Riff Tone

Coming Clean

Green Day

Guitarpunk1990s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Junior (Billie Joe Armstrong's original or signature model, single P-90 pickup)

AmpMarshall 1959SLP Super Lead (Dookie Mod by Martin Golub/CAE)

PickupsGibson P-90 single-coil (bridge position)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb0.5

presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveBoss Boss BD-2 Blues Driver (possible, not confirmed for this song)

Notes

Studio recording, 1993-1994 (Dookie album sessions). All evidence points to the classic Dookie rig: Les Paul Junior with P-90 into modded Marshall 1959SLP. No evidence of additional pedals except possible light overdrive for extra crunch. No time-based or modulation effects audible or cited for the riff section.

Tone Character(10)

crunchy and punchytight and articulatefull-bodied midrangedry and direct (no reverb)bridge pickup bitesolid definitionslightly compressed attackclassic punk crunchslight natural amp overdriveno time-based or modulation effects

Difficulty

The riff is driven by fast, tight power chords and requires aggressive palm muting and consistent strumming, but uses straightforward punk techniques without advanced lead or complex chord voicings.

Sources

Tone Settings for When I Come Around by Green Day (guitar and amp) - Guitar Chalk Billie Joe Armstrong Guitars & Gear: The Complete Era-by-Era Guide to Green Day’s Punk Tone Machine - GuitarGangsters.net Rig Rundown: Green Day - Premier Guitar

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