Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac’s Go Your Own Way is one of the most iconic songs in rock history, known for its melodic guitar lines, emotive vocals, and driving rhythm. Our note-for-note guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com breaks down every aspect of this classic track, helping you master its distinct guitar techniques and signature style.

This lesson not only teaches you how to play Go Your Own Way but also enhances your overall guitar skills by focusing on picking techniques, expressive bends, rhythmic strumming, and chord progressions. Whether you're an aspiring guitarist or a seasoned player, learning this song will sharpen your playing and introduce you to key rock guitar techniques. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Lindsey Buckingham – A Unique Guitarist and His Influence

Lindsey Buckingham, Fleetwood Mac’s lead guitarist, is celebrated for his distinctive picking style, dynamic strumming, and melodic phrasing. Unlike many rock guitarists, Buckingham primarily uses fingerpicking rather than a pick, giving his playing a unique attack and percussive quality. His ability to blend rhythmic chord work with expressive lead lines has made his style instantly recognisable and influential across generations of guitarists.

Buckingham’s work on Go Your Own Way demonstrates his mastery of rhythm and melody, incorporating driving acoustic strumming and electrifying lead playing. His innovative approach continues to inspire modern musicians, proving that feel, timing, and articulation are just as important as speed or technical prowess.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Strumming and Syncopated Rhythms

The song’s driving acoustic rhythm is one of its defining features. The strumming pattern uses syncopation, which means the accents fall on unexpected beats, creating a dynamic and energetic feel. Mastering this technique will improve your rhythmic accuracy, timing, and ability to lock in with a band.

Chord Progressions

Fleetwood Mac’s music is built on strong chord progressions, and Go Your Own Way is no exception. Learning these open and barre chord shapes will give you a solid foundation for songwriting and improve your ability to transition smoothly between chords in any genre.

Fingerpicking

Although much of the song features strumming, Lindsey Buckingham’s playing is rooted in fingerpicking techniques. This lesson will help you develop finger independence, accuracy, and dynamic control, allowing you to incorporate fingerpicking into your own playing style.

Double Stops

The lead guitar sections feature double stops, which involve playing two notes at once. This technique adds depth and harmony to solos, making your leads sound fuller and more expressive.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

Buckingham’s lead guitar work is packed with expressive bends that give the solo its soaring, emotional feel. Learning string bending will help you add personality to your solos, while mastering bluesy bends will allow you to create authentic blues and rock phrasing.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These techniques make lead lines smoother and more fluid by allowing notes to ring out naturally. Go Your Own Way incorporates hammer-ons and pull-offs in key phrases, helping you develop finger strength and articulation.

Slides

Sliding between notes creates a smooth and connected sound, a technique widely used in rock and blues. Learning slides will improve your ability to transition between notes seamlessly and enhance your phrasing.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The song also features arpeggiated chords, where each note of a chord is played individually rather than strummed. Practicing arpeggios will help you develop precision and picking accuracy, making your chord work more intricate and expressive.

Unison Bends

Another notable technique in the song is unison bends, where two strings are played simultaneously, with one bent to match the other. This creates a thick, powerful sound often heard in classic rock solos. Mastering this will improve your bending control and strengthen your lead playing.

Guitar Techniques in This Lesson

Below is a list of the key guitar techniques covered in this lesson, along with links to our in-depth guides on each technique:

• Syncopated Rhythms
• Chord Progressions
• Finger-Picking
• Double Stops
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Unison Bends

By learning Go Your Own Way, you’ll enhance your sense of rhythm, improve your lead playing, and expand your knowledge of essential rock guitar techniques. This lesson at Licklibrary.com gives you the tools to master Buckingham’s unique style, helping you become a more dynamic and expressive guitarist.