Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way" is an iconic classic rock anthem showcasing Lindsey Buckingham's innovative guitar techniques and distinct style. This comprehensive guitar lesson dissects the song to teach aspiring players how to master the nuances of its rhythm, riffs, and lead sections, ensuring every detail is captured note-for-note. With a focus on foundational and advanced guitar techniques, this lesson not only equips you with the ability to play the song but also enhances your overall skill set as a guitarist. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Lindsey Buckingham and His Influence

Lindsey Buckingham, Fleetwood Mac's lead guitarist and vocalist, is renowned for his finger-picking technique, innovative compositions, and unique approach to rock guitar. His playing on "Go Your Own Way" exemplifies his ability to blend rhythm and lead seamlessly, crafting melodies that are both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. Buckingham's contributions to guitar music have influenced countless players, inspiring creativity and technical exploration across genres.

Key Techniques in "Go Your Own Way"

Finger-Picking

Lindsey Buckingham's mastery of finger-picking is a cornerstone of this song's style. This technique involves plucking strings directly with your fingers rather than using a pick, allowing for greater dynamic control and tonal variation. Finger-picking enhances dexterity, precision, and the ability to play intricate rhythms, making it an essential skill for acoustic and electric guitarists alike.

String Bending

The song incorporates expressive string bending in its melodic lead lines. This technique involves pushing or pulling a string to raise its pitch, adding emotion and vocal-like qualities to the playing. Learning string bending improves pitch accuracy and adds expressiveness to your solos.

Slides

Slides are used throughout "Go Your Own Way" to create smooth transitions between notes. By sliding your finger along the fretboard from one note to another, you achieve a fluid and connected sound. Mastering slides enhances your ability to play legato passages and adds a polished touch to your phrasing.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The combination of hammer-ons and pull-offs adds speed and fluidity to the song's lead parts. These techniques involve fretting notes with minimal picking, creating smooth and rapid note transitions. They are crucial for building legato phrases and enhancing finger strength and independence.

Hybrid Picking

Hybrid picking, which blends finger-picking with using a pick, is another essential element in Buckingham's style. This technique allows for simultaneous picking of multiple strings, enabling complex rhythm and lead combinations. Learning hybrid picking broadens your playing versatility and increases your ability to tackle intricate arrangements.

Syncopated Rhythms

"Go Your Own Way" features dynamic syncopated rhythms, where off-beat accents create a driving and unpredictable feel. Mastering this technique improves your sense of timing and rhythm, making your playing more engaging and expressive.

Chord Progressions

The rhythm section of the song relies on driving, emotive chord progressions that create its unforgettable foundation. Studying these progressions sharpens your knowledge of harmony and builds your ability to craft compelling rhythm parts.

Benefits of Learning "Go Your Own Way"

• Enhanced Technique Mastery: From finger-picking to slides and hammer-ons, you'll improve in various fundamental and advanced techniques.
• Improved Musical Expression: Techniques like string bending and hybrid picking enable you to add more personality and emotion to your playing.
• Deeper Rhythmic Understanding: Syncopated rhythms and chord progressions strengthen your timing and rhythmic precision.
• Versatility Development: Learning Lindsey Buckingham's unique approach equips you with skills applicable to multiple genres and styles.

Guitar Techniques Featured in This Lesson

1. Finger-Picking
2. String Bending
3. Slides
4. Hammer-Ons
5. Pull-Offs
6. Hybrid Picking
7. Syncopated Rhythms
8. Chord Progressions

This lesson on Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way" offers a perfect blend of technical challenges and musicality, making it a rewarding experience for guitarists at any level. Whether you're looking to emulate Lindsey Buckingham's style or simply expand your repertoire, this song provides a rich tapestry of skills to master.