” are also quite beginner-friendly. You’ll be working with common chords that are foundational in many popular songs. Guitar tabs for “When I Come Around” will clearly indicate which chords are used and when to play them within the song structure. Focus on cleanly fretting these chords and smoothly transitioning between them.
Mastering the Verse (Main Riff)
The verse of “When I Come Around” is built around a distinctive and catchy main riff. This riff is instantly recognizable and is often the first part guitarists want to learn. Guitar tabs are especially helpful for learning riffs like this, as they show you exactly which strings and frets to play, and in what order. Practice this riff slowly at first, focusing on accuracy and clean notes. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase your speed.
Brad Litton from SimpleGuitar.com here with another beginner guitar lesson for you about one of my favorite Green Day songs of all time.
Tackling the Chorus
The chorus of “When I Come Around” provides a dynamic shift from the verse, typically employing power chords. Power chords are simplified guitar chords that are easier to play than full barre chords, making them perfect for beginners and a staple in rock and pop punk music. Guitar tabs will guide you through the power chord progression in the chorus, and you’ll notice the rhythm becomes a bit more driving and energetic compared to the verse.
Exploring the Guitar Solo
For guitarists wanting to expand their skills, the guitar solo in “When I Come Around” is a great learning piece. While it’s a solo, it’s not overly complex or fast, making it attainable for players who are venturing into lead guitar for the first time. Guitar tabs specifically designed for the solo will break it down note-by-note, allowing you to learn it in manageable sections. Pay attention to techniques like bends and slides, which are common in guitar solos and add character to your playing.
Practice and Play Along
The key to learning any song on guitar is consistent practice. Start by working on small sections of “When I Come Around” at a time, such as the verse riff or the chorus chords. Use guitar tabs to ensure you are playing the correct notes and fingerings. Once you can play each section smoothly, start putting them together. Playing along with the original Green Day song is also incredibly helpful. This will help you develop your timing and rhythm, and make the learning process more enjoyable.
“When I Come Around” is a fantastic choice for beginner guitarists for many reasons. Its simple structure, catchy riffs, and manageable chords make it an achievable and rewarding song to learn. With the help of readily available guitar tabs, you can quickly start playing this Green Day classic and impress your friends with a song that’s both fun to play and instantly recognizable. Download a “When I Come Around Guitar Tab” today and begin your journey to mastering this pop punk anthem!
