The Chain - Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain is an iconic rock song that showcases a range of guitar techniques that every guitarist can benefit from learning. With its instantly recognizable riff, intricate chord progressions, and dynamic picking techniques, this song serves as a masterclass in both rhythm and lead guitar playing. Our note-for-note guitar lesson on The Chain at Licklibrary.com ensures you can play this classic with precision while also improving your technical abilities and musical expression. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind The Chain

Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain prominently features the guitar work of Lindsey Buckingham, whose innovative fingerpicking style and expressive playing set him apart as one of rock’s most distinctive guitarists. Buckingham’s ability to blend folk-style picking with blues and rock phrasing gives The Chain its unique sound. His influence extends beyond Fleetwood Mac, inspiring generations of guitarists with his percussive fingerpicking approach, melodic sensibilities, and dynamic range.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Our lesson on The Chain will help you master several key techniques that are not only essential for playing this song accurately but will also enhance your overall guitar skills.

Fingerpicking

Lindsey Buckingham’s fingerpicking technique creates a rich, intricate sound by using his fingers instead of a pick. Learning this approach enhances control and articulation, allowing you to develop a more expressive playing style.

Chord Progressions

The chord progressions in The Chain are a fundamental part of the song’s structure. Mastering them helps you understand song composition and improve your ability to transition smoothly between chords in various musical contexts.

String Bending

The solo section of The Chain features expressive string bending, which adds emotion and vocal-like qualities to the melody. Developing strong bending technique improves pitch control and overall expressiveness in lead playing.

Slides

Slides are used in both rhythm and lead sections to create smooth, fluid transitions between notes. Practicing slides enhances legato phrasing and contributes to a more connected and natural sound in your solos and riffs.

Double Stops

Fleetwood Mac often incorporates double stops to thicken lead lines and create harmonic interest. Mastering double stops improves your ability to blend lead and rhythm playing for a fuller sound.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The verse sections of The Chain feature arpeggiated chord progressions, where each note of the chord is played individually rather than strummed together. This technique refines finger coordination and picking accuracy.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is used to create dynamic contrast and rhythmic clarity in the song’s heavier sections. Learning proper palm muting enhances your ability to control note sustain and attack in rock and blues styles.

Galloping Rhythms

The driving galloping rhythm in the bass-heavy breakdown section is a key feature of The Chain. Practicing this technique improves your rhythmic precision and stamina, making your playing tighter and more controlled.

Open String Riffs

The famous riff in The Chain utilises open string riffs, giving it a resonant and powerful sound. Mastering this approach enhances your ability to create full, ringing tones in your own playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in The Chain

• Fingerpicking
• Chord Progressions
• String Bending
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Palm Muting
• Galloping Rhythms
• Open String Riffs

By learning The Chain with our lesson at Licklibrary.com, you’ll not only master an all-time classic but also strengthen your skills in essential rock guitar techniques. Whether you’re looking to refine your picking, improve your rhythm playing, or develop your soloing abilities, this lesson will provide the tools you need to elevate your guitar playing to the next level.