Never Going Back Again - Fleetwood Mac

Learn "Never Going Back Again" with LickLibrary

Fleetwood Mac’s Never Going Back Again is a masterpiece of intricate fingerpicking, dynamic phrasing, and subtle melodic nuance. Originally featured on the iconic Rumours album, this song showcases Lindsey Buckingham’s virtuosic guitar playing, blending folk and blues influences into a beautifully flowing composition. Our note-for-note guitar lesson at LickLibrary dissects the song in detail, allowing you to master every nuance of Buckingham’s performance while developing essential acoustic guitar techniques. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Lindsey Buckingham and His Influence

Lindsey Buckingham is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and expressive guitarists in rock history. His unique fingerpicking style, combined with his percussive attack and melodic phrasing, has influenced countless guitarists. Buckingham’s approach to Never Going Back Again is a testament to his skill, as he performs the song with a hybrid picking technique that blends classical and folk elements. His ability to create a rich and dynamic sound without a pick is a hallmark of his playing and serves as an inspiration to guitarists looking to refine their technique.

Techniques You’ll Learn in This Lesson

Our lesson breaks down the core guitar techniques that make Never Going Back Again such a distinctive piece. By mastering these techniques, you’ll not only be able to play this song but also apply these skills to a variety of acoustic and electric guitar styles.

Fingerpicking

The song’s foundation is built on fingerpicking, a technique where the fingers pluck individual strings instead of using a pick. This method allows for greater control over dynamics and articulation, giving the performance a more expressive feel. Learning fingerpicking improves your coordination and enables you to play more intricate patterns with fluidity.

Travis Picking

Never Going Back Again is a prime example of Travis picking, where the thumb alternates between bass notes while the fingers play the melody. This technique creates a syncopated rhythm that adds depth and movement to the music. Mastering Travis picking will enhance your ability to play complex finger-style pieces and develop independence between your thumb and fingers.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

Buckingham’s playing utilises arpeggiated chord progressions, meaning the notes of each chord are played individually rather than strummed together. This technique brings a harp-like quality to the guitar part, making it sound more intricate and melodic. Learning arpeggiated chord progressions will improve your right-hand precision and help you create more dynamic guitar arrangements.

Alternate Tuning

One of the key elements that makes Never Going Back Again so unique is its altered tuning. Buckingham tunes his guitar down a step and a half, allowing for a richer tonal quality and easier execution of fingerpicking patterns. Understanding and using alternate tunings will expand your creative options and enable you to explore new sonic landscapes.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Throughout the song, Buckingham incorporates hammer-ons and pull-offs to add fluidity and sustain to his phrases. These legato techniques allow for smoother transitions between notes and contribute to the song’s graceful flow. Practicing hammer-ons and pull-offs will enhance your finger strength and improve your ability to play fast, seamless melodies.

Syncopated Rhythms

The song’s rhythm isn’t strictly metronomic but instead incorporates syncopated rhythms that give it a more organic, rolling feel. Syncopation is crucial for adding groove and dynamics to your playing. By mastering this aspect of Never Going Back Again, you’ll gain better rhythmic control and be able to add more personality to your guitar playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

Below is a list of the guitar techniques covered in this lesson, along with links to in-depth explanations:

• Fingerpicking
• Travis Picking
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Altered Tuning
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Syncopated Rhythms

By working through this note-for-note lesson, you’ll not only be able to play Never Going Back Again with confidence but also develop a deeper understanding of acoustic guitar techniques that can be applied to a variety of styles. Whether you're a beginner looking to improve your fingerstyle playing or an experienced guitarist aiming to refine your touch, this lesson provides invaluable insights into the artistry of Lindsey Buckingham.