Never Going Back Again – Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac’s “Never Going Back Again” is an acoustic masterpiece, showcasing the intricate fingerpicking skills of Lindsey Buckingham. This timeless song offers a wealth of guitar techniques that challenge and inspire guitarists of all levels. At Licklibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson dives deep into the nuances of this iconic track, breaking down the techniques and teaching you how to master them. 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, is renowned for his distinctive fingerpicking style and innovative approach to acoustic guitar. His work on “Never Going Back Again” highlights his ability to blend melody and rhythm seamlessly, creating a rich and layered sound with a single guitar. Buckingham’s influence extends far beyond Fleetwood Mac, as he has inspired countless guitarists with his genre-defying techniques and his ability to create complex, emotive pieces.

Techniques Explored in "Never Going Back Again"

Our lesson on "Never Going Back Again" focuses on several key guitar techniques that are essential for capturing the essence of this song. Each technique is broken down with step-by-step instructions, ensuring you can replicate Buckingham’s artistry.

Fingerpicking

The foundation of this song is Lindsey Buckingham’s exquisite finger-picking technique. This style allows for independent movement of the thumb and fingers, enabling simultaneous bass lines, melodies, and harmonies. Learning fingerpicking improves coordination and builds finger strength, giving you the tools to tackle a wide range of acoustic compositions.

Travis Picking

At the heart of the song’s rhythm lies Travis picking, a fingerpicking pattern where the thumb alternates between bass notes while the fingers play melody and harmony. This technique is integral to creating the song’s signature flow and bounce. Mastering Travis picking enhances your ability to combine rhythm and melody, making your playing sound fuller and more dynamic.

Altered Tuning

Buckingham uses altered tuning in “Never Going Back Again,” tuning his guitar down to achieve a richer tonal quality. Understanding altered tunings opens up new sonic possibilities and inspires creativity by introducing unique chord voicings and progressions.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The song features beautifully arpeggiated chord progressions that highlight Buckingham’s melodic phrasing. Breaking down these progressions helps you develop fluidity in transitioning between chords while maintaining precision in picking individual notes.

Slides

Slides play a subtle yet impactful role in creating smooth transitions between notes and chords. Incorporating slides into your playing enhances expression and fluidity, adding a lyrical quality to your guitar work.

Capo Usage

A capo is employed to achieve the bright, open sound characteristic of the song. Learning to use a capo effectively expands your ability to play in different keys and enhances your versatility as a guitarist.

Syncopated Rhythms

The rhythmic complexity of “Never Going Back Again” is driven by syncopated rhythms. Practicing syncopation improves timing and helps you develop a more dynamic sense of rhythm, essential for capturing Buckingham’s nuanced playing style.

Benefits of Learning "Never Going Back Again"

• Master Finger Independence: The song’s intricate fingerpicking patterns challenge and refine your coordination.
• Expand Your Technique Library: Techniques like Travis picking and arpeggiated progressions are fundamental to a wide array of styles.
• Develop Rhythmic Precision: Syncopated rhythms and altered tunings enhance your sense of timing and adaptability.
• Elevate Your Acoustic Guitar Skills: Buckingham’s innovative approach provides invaluable insights into crafting beautiful, textured acoustic pieces.

By learning this song, you’ll not only recreate one of Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits but also develop a versatile skill set applicable to countless other songs and styles.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Finger-picking
• Travis Picking
• Altered Tuning
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Slides
• Capo
• Syncopated Rhythms

Experience the joy of mastering “Never Going Back Again” with our detailed lesson. Explore the techniques that define this acoustic gem and bring Lindsey Buckingham’s artistry to your own playing.