Vox Valvetronix VT20X settings
Wake Me Up When September Ends settings for Vox Valvetronix VT20X
Green Day · adapted 2 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Green Day "Wake Me Up When September Ends" riff tone on a Vox Valvetronix VT20X, select the BOUTIQUE CLASSIC preset, then set Gain 1.5, Volume 7, Bass 5, Mid 7, Treble 7, Reverb 2. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 7 and volume on 7-8.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Epiphone Les Paul Junior · updated 2026-09-22
- Preset / mode
- BOUTIQUE CLASSIC
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7 · Volume 7-8
Vox Valvetronix VT20X knobs
- Gain
- 1.5
- Volume
- 7
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 7
- Treble
- 7
- Reverb
- 2
- Tap tempo
- 0
- Power level
- 8
- Amp models selector
- 3
Built-in effects
- Reverb on (spring) · 1.5
Playing tips
- Use your amp's built-in reverb set to a low level to recreate the slight depth of the original tone.
- Focus on picking dynamics to achieve the clean, articulate response characteristic of the P-90.
- Strum harder for a slight edge-of-breakup effect, but keep it clean overall.
Solo settings
Adapted for a Epiphone Les Paul Junior · updated 2026-09-22
- Preset / mode
- DELUXE
- Pickup
- Neck pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Vox Valvetronix VT20X knobs
- Gain
- 1.5
- Volume
- 7
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 7
- Treble
- 7
- Reverb
- 2
- Tap tempo
- 0
- Power level
- 10
- Amp models selector
- 1
Built-in effects
- Reverb on (spring) · 1.5
Playing tips
- Use your amp's built-in reverb set to a subtle level to recreate the spacious feel of the original tone.
- Play with a light touch to maintain the dynamic response and clarity of the notes.
- Focus on picking strength to achieve the articulate single-note lines characteristic of the solo.
The original rig
What Green Day used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Vox Valvetronix VT20X actually has.
- Guitar
- Gibson Les Paul Junior (Billie Joe Armstrong's signature model, likely 1956 or reissue, with P-90 pickup)
- Amp
- Marshall Plexi (likely Marshall 1959SLP or JCM800, as used on American Idiot sessions)
- Gain
- 5.5
- Bass
- 5.5
- Mid
- 6.5
- Treble
- 7
- Presence
- 6
- Reverb
- 2.5
Different guitar or pedals? Get Wake Me Up When September Ends adapted to your exact rig
These settings were generated for the gear named above. ToneAdapt adapts Green Day's tone to your own guitar, pickups, amp and pedals in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What preset should I use on the Vox Valvetronix VT20X for Wake Me Up When September Ends?
Start from the BOUTIQUE CLASSIC preset, then set Gain 1.5, Volume 7, Bass 5, Mid 7, Treble 7, Reverb 2.
Which pickup should I use for Wake Me Up When September Ends?
Bridge pickup, with the guitar's tone at 7 and volume at 7-8.
What gear did Green Day use on Wake Me Up When September Ends?
Guitar: Gibson Les Paul Junior (Billie Joe Armstrong's signature model, likely 1956 or reissue, with P-90 pickup). Amp: Marshall Plexi (likely Marshall 1959SLP or JCM800, as used on American Idiot sessions).
Will these settings work with my guitar?
These settings were adapted for a Epiphone Les Paul Junior. Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
Wake Me Up When September Ends on other amps
Popular songs on the Vox Valvetronix VT20X
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Walk · Pantera
- Back in Black · AC/DC
- Sultans of Swing · Dire Straits
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
- 1979 · The Smashing Pumpkins
- Do I Wanna Know? · Arctic Monkeys
Settings are generated by ToneAdapt's tone adaptation for the gear named on this page and are a starting point — every amp, guitar and room is a little different.