You Make Loving Fun - Fleetwood Mac

Introduction

Fleetwood Mac’s “You Make Loving Fun” stands as one of the most iconic tracks from their groundbreaking Rumours album. Written and sung by Christine McVie, the song features a soulful groove, lush instrumentation, and some subtle yet brilliant guitar work that perfectly complements the melody and rhythm. The guitar parts, performed by Lindsey Buckingham, showcase his mastery of nuanced techniques that elevate the song's dreamy vibe.

This note-for-note guitar lesson dissects every aspect of Buckingham's playing, offering you the chance to learn not just the song but the underlying techniques that make it shine. By studying these techniques, you'll improve your versatility as a guitarist and deepen your understanding of melodic phrasing and rhythm in a band setting. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarist: Lindsey Buckingham

Lindsey Buckingham, the guitarist behind Fleetwood Mac’s signature sound, is renowned for his innovative approach to finger-picking and his ability to craft intricate guitar parts that serve the song rather than overshadow it. His playing in “You Make Loving Fun” showcases his gift for blending rhythm and melody seamlessly. Buckingham’s influence spans decades, inspiring countless guitarists with his creative phrasing, subtle dynamics, and unique sense of timing. This lesson provides a window into his genius, helping you incorporate elements of his style into your own playing.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

1. Finger-Picking

Lindsey Buckingham’s playing often relies on finger-picking, and “You Make Loving Fun” is no exception. The technique allows for a rich, multidimensional sound where melody and harmony are interwoven. Finger-picking gives you control over dynamics and tone, letting you express subtle variations that add emotional depth to your playing. Learning this technique is essential for mastering folk, rock, and blues styles.

2. Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The song’s verses are built around arpeggiated chord progressions, where the notes of the chord are played sequentially rather than strummed. This approach creates a shimmering, ethereal texture. Practicing arpeggios helps improve your finger independence and precision, key skills for creating smooth, flowing lines.

3. Slides

Slides are used in this song to transition between notes fluidly, adding a lyrical, almost vocal quality to the guitar line. Mastering slides enhances your ability to connect phrases gracefully and boosts your expressive range.

4. Double Stops

Double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously, appear in the melodic fills of the song. These are crucial for adding harmonic richness and rhythmic complexity to your playing. Double stops are a staple in blues, rock, and country music, making them a versatile addition to your skill set.

5. Chord Progressions

The backbone of “You Make Loving Fun” lies in its rhythmic chord progressions. These progressions drive the groove of the song and demonstrate how effective rhythm guitar playing can shape a track. Learning to lock in with a rhythm section will significantly enhance your musicality and timing.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Improved Dynamics and Expression

Techniques like finger-picking and slides teach you how to shape notes dynamically, making your playing more expressive and engaging.

Enhanced Technical Precision

Working through arpeggios and double stops demands accuracy, helping refine your control and dexterity.

Broadened Musical Vocabulary

The techniques in this song expand your repertoire, enabling you to tackle a wider variety of styles and compositions.

Strengthened Rhythm Skills

The chord progressions emphasise timing and groove, essential components for playing in a band or ensemble setting.

List of Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

1. Finger-Picking
2. Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
3. Slides
4. Double Stops
5. Chord Progressions

Mastering “You Make Loving Fun” is a rewarding experience that not only helps you play one of Fleetwood Mac’s classics but also equips you with invaluable techniques for your own musical journey. Dive into the lesson today and bring the magic of Lindsey Buckingham’s playing to life!