Difficulty: Easy - Intermediate
Composer - Armstrong
Where to find this song - Nimrod track # 17
Release Date - October 1997
The Band:
Billie Joe Armstrong - vocals, guitar
Mike Dirnt - bass, vocals
Tre Cool - drums
The Bio:
Out of all the post-Nirvana American alternative bands to break into the pop
mainstream, Green Day were second only to Pearl Jam and Soundgarden in terms
of influence. In truth, Green Day were simply punk revivalists, recharging
the energy of speedy, catchy three-chord punk-pop songs. Though their music
wasn't particularly innovative, they brought the sound of late-'70s punk
to a new, younger generation.
This song is simple in structure and composition, but playing it cleanly at the correct tempo can be very challenging. One thing that helps you a great deal in reading tablature is also looking above at the chords, when provided.
Begin the first measure by placing your 2nd finger on the third fret on the "low E" string. Place your 1st finger on the second fret on the "A" string. Place your 4th finger on the third fret on the "B" string. Notice that throughout the measure, you are not playing anything difficult. This measure is one chord, so allow it do draw out a bit by letting all notes ring.
For the second measure, you will change into another chord right after you play the first chord of this measure. That will give you a little practice on transitioning. What you have to do to change from the G chord to the next chord is to leave your 2nd finger where it's at on the 3rd fret of the low E string, place your 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the A string and use your 1st finger for the 2nd fret on the D string. Leave your 4th finger where it's at, too. For the next chord, it is even easier! All you have to do there is just bring your 1st finger to the second fret on the "G" string. You have left your 4th finger where it started haven't you? That could be considered your pivot when working with chords. There is usually a pivot point that you move from, while one finger alot of the times never really moves.
