Oh Daddy by Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac’s “Oh Daddy,” from their iconic 1977 album Rumours, is a masterpiece of subtlety and emotion. This guitar lesson dissects the song's delicate and haunting guitar work, teaching it note-for-note. Not only does this lesson give you the ability to play a faithful rendition of “Oh Daddy,” but it also focuses on several essential guitar techniques that will elevate your playing. Let’s explore the musical elements of the song, the techniques involved, and their broader benefits. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind the Song: Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie

“Oh Daddy” showcases Fleetwood Mac’s musical chemistry, with Lindsey Buckingham's understated guitar work complementing Christine McVie’s emotive piano and vocals. Buckingham, renowned for his fingerpicking prowess and innovative arrangements, brings a delicate touch to the song, enhancing its introspective tone. His influence extends far beyond Fleetwood Mac, inspiring countless guitarists with his unique blend of finesse and creativity.

Studying Buckingham’s approach on “Oh Daddy” not only teaches you the song but also exposes you to his distinctive style, which emphasises precision, feel, and dynamics.

Techniques Explored in the Lesson

Fingerpicking

The foundation of “Oh Daddy” is its intricate fingerpicking pattern, a technique Buckingham is famous for. This technique involves plucking strings individually with your fingers rather than using a pick. Fingerpicking allows for greater control over dynamics and a more expressive performance. Mastering this technique enhances your ability to play softer, more intimate pieces while improving your hand coordination and finger independence.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The song features beautiful arpeggiated chord progressions, where chords are broken into individual notes played sequentially. This technique adds depth and movement to the song's texture. Learning arpeggiated chord progressions develops your timing, fluidity, and ability to connect chord shapes seamlessly across the fretboard.

Slides

Slides are used subtly in the song to transition between notes smoothly. Sliding adds a vocal-like quality to your playing and helps create expressive phrases. Incorporating slides into your repertoire improves your fretboard navigation and adds nuance to your solos and melodies.

Sustain

One of the defining elements of Buckingham’s playing is his ability to let notes sustain beautifully, giving the music a haunting, ethereal quality. Focusing on sustain teaches you to control note duration and emphasises the importance of tone and vibrato.

Chord Progressions

The lush chord progressions in “Oh Daddy” showcase how harmonies can create mood and tension. By studying these progressions, you’ll learn how to structure your own compositions or adapt songs creatively. This knowledge is invaluable for both rhythm guitarists and songwriters.

Open String Riffs

The use of open strings adds a resonant, full-bodied sound to certain parts of the song. This technique is excellent for creating rich harmonics and learning to use the guitar’s natural resonance to enhance your playing.

Benefits of Learning “Oh Daddy”

Learning this song provides more than just a note-for-note replication of Fleetwood Mac’s work. It equips you with tools to expand your technical and musical abilities. Fingerpicking and arpeggios, for instance, are essential for acoustic and electric guitarists alike, while techniques like sustain and slides improve expressiveness and tone control. By focusing on these techniques, you'll not only master a classic track but also enhance your overall versatility as a guitarist.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Fingerpicking
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Slides
• Sustain
• Chord Progressions
• Open String Riffs

By diving into this lesson, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Fleetwood Mac’s artistry and refine your guitar skills, making “Oh Daddy” a must-learn for fans and aspiring guitarists.