Learn Green Day Songs on Acoustic Guitar

This page features six of their most popular songs arranged for acoustic guitar, including timeless tracks like Boulevard of Broken Dreams and Time of Your Life.

Whether you're just starting out or already gigging, these songs offer simple chord progressions, singable melodies, and just the right amount of attitude.

Each lesson includes rhythm tips, chord guidance, and a short demo to help you get started. Scroll down to explore the songs, or jump ahead using the quick links menu.

"21 Guns" is from their 2009 album "21st Century Breakdown." It's the second single from the album and reached its highest position at number 22 on the Billboard charts.

Interestingly, it holds significance as the band's final single to chart and their last song to enter the top 40. The song is known for its emotional and powerful lyrics, addressing themes of war and the search for meaning. "21 Guns" received positive reviews for its melodic and anthemic qualities.

It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The track has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials, contributing to its widespread recognition.

The song's title, "21 Guns," refers to the traditional salute given at military funerals, adding depth to its poignant message. Overall, "21 Guns" remains one of Green Day's notable and enduring tracks, resonating with listeners for its compelling blend of music and meaning.

"Boulevard of Broken Dreams" is a standout track from their 2004 album "American Idiot." The lyrics were penned by Billie Joe Armstrong, with the entire band contributing to the composition of the song.

Widely regarded as one of Green Day's signature songs, it achieved significant success, reaching the impressive position of #2 on the US charts, making it their highest-charting single. The song's popularity is further underscored by its recognition as the 9th highest-selling song of the 2000-2009 decade, with over 5 million sales. "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" is notable for its introspective and melancholic tone, reflecting themes of loneliness and self-discovery.

The music video, featuring evocative scenes of a solitary walk down a city street, complements the song's mood. This iconic track has received critical acclaim for its powerful lyrics and memorable melody, solidifying its place in Green Day's musical legacy. Download the free Broken Dreams Green Day chords below.

"Pulling Teeth" is a track from Green Day's third studio album, "Dookie," released in 1994. The album is widely regarded as a breakthrough for the band, propelling them into mainstream success. "Pulling Teeth" stands out on the album for its energetic and fast-paced punk sound, characteristic of Green Day's early style.

The song is relatively short, with a duration of less than three minutes, and it showcases the band's signature combination of catchy melodies and raw, unapologetic lyrics. In "Pulling Teeth," Billie Joe Armstrong's vocals are dynamic, reflecting the intensity and emotion found throughout the "Dookie" album.

While "Pulling Teeth" may not have been released as a single or received as much mainstream attention as some of the other tracks on "Dookie," it remains a fan favorite and contributes to the overall appeal of the album. The lyrics touch on themes of frustration and relationship issues, common themes in Green Day's early work.

As with many Green Day songs, the live performances of "Pulling Teeth" are known for their high energy, and the track is often remembered fondly by fans of the band's early punk rock era.

"She" is the final single from their breakthrough album "Dookie," released in 1994. The track achieved notable success, reaching number 18 on the US Mainstream Rock charts and securing the fifth position on US Alternative Airplay.

An interesting anecdote surrounds the inspiration for the song: reportedly, Billie Joe Armstrong's ex-girlfriend shared a poem with him titled "She," which inspired him to create this particular track. However, the story takes a twist, as it's said that after sharing his creative response, she ended their relationship and moved to Ecuador.

This intriguing connection between personal experiences and artistic expression adds a layer of depth to the song's narrative. "She" is characterized by its energetic punk sound, with catchy guitar riffs and dynamic vocals, contributing to the overall success of Green Day's "Dookie" album.

The band's ability to blend personal experiences with musical creativity is a hallmark of their early work.

Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) holds a special place in the band's discography. Released in 1997, during the earlier days of Green Day, the song achieved significant international success, reaching the 11th position on the US charts and securing a spot in the top 20 in several countries.

Often referred to as either "Good Riddance" or "Time of Your Life," the song has become a timeless anthem, known for its acoustic sound and reflective lyrics. Interestingly, an earlier version of the song appeared as a B-side to the European single "Brain Stew/Jaded."

The lyrics revolve around the same girlfriend, Amanda, who inspired the song "She." Producer Rob Cavallo made a crucial decision to include strings in the arrangement, a choice that resonated well with the band. The addition of strings elevated the emotional impact of the song, contributing to its universal appeal.

"Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" has been widely embraced for its heartfelt sentiment and has become a popular choice for events like graduations and farewells and also appeared in a historic look back overview video for the series "Seinfield".

"Wake Me Up When September Ends" is a poignant and emotionally charged track that holds deep personal significance for the band's lead vocalist and guitarist, Billy Joe Armstrong.

Written as a reflection on a tragic event from his childhood, the song mourns the loss of Armstrong's father when he was just 10 years old. Released as part of the "American Idiot" album in 2005, the song resonated with listeners worldwide, reaching the sixth position on the Billboard charts.

It achieved even greater success internationally, hitting number one in the Czech Republic and securing a spot in the top 10 in several countries.

Beyond its musical success, the song has gained cultural significance, with social media memes circulating annually at the end of September, adding a unique layer to its enduring impact.

"Wake Me Up When September Ends" remains a powerful testament to the emotional depth that Green Day infuses into their music, creating a lasting connection with fans around the world.