The Genius Behind Fleetwood Mac’s Sound

Lindsey Buckingham is a creative powerhouse behind Fleetwood Mac’s success, defining their sound with his fingerpicking techniques and deep understanding of musical arrangement. His ability to blend rock, pop, and folk sensibilities transformed Fleetwood Mac into one of the most influential bands in music history. Buckingham’s perfectionist approach to songwriting and recording, particularly on Rumours, was key to creating timeless classics like “Go Your Own Way” and “The Chain.” His talent lies in crafting intricate guitar lines while weaving his voice seamlessly into the band’s harmonies.

History and Influences of Lindsey Buckingham

Born in Palo Alto, California, in 1949, Lindsey Buckingham was surrounded by music from an early age, often playing guitar alongside his brother. Influenced by a mix of genres including rock, folk, and blues, Buckingham drew inspiration from guitarists like Chet Atkins and Chuck Berry, developing a unique fingerpicking style early on. His musical upbringing combined with his love for artists such as The Beach Boys, Elvis Presley, and The Kingston Trio helped shape his melodic yet rhythmic approach to guitar playing.

When Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975, his innovative approach to songwriting, rooted in traditional American music but flavored with his distinct style, reshaped the band’s sound. His fusion of folk fingerpicking with rock rhythms is one of the reasons Fleetwood Mac remains iconic today.

Fleetwood Mac’s Top Hits Featuring Lindsey

Lindsey Buckingham’s guitar work is at the core of Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits, with his sound driving many of their most memorable tracks.

• “Go Your Own Way” (1977)
  Chart Position: Peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
  Why It Was a Hit: Buckingham’s sharp, rhythmic guitar and heartfelt lyrics made this song an anthem for breakups. The combination of raw emotion and driving rhythm made it an instant hit, resonating with listeners around the world.
• “The Chain” (1977)
  Chart Position: Featured on Rumours, which spent 31 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
  Why It Was a Hit: The Chain didn’t have a significant chart position itself but is a staple of Fleetwood Mac’s live performances. The song’s unforgettable bassline and intricate guitar work showcased Buckingham’s ability to fuse melodic and rhythmic elements. His contributions to the track’s climactic instrumental sections made “The Chain” a classic.
• “Big Love” (1987)
  Chart Position: Reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
  Why It Was a Hit: Buckingham’s intricate fingerpicking, particularly in live performances, brought a new level of energy to this song. The acoustic version of “Big Love” is a tour de force, demonstrating his technical mastery and raw power.

Lindsey Buckingham’s Signature Guitar Techniques

Lindsey Buckingham’s guitar style is a blend of complex fingerpicking and unique rhythms that set him apart as a player. His self-taught approach and avoidance of using a pick enable him to create a more dynamic and nuanced sound. Buckingham’s playing often serves the song rather than showcasing flashy solos, but his technique is deceptively complex. Below are a few of his standout techniques, with examples of how he incorporates them into his most famous songs:

1. Fingerpicking
   Buckingham’s fingerpicking technique, which forgoes the use of a pick, allows him to weave together melody, rhythm, and bass simultaneously. This is evident in songs like Never Going Back Again, where his thumb handles basslines while his fingers pluck the melody and harmony notes, creating a full, intricate sound. His ability to maintain a rhythm with his thumb while adding embellishments with his fingers is a hallmark of his style.
2. Travis Picking
   While not strictly following Travis picking rules, Buckingham employs this alternating bass note style in many songs, giving his fingerpicking depth and complexity. A great example is Landslide, where the steady bass notes give the song structure while his fingers create melody lines on the higher strings.
3. Percussive Fingerstyle
   Buckingham often integrates percussive elements into his playing, tapping and slapping the guitar to add rhythmic elements. In Big Love, his solo acoustic version highlights this technique, where he uses the body of the guitar and his picking hand to create a rhythmic beat while playing fast, intricate fingerstyle lines.
4. Thumb Independence
   One of Buckingham’s standout skills is his thumb independence. In songs like Go Your Own Way, his thumb provides a driving bassline while his fingers dance across the fretboard, adding melodic fills and lead lines. This technique requires extreme coordination and control, allowing Buckingham to play both rhythm and lead sections simultaneously.
5. Hybrid Picking
   Though Buckingham primarily uses fingerpicking, he sometimes blends pick and finger techniques for more versatility. For example, in The Chain, he uses hybrid picking to play both the rhythmic bass and the high melody simultaneously. This allows him to craft a richer and more layered sound without needing a second guitarist to fill out the arrangement.

Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain” Guitar Tutorial by Marty Schwartz

In this detailed video lesson, Marty Schwartz from Marty Music walks you through how to play Fleetwood Mac’s iconic song, “The Chain,” focusing on a simplified version of Lindsey Buckingham’s complex guitar parts. The lesson covers alternate tunings, capo placement, and fingerpicking techniques, along with Travis picking patterns that will help beginners and intermediate players master the song’s signature sound. Marty also breaks down the chord shapes and various intricate riffs, making this tutorial an excellent resource for learning this classic tune.

Gear and Equipment

Lindsey Buckingham’s eclectic guitar collection plays a key role in shaping his distinctive sound. From electrics to acoustics, his choices reflect both versatility and precision in crafting his iconic tones. Here are two of his preferred electric guitars, acoustic guitars, and amplifiers:

Electric Guitars:

• Turner Model 1: Buckingham’s signature guitar, known for its rotary pickup control that adjusts the tone. He’s used this guitar extensively since the 1970s, and its thick, resonant sound is perfect for both clean and overdriven tones. Notable on songs like Go Your Own Way, it has become a defining part of his electric guitar sound.

• Fender Stratocaster: A staple in Buckingham’s arsenal. Known for its bright tone and flexibility, the Stratocaster has been a go-to for delivering Buckingham’s sharper, more aggressive guitar parts in songs like The Chain.

Acoustic Guitars:

• Taylor 814ce: Buckingham’s acoustic performances often rely on the Taylor 814ce for its balanced tone and rich sound. This guitar’s excellent playability makes it ideal for fingerpicking, a technique Buckingham uses extensively in Never Going Back Again.

• Fender American Acoustasonic Jazzmaster: Featured during live performances of Never Going Back Again, the Acoustasonic Jazzmaster offers a blend of acoustic warmth and electric versatility, making it ideal for Buckingham’s unique style that crosses between folk and rock.

Amplifiers:

• Marshall Studio Vintage Plexi Combo: Known for its powerful and clean tones, this amp is similar to one used during the 1976 tours, giving Buckingham the headroom needed for his dynamic playing. Its settings allowed him to balance both rhythm and lead guitar parts effortlessly.

• Hiwatt Custom 100 [USED] – Reverb: Another powerhouse amp in Buckingham’s collection, used in Fleetwood Mac’s early touring years. Its rich, clean tones with strong midrange allowed Buckingham to push his sound without relying heavily on effects, perfect for songs like The Chain.

This range of gear highlights Lindsey Buckingham’s approach to creating layered and dynamic sounds, whether through his use of custom electric guitars or acoustic models tuned for fingerstyle playing.

Collaborations and Side Projects

Beyond Fleetwood Mac, Buckingham’s solo career and collaborations showcase his versatility as both a guitarist and producer. His solo albums, like Out of the Cradle and Gift of Screws, continue to push creative boundaries, blending folk, rock, and experimental sounds. Buckingham has also collaborated with artists like Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie, helping to revive Fleetwood Mac’s legacy.

In 2017, Buckingham teamed up with McVie to release a duet album, Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie, highlighting his ability to craft melodic songs in a stripped-down, intimate format. His role as a producer extends to working on albums for other artists, helping shape their sound while lending his distinctive guitar style.

Lindsey Buckingham’s Legacy and Current Work

Lindsey Buckingham’s legacy as a guitarist, songwriter, and producer extends far beyond his time with Fleetwood Mac. His innovative approach to guitar playing and sound production has influenced countless musicians across multiple genres. Buckingham’s solo career, while not as commercially dominant as his work with Fleetwood Mac, has showcased his versatility as a musician. Albums like Out of the Cradle and Gift of Screws reveal a more experimental side of his music, blending rock, folk, and electronic elements.

Buckingham’s impact on the guitar world lies in his ability to balance technical prowess with artistic restraint. He is widely recognized for redefining acoustic guitar playing in rock music through his fingerpicking technique, particularly in songs like Big Love and Never Going Back Again. These tracks demonstrate his ability to craft intimate, complex acoustic arrangements while maintaining a raw energy that resonates in both studio recordings and live performances.

In recent years, Buckingham’s work continues to evolve. His 2021 self-titled solo album marks a return to his signature style of layered guitar work, catchy melodies, and introspective lyrics. Despite his departure from Fleetwood Mac, Buckingham’s influence remains present in the band’s live performances and recordings, proving how integral his sound was to their identity.

Beyond music, Buckingham is celebrated for his production skills, having played a pivotal role in shaping Fleetwood Mac’s sound during the height of their success, particularly with Rumours and Tusk. His meticulous attention to detail in the studio and willingness to push boundaries made him a key player in the success of these albums, which continue to inspire new generations of musicians.

As Buckingham continues to tour and release new music, his legacy remains one of innovation, both as a guitarist and a visionary artist. His ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes while staying true to his distinctive sound ensures that his contributions to the world of music will be appreciated for years to come.

Community Opinion

Lindsey Buckingham is highly respected by the guitar community for his innovative approach and musicality. Rather than relying on traditional rock solos or showmanship, Buckingham is known for crafting intricate, song-serving guitar parts. His ability to seamlessly combine rhythm and melody, all while singing complex vocal lines, is particularly admired. Many fans and musicians are impressed by how his guitar work serves the song, emphasizing depth and nuance rather than flashy displays of technique. It’s widely noted that after he left Fleetwood Mac, the band needed two guitarists to replicate his contributions live, further cementing his status as an indispensable part of their sound.

Overall, Lindsey Buckingham is viewed as a master guitarist, blending technical precision with a deep understanding of how to build a song, making him one of the most influential yet underappreciated guitarists of his generation.

Final Thoughts: A Rock Innovator

Lindsey Buckingham’s ability to merge technical skill with emotional depth has solidified his place as a guitar legend. His contributions to Fleetwood Mac, combined with his solo work, have inspired generations of musicians. Whether it’s his fingerpicking technique, his innovative use of rhythm, or his keen ear for melody, Buckingham has set a standard for guitarists around the world.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on Lindsey Buckingham’s impact! Share your comments below, and be sure to explore more articles in our Mastering the Iconic Guitar Sound series.