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Writer's pictureJosh Kastleman

Mastering Wake Me Up When September Ends: A Beginner's Guide for Students

Students learning to play the drums to "Wake Me Up When September Ends" by Green Day is a regular occurance here in the drum studio. Westen does a great job showing us what it is like in the video below.


If you are looking for drum lessons for a son or daughter and they love to rock out, you have come to the right place. Don't hesitate to reach out and give Josh a call or text. Don't live close by? That is ok. He also teaches online. Go here for more info about online drum lessons.




"Wake Me Up When September Ends" by Green Day features a relatively simple and straightforward drum part. The song, released in 2004 as part of the album "American Idiot," is known for its emotional lyrics and melodic composition. Here's a breakdown of the drumming elements for this song:

  1. Intro: The song starts with a clean guitar arpeggio, and the drums enter with a simple, subdued beat. The drummer typically plays with brushes or lightly on the snare drum and may use light cymbal touches.

  2. Verse: The verses maintain a restrained feel. The drummer plays a basic beat with a snare on beats 2 and 4, emphasizing the backbeat. The kick drum follows a straightforward pattern, and the hi-hat is often played with a steady eighth-note feel.

  3. Pre-Chorus: As the song progresses to the pre-chorus, the drumming may intensify slightly. The drummer might incorporate fills or variations to build anticipation leading into the chorus.

  4. Chorus: The chorus features a stronger and more driving beat. The drummer may use a fuller sound, incorporating the toms and playing a more pronounced pattern on the ride cymbal or crashes. This section is where the energy of the song picks up.

  5. Bridge: The bridge is a notable change in dynamics. The drums become more subdued, supporting the softer and reflective mood of this section. The drummer may use lighter touches on the drums and cymbals.

  6. Final Chorus and Outro: The final chorus often sees an increase in intensity. The drummer may play with more power, adding fills and accents to build towards the song's conclusion. The outro typically mirrors the intro, gradually fading out.

When playing "Wake Me Up When September Ends" on the drums, focus on dynamics and feel. Keep the verses controlled and subdued, allowing the emotion of the lyrics to come through. Increase the energy during the chorus sections, and pay attention to the transitions between different parts of the song. As always, feel free to add your own style and interpretation to make the performance your own.


Tré Cool is the drummer for Green Day. Born Frank Edwin Wright III on December 9, 1972, in Frankfurt, West Germany, Tré Cool joined Green Day in 1990, replacing the band's original drummer, John Kiffmeyer.

Here are some key points about Tré Cool:

  1. Early Life and Entry into Green Day: Tré Cool grew up in a musical family and began drumming at a young age. He joined Green Day just before the release of their second studio album, "Kerplunk" (1992), and has been an essential part of the band since then.

  2. Drumming Style: Tré Cool is known for his energetic and unconventional drumming style. He often incorporates creative fills and has a dynamic approach that complements Green Day's punk rock sound. His drumming contributes to the band's distinctive sound and live performances.

  3. Longtime Membership: Tré Cool is one of the longest-serving members of Green Day, along with lead vocalist/guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong and bassist Mike Dirnt. The trio has been the core of the band for several decades, leading Green Day through various musical styles and successes.

  4. Songwriting Contributions: In addition to his drumming duties, Tré Cool has made songwriting contributions to Green Day. While not as prolific as Armstrong in terms of songwriting, he has occasionally written and provided vocals for some tracks.

  5. Personal Projects: Outside of Green Day, Tré Cool has been involved in other musical projects. He has played with bands such as The Network and Dead Mermaids. Additionally, he has pursued interests beyond music, including acting and voice acting.

  6. Awards and Recognition: Green Day, including Tré Cool, has received numerous awards and accolades for their contributions to the music industry. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.


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