Nope, he developed it via his own style, that's why people struggle. Get inside his head and you don't need to think about it. Compared with some rags I play, this is child's play. Sadly, I now have some arthritis in my left thumb, which affects my playing... I was a little cross with myself when I realised there is an easier way to play this by putting a capo on fret 2, and a dropped D capo on the sixth, then play using C shapes instead - the thumb ceased to be a problem! It all depends upon whether you want to slavishly mimic Lindsey's playing, or sound the same...! As a ragtime player I found no problem adapting. Admittedly I gradually changed a few notes to fit in with my style, but not because I couldn't play it exactly... no, it was a new arrangement that works - and when Lindsey plays it live, he changes it pretty much every time anyway! I expect some players will jump up and down, complaining that it isn't the same and is, therefore, "wrong". Don't be daft!! It's music, so the sound is paramount, not the mechanics! Have a look at Dallas Rag... or McGhee's rag by John Pearse...
I mights add that I sing and play... McCartney's 'Blackbird' is not too difficult, Rosie Hardman and Bob Axford's "Oto Rag" - now THAT is difficult!! I play and sing, whereas Bob played and Rosie sang...! 'She Loved a Portuguese' as played by Derek Brimstone... sounds fairly straightforward until you try!
@@eddiepullman2745 You should try it! If you go slow and use a metronome you'd be surprised what you can learn! This song has a stamina component, but two weeks of an hour/day practice takes care of that. You got this.
It’s a magnificent feat. I have yet to see him play studio speed and sing live, and I can only assume the studio version had the guitar recorded and sang over. The live performances seem to be slow down, none the less incredible masterpiece.
Just wanted to come back and give appreciation where it's due. I played a little when I was a teenager, but not seriously. Now at 33, guitar has become one of my great joys. I've been playing for just over a year, mainly blues rock and metal. But it was this video that started it all and inspired me to try again. It seemed only right to let you know that your work is truly appreciated and inspiring. Thanks Paul.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Lindsey Buckingham is one of the most underrated and underappreciated guitarists in music history! His talent is incredible!
Outstanding performance Paul of a very tricky tune. Lindsey is a rare player who almost never uses a pick. You nailed this one spot on. All of your video's are very well done. Thank You Paul
Lmao in what way is it rare to never use a pick, with centuries old traditions of entire genres of guitar players who play with their fingers and their nails
@@Zach-h2l I'm no Lindsey but I don't use a pick ever so am a legend ? No I am just a guy that plays what is easy for me and consider myself a hack at best.
I "learned" this song on guitar about 15 years ago. To this day, I've still never hit every note playing at full speed. It's SOO tough. I just love how cleanly and effortlessly Lindsey plays it. Absolutely incredible and beautiful!
He plays and sings it a little bit differently every time too. It’s like watching Nancy from Heart playing Crazy on You, no one plays it better than the person who wrote it, and they can play it so well that they’re improvising and creating a new version of the song each time they play it.
I don't play guitar. I will likely never play guitar, but it is so enjoyable watching competent people talking about difficult things and reaking them down like this - I probably watch this vid once every three months. Lovely.
Consider that every time Lindsay Buckingham has left Fleetwood Mac, he has been replaced by two guitarists. First it was Rick Vito and Billy Burnette, then Neil Finn and Mike Campbell. Few individual guitarists can play the way he does.
@@cold_polo VSTs weren't around before Lindsay joined in 75. in fact they were a decade and a half away, and a full 23 years before they were used in mainstream recordings
My wife, while in college, saw Fleetwood Mac in December 1987, in San Francisco CA. Lindsay Buckingham was ill or injured and couldn't perform. The band used TWO GUITARISTS simultaneously to perform many of his pieces. So you're doing great Paul.
@@andyc.4387 yes, following my posting this comment, my wife corrected me, saying they'd bought the tickets in June and it wasn't until the day of the event that they learned LB had left the band back in August. She said much of the audience, including her friends and her, were pretty disappointed.
Yeah, it was the Tango in the Night album they were touring. Lindsey agreed to produce and play on the album (much of his material on the album was slated for a solo project he was working on). However, because of Mick & Stevie’s substance addiction problems Lindsey bowed out of touring and quit Fleetwood Mac. Billy Burnette & Rick Vito were hired to take his place. The story goes, after some convincing by Mick,Lindsey initially signed on to the tour. However, days later, at a group meeting at Christine McVie’s house, Lindsey changed his mind and announced, one he wasn’t going to tour and two he was leaving the band. The band’s reaction? Let’s just say it involved a physical altercation between Lindsey and Stevie.
I've taught this to a few people and it's been "really" hard to find any material that properly spells out how to play this tune correctly. I believe you have absolutely hit the bulls eye on this one. Bravo!!!! You've broken the sections and details of each section out so beautifully....................
@@Better_Call_Raul I've been a finger picker since the '60s. The way to get faster is to practice. Any new picking pattern or rhythm requires practice to master. Start slow. Get the pattern perfected (both hands), then try it a little faster.
How come god can't get you to play it by some act of magic or something? Isn't god supposed to be great and powerful... no... wait; that's the Wizard of Oz; never mind!
I’m actually proud to say Lindsey was my hero growing up. I learned nearly all of his songs (including “Big Love”) before I turned 18, then got caught up in the work, sleep, repeat grind. Surprisingly, I still remember how to play most at full speed. I love that man.
I'm a fairly accomplished guitarist, but I've never been able to get this down, it has driven me absolutely crazy and eventually I just gave up. But now, you really broke it down and showed me the correct way to attack it, so now I'm going to revisit this and get this sucker down once and for all!
I know this is probably somewhat disheartening, but I have pretty much only done finger picking in my 8 years of playing the guitar and I got the pattern down but not infinitely in about two minutes. I might do the rest of the song once I listen to it more. For reference I have done a lot of travis picking for the past two years and I have made alternate more right hand complicated arrangements for a bunch of elliott smith's songs.
If it helps, I'm not a fingerpicking guitarist at all, I gave up on this song a while ago but recently managed to get Neon down after practising for weeks, I've improved as a guitarist since I gave up on this song, now I'm attempting it again and it isn't too difficult for me anymore! Just practice, and get better at finger picking other songs, then come back to this one (y)
Lindsay is a name that isn't brought up enough when talking about the best guitarists. Not only is some of the stuff he plays extremely difficult, but a lot of times he's singing along with it. He's amazing.
To the litany of Lindsey tales I will add one. One of his biggest influences was Dave Mason. There was one Mason tune which gave him fits and he worked intently for several months to nail it. Years later, he's joined Fleetwood Mac, he's famous and he finally meets Mason. So he decided to play that song, showing that he's done his homework. Mason listened to the song and then very politely said "Linds...I used a slide on that."
Joe Walsh spent months learning the guitar solo on The Beatles' "And Your Bird Can Sing." When he played it for George Harrison, George told him that it was two takes, one backwards, and the other recorded at half speed because it was too hard to play at the real tempo.
Great analogy. Passengers, if you're interested, the big expanse of blue that you see us approaching through either of the windows is the Pacific Ocean. The Captain says will be on its surface in about 5 minutes, which is just enough time to pick apart my favorite Fleetwood Mac song.
I've always thought that he's one person I'd be VERY hesitant to introduce to my wife - or daughter, for that matter! Too smooth by half! (But I still love his videos!)
Sometimes, I realise how little I know about things I thought I was quite knowledgeable on. I've known and loved that song for almost my entire life without having the faintest idea it was quite as complicated as it actually is. This video is just fantastic. Thank you.
This video single-handedly got me back into guitar after not touching a string for 1.5 years (I gave up after getting kicked out my band who are now doing well for themselves) but I came back to guitar to prove I can play this song. I’m half way through it and my love for guitar is back.. thank you 🙏🏻
Iv always considered Lindsay Buckingham as one of those "Special" guitarists, under rated and massively talented and usually, when I mention this on YT, someone comes along and tries to explain how he's not that good. I'm glad to see so many people here appreciating what is an extraordinary talent, and major respect to Paul for doing such a good job.
I mean I was unamused throught the video to be honest, I like that is a little more complex riff than the standard, but I usually think the standard is lame af. There are no bad guitarrists. But I certainly dont hold him in the highest regards.
@@basidiomycota5067 id like to but im tackling better pieces at the moment, dont get me wrong I like fleetwood mac I just dont think this particular song is that high up on difficulty.
I’ve come across this channel a few times over the years. I’ve been playing guitar since I was 15 (I’m 43 now) and wish I had some time to really dedicate to this channel. Not only is Paul an amazing guitar player, this guys demeanor, voice and just the way he approaches his audience is masterful. I wonder if he had to work at this but I doubt it. Sometimes people just have it. Great work Paul. You seem like a guy that would be cool to hang with. Best regards from Long Island NY
I saw some live show where he was accompanying Stevie and his acoustic parts were flawless the whole song. Lindsey's control of the instrument is second to none.
L had a LOT OF TIME for a self-taught musician! What if he were taught? Stamina, a hard soul drive, persistence and talent you need for what Lindsey has. Hmm!!!
@@hamschh I'm not knocking Lindsey, but he didn't 'write' this, he improvised it and developed it. It came to life through his fingers and voice. It's a completely different process.
He might be the most intense guitarist I've seen. I've only seen him once, on the Buckingham/McVie Tour, and I had to close my eyes during his solo on "I'm So Afraid." It felt like sensory overload, and I was exhausted when he finished. I've seen many legendary guitarists, and this is the only time I've had this experience.
I'm so afraid is most definitely a tour de force in sensory and emotional overload. It's the most intense experience when you let yourself go with it. I'm glad I read your comment and it's not just me who finds it incredible. Eyes closed is certainly the best way to explore it
I’m So Afraid on Fleetwood Mac Live (double album, late 70s) is just amazing, incredible. They way the intensity rises…goosebumps and you’re perspiring by the end of it. Magnificent.
@@Michael-mm3fm My favourite album of all time, I had the cassette in my car in the 80's and now digital flac version. Nothing can beat that live background. I'm glad you appreciate it as much as me. So thankful Fleetwood Mac made it too.
I am not a guitarist, but I loved this video. You're a great instructor. The way you broke down each section individually into its components was exactly what someone would need to learn how to play this. Practice each individual part in a section, then put that section together and practice that. Then, move onto the next.
It is much easier for him because he wrote it. It fits into "his" style of playing and he can play it, no other way and still remain in his comfort zone. He doesn't think about it while singing. He is essentially on auto-pilot because of repetition and muscle memory. Every chord you comfortably know has fallen into that same zone. We don't search for the notes to play a C chord. It has been internalized and we don't really give it a second thought. We chase the sound, and muscle memory takes over. If we can't play a song - "in our sleep" (so to speak) perhaps we can not really claim to "know the song"
This song holds my personal record for most times giving up on an acoustic picking song before I finally got it. Whew! man did it drive me insane. Lyndsey Buckingham is a phenomenal guitarist!
Underrated might not be the best term. Underappreciated is more appropriate. But that is the case with so many countless great musicians. Heck it took me several decades to realize Paul McCartney was a mind blowing bass player. However the success level they achieved does not suggest they were really underrated. To an average listener they just like the songs but to a player/musician it brings it to another level when you try to play it yourself or try to play or write something similar and at that point the appreciation really kicks in.
@@whichgodofthousandsmeansno5306 Thank you for your comment. Underrated is an overused on RUclips. I don't know any musicians who don't appreciate Lindsey Buckingham's talent for playing, writing , and complimenting, and embellishing others writing. I wonder sometimes if underrated is used by people who don't know dedicated amateur musicians singers,, guitarists, bassists, clarinetist flute players, violinists etc. Thanks for the space Which god of thousands....
Just…wow. I can barely walk on two feet without running into a wall. I’ve always been fascinated by and in love with Fleetwood Mac’s music - I’m so impressed you can play this AND teach it! 👏
Thanks to this video, I just got this song down at tempo today after three days of torturing my fretting hand. You're totally right when it comes to sleeping on it. It was way easier each time I came back to it the following day. Thanks for posting!
I think having some experience playing scruggs style banjo really helped me with this song, the picking is very similar to how banjo rolls work so it feels really natural to me
When I was 14 I told myself if I could learn this I would be a God of guitar. At 22 I can play this song pretty easily. I look at bands like Polyphia and become absolutely smacked in the face with how little I know about guitar and how little I know about how well to play guitar. This song has been one of the most challenging things I've ever learned, taking 6 years to properly learn. Now it's pretty easy. That's just how guitar goes.
@@ATalkingBadger lmao nah, polyphia is a multi genre band that probably can be sumed Up to being intstrumental math rock. I personally recommend listening to G.O.A.T as a first song for checking them out.
@@ATalkingBadger I never understand why people like you contact someone on the Internet to ask a question like this. Why don't you just type "Polyphia" in on RUclips and save yourself and everyone else time? It's like holding a dictionary and asking me what a specific word's definition is.
This video literally taught me how to play this song id been struggling for so long. You have a great way of educating about the song in ways that are helpful and insightful.
I learned how to play Never Going Back Again about 5 years ago. Going to the A13 is still a difficult transition. It takes a lot of practice to get it right. My wife and I have seen Lindsay Buckingham live a few times, including from the front row. Watching him play is amazing. Thanks for the great lesson.
Oh wow. I am not a guitar player but for some reason I decided to watch this video from my feed. And absolutely loved it! We sometimes take music and musicians for granted and you have shown just how hard some of them work to give us the sheer enjoyment we experience. Thanks so much.
I learned that song. It was brutal at the beginning, but I became so good at it that I can play it today very effortlessly. Now I am proud of myself hearing that you acknowledge it's a hard song to learn.
I love that you immediately acknowledged the effort and pain associated with learning to play this piece. It is a master class in that fingerpicking style. I'm 68 and figured out most of this right after Rumours first came out -- this video has inspired me to try to dust it off and attempt it again. Lindsay is without a doubt one of the most technically proficient and tasteful players of the modern rock era. Thank you for sharing. I love your "down-to-earth" instructional method!
I first heard this live in Marietta Ohio when I was 14 years old. I knew that song was hard when I heard it the very first time. I didn't realize until I watched your video that he actually played that entire part. I thought maybe two people played that guitar part. You completely blew me away when you demonstrated exactly how hard it was to play. So here's kudos to Lindsey Graham, forever. And you as well!
Lyndsey Buckingham is possibly my favorite all around guitarist. I saw him live solo acoustic and it was transfixing. I just stared at his hands and wasn’t any closer to getting what he was doing so effortlessly. As a former banjo player, he brings that to all of his playing. It’s a rare style in rock music and makes him so distinctive as a player. Great video breaking it down more.
This video single-handedly got me back into guitar after not touching a string for 1.5 years (I gave up after getting kicked out my band who are now doing well for themselves) but I came back to guitar to prove I can play this song. I’m half way through it and my love for guitar is back.. thank you i
It took me forever to get this down but once I did, it started feeling natural. But holy hell, it took forever. Travis picking is so hard and counterintuitive. Great video!
Lindsey Buckingham has always been a severely underrated player. Fleetwood Mac would never have come close to achieving the status that they did without him.
That is certainly true from a commercial sales standpoint. But musically I consider the Welch era superior (especially Weston/Welch on Bare Trees). I also much prefer the Buckingham Nicks album to anything that duo did with the Mac.
True, and without Stevie going to work to pay their bills while he sat at home learning to play guitar he would've never achieved his status without her.
@@LadyLakeland And Lindsey made sure Stevie shared whatever success came his way. Fleetwood Mac offered him alone a spot in the band and he refused to accept unless Stevie was hired too.
It's why they had to hire two people to replace him. He also sang whilst playing this stuff... maniac... very underrated within the lexicon of the great guitar heroes. Lindsey is in his own league. EDIT: 1.3K likes. I never seen such a number in my music career. Be nice and listen to my music. X
He really is great, its a shame his solo stuff never had the same appeal to the mass audience that his Fleetwood Mac tracks had. He always rejected being commercial and I'll always respect him for that.... and he looks good in eyeshadow.
I started racing Porsche in the seventies and of course it was all manual gears back then. Heavy braking, using the right foot for the gas and brake pedal at the same time at very high speeds with so much going on. It came naturally since I was 14, I could feel everything. I have been trying to play a guitar for a while now.. I don't know how on earth you can do this! Such a wonderful gift!
I was a teenager when NGBA was released. Whenever I hear it, I stop what I'm doing and listen. To add one more level of astonishing talent, Lindsay sings the song while playing this complex amazing masterpiece.
Underrated comment at 7:00 The best thing for learning guitar is a good night's sleep. Practice for 4 hours and you just can't get it and you get frustrated and give up. You wake up 8 hours later and you can just play it perfectly almost effortlessly. The brain is magic.
I've had trouble with this song too. I've found it's much easier on the fretting hand if you drop both the low E and the A strings to C and G. Then put the capo on 6 instead of 4. That way you don't need to hold that bar all the time.
First time I've EVER seen this taught properly. I bought RUMOURS on vinyl when it came out and learned most of the songs on it. But NEVER GOING BACK was always the one that vexed me. Many years later, i found a FLEETWOOD MAC GUITAR tab/music book with NGB in it! THRLED after years of looking. I was so TOTALLY HEARTBROKEN to go home only to find it was completely inaccurate! I learned guitar b4 tab was around. (Of course no internet)Brilliant lesson! Separating the bass and the top 3 strings is like separating the left and right hand on piano. I've long used this technique to learn tricky finger style guitar parts. Also, do the same with learning to sing and play more intricate guitar parts for those wanting to learn the same. 👍
This is so cool! Thanks, Paul! I've been playing Leo Kottke tunes for about 52 years (I was his road manager in the early to mid '70s). And while this is pretty challenging, I got all of the notes after about 4 hours. However, it will be a while before it is presentable, which, for me, serves to make these types of tunes especially more rewarding when I'm able to play them decently. By comparison, I just spent about 25 hours learning all the notes to Leo's "William Powell". I'm not saying "WP" is harder, it's just different. What I'm trying to say is, for all those out there who find this "impossible", don't get frustrated. Break it down, piece by piece and then slowly put it together. That is what has worked for me all these years. Another very challenging tune is Tommy Emmanuel's "Drive Time". I spent over 50 hours learning all the notes (about 5 years ago) and I still don't have it up to performance level. It's all about the journey, eh?
In my high school years I learned Travis picking and developed some wicked solo songs. When the left hand can settle down a bit, the right hand can really make magic.
took me a year of practicing this song almost every morning & when i felt i had it down, i rewarded myself with a new Martin hd-28. it took a while but i got there!
I always thought just learning the part was enough of a reward. Heck I should consider holding a Martin guitar out as a carrot. Granted the sucky part is I still have to pay for it lol.
I love how he is able to incorporate a cool video and a cool song and how difficult it is while giving you almost step by step lesson at the same time 😂. Gotta love Paul.
Wish I had this 11 years ago in high school when my brother challenged me to learn this song. Many hours spent with tabs and listening to the song but I got decent at the opening up to the verse. Learning this song definitely helps build your picking style however.
@3:00 yes, the thumb is the KING of fingers! Great lesson btw. I grew up with this song playing all the time in my home. You did it the upmost sense of justice :)
That song sounds so good through that guitar and mic setup. Sometimes I wish various guitar/music youtubers would include them playing through the song (or an extended 2-3min version) of them playing, because they make these awesome sounding sections of songs.
one of my favorite guitarists, and woefully underrated, in my opinion. This song, Stephanie (from Buckingham Nicks), and the live acoustic version of "Go Insane" are a few gems.
Fun Fact about this song: Lindsey's guitar was restringed after every(!) single take to make it sound as crisp as possible. Another personal Fun Fact: I've been practicing this song for months now, even singing along to it and at times it works quite okay. But I have not a single time managed to make it come close to the original. And no matter what I do: my left hand is aching like hell after even one playthrough.
not only was it restrung after every take, they realized at the end of the first day of recording this song that they'd recorded it in a key buckingham can't sing in... so day two they came back and quit restringing it haha
I always thought it was two guitars, so I never tried it. As a child I was lost in Stevie Nicks voice. Now as an adult guitarist, I am amazed at how awesome Lindsey was on that album.
About spit my coffee at 7’50” with the Chris Rock slap-reaction sound! Thank you for keeping things light! I know I won’t be playing this with any fluidity any time soon, but I love it!! Rumours is one of my top 5 albums of all time! You are amazing!
For me the key to learning the right hand for this so far has been to think of the thumb and fingers as working together in different combinations for each beat and not focusing on their opposing rhythms.
This video just popped up on my feed, and even though I don't really play the guitar, it was lovely to watch. You sound like a great guy and a great teacher. Very good work!
This song has always amazed me. The guitar is so pure & beautiful, it brings tears to my eyes. True magic. Thank you for explaining some of its beauty 😁❤️.
The set, lighting, camera angles, audio, graphics, even outfit and hair are freaking perfect. What? How is there a guitar tutorial this well made? I don't play guitar, I don't know why I'm watching this, but this is amazing.
Paul thank you SO MUCH for tackling this song. I learned this song probably five years ago and I still have trouble playing it. It is literally the hardest song I know how to play. Your content is amazing. Thanks from Atlanta, GA, Luke
I learned this one when it only came on vinyl. I actually learned "The Chain" first. The picking structures are similar and require , at least basic Travis style finger picking abilities. It is more tricky than it is hard. Dear old dad used to hide all of my picks on me, which forced me to learn how to play without one. The rest just happens.
It's funny, because I stopped playing with a pick for years, only because it's quieter for the rest of the household. It inadvertently developed my finger picking and I didn't even realize it until I started impressing my friends who are better overall players than me, but can't finger pick like me. Also, I use the finger nail on my index finger to strum, and they all freak out wondering how my fingernail didn't rip right off, but I guess it must've thickened because it doesn't hurt at all. LOL.
@@joeblough261 Ya, I got the same reaction from my friends as well. Those guys all had a few years experience over me, yet they were still impressed, which made me feel pretty good.
@@jeffmckinnon5842 Awesome. It for sure feels good to play something for better/more experienced people that impresses them. Some people might say, "play for yourself and only yourself", and of course we all play for ourselves, but one of my best enjoyments was to bust out something for my best friend, because he was a much better player than me our whole lives, but the last few years I started really concentrating on getting better and even though he was still overall better, I could play certain things (playing styles & music styles) better than him, and I knew way more theory. So half the fun was when either of us would learn something that we knew the other would dig. The sad part is that I finally (after 25 years of playing, lol) started really learning how to improvise leads in any key and sound pretty decent (something he couldn't do because he just never put his mind to it...even though he had really good skills, he was a killer singer - sohe didn't know the scales/theory, rather he played mostly to support his vocals, and/or played rhythm when in working bands, and he stopped working on solos ). But because of covid, we weren't playing together in person much...I figured I'd just patiently wait till we got together, and I'd blow his mind in person. And then he died unexpectedly in his sleep about 18 months ago. I've kept progressing, but everytime I "wow" myself there is sadness that half my joy came from showing him, and now I can't. It's very bittersweet....
Lindsay Buckingham is one of the most original and talented guitarist and has a great stage presence and wonderful sounding voice and is a big part of Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks success. Long live the music and spirt of Lindsay Buckingham ✌🏽♥️
I went to see him perform quite a while ago. It is a performance I will never forget and he was so humble and sweet and played acoustic versions of his pop songs and it was so special.
That, my good man, was incredible. I remember being so proud of myself as a kid when I figured out (and could play!) the bass line to this, lol. I learned some of the other smaller parts later, but never all of it. I have no problems admitting I never could. There's a reason Lindsey is god. Great video. Now go ice those hands!
God, I've been playing the guitar for almost 30 years and this one still kills me!!! Great lesson! I also want to know what year that Martin is, but that's just me!!!
Took me a long time to burn this into right hand muscle memory. Thankfully our lead vocalist carries the vocals. Kudos to Lindsay for putting it all together....oh yeah, and for writing it to begin with! Quite a talent!
I am not a guitarist, probably haven't even touched a guitar in decades, but STILL found this video lesson to be interesting, enjoyable, and satisfying. It's that well presented: good energy and great encouragement. Why did I even click this vid? The beautiful tune, of course! Nice to hear it, thank you for the fine diversion!
Radio was playing, & I stopped My son dead in his tracks & said just listen 2 this! He did-shrugged-carried on. Needless 2 say, He no longer plays guitar.
Ok... im never going to touch my guitar again. You are incredible and i must say that the way you deliver the instruction is absolutely incredible. Very easy to understand and easy to digest. You must have a lifetime of involvement to be able to display your talent. Bravo, well done.
Buckingham is amazing. I always liked him, but I really realized how great he was when he did Big Love acoustic on The Dance. Not only do I like that version much better, but watching him play it just blows me away every time.
Lindsey wrote this knowing that he would have to play it live. That takes guts.
Nope, he developed it via his own style, that's why people struggle. Get inside his head and you don't need to think about it. Compared with some rags I play, this is child's play. Sadly, I now have some arthritis in my left thumb, which affects my playing... I was a little cross with myself when I realised there is an easier way to play this by putting a capo on fret 2, and a dropped D capo on the sixth, then play using C shapes instead - the thumb ceased to be a problem! It all depends upon whether you want to slavishly mimic Lindsey's playing, or sound the same...! As a ragtime player I found no problem adapting. Admittedly I gradually changed a few notes to fit in with my style, but not because I couldn't play it exactly... no, it was a new arrangement that works - and when Lindsey plays it live, he changes it pretty much every time anyway!
I expect some players will jump up and down, complaining that it isn't the same and is, therefore, "wrong". Don't be daft!! It's music, so the sound is paramount, not the mechanics!
Have a look at Dallas Rag... or McGhee's rag by John Pearse...
I mights add that I sing and play... McCartney's 'Blackbird' is not too difficult, Rosie Hardman and Bob Axford's "Oto Rag" - now THAT is difficult!! I play and sing, whereas Bob played and Rosie sang...! 'She Loved a Portuguese' as played by Derek Brimstone... sounds fairly straightforward until you try!
@@bernardcromarty485 Gonna go look for the person who asked
@@bernardcromarty485 you sound lonely
@@bernardcromarty485 Nope
Can we also add on to this the fact that he's SINGING AS HE DOES ALL OF THIS AS WELL. Fucking insane talent and work.
I was going to comment the same thing. He’s fucking singing while all this insane finger shit is going on. I’m not going to even bother trying it.
@@eddiepullman2745 You should try it! If you go slow and use a metronome you'd be surprised what you can learn! This song has a stamina component, but two weeks of an hour/day practice takes care of that. You got this.
When he plays and sings Big Love live is the most insane thing I've ever seen
@@GUMNUT. I’ll try lol. Ain’t making no promises lol
It’s a magnificent feat. I have yet to see him play studio speed and sing live, and I can only assume the studio version had the guitar recorded and sang over. The live performances seem to be slow down, none the less incredible masterpiece.
Just wanted to come back and give appreciation where it's due.
I played a little when I was a teenager, but not seriously. Now at 33, guitar has become one of my great joys. I've been playing for just over a year, mainly blues rock and metal. But it was this video that started it all and inspired me to try again.
It seemed only right to let you know that your work is truly appreciated and inspiring. Thanks Paul.
I hope he at least says, "Thanks."
Thanks so much Alex!
Lol
Very cool 👍
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Lindsey Buckingham is one of the most underrated and underappreciated guitarists in music history! His talent is incredible!
He’s number one in my opinion!
He isnt underated at all.
Peter Green though......
He is underrated though..
Hendrix or Page couldn't have played some of the guitar parts he wrote, he could have played their parts.
Say it one more time.
Outstanding performance Paul of a very tricky tune. Lindsey is a rare player who almost never uses a pick. You nailed this one spot on. All of your video's are very well done. Thank You Paul
@@tepidtooth8539 He’s been known to occasionally use a pick in the studio.
Ooh, I haven't bothered learning to use a pick. Does that make me rare as well? xD
Lmao in what way is it rare to never use a pick, with centuries old traditions of entire genres of guitar players who play with their fingers and their nails
@@johanrojassoderman5590 no
@@Zach-h2l I'm no Lindsey but I don't use a pick ever so am a legend ? No I am just a guy that plays what is easy for me and consider myself a hack at best.
I "learned" this song on guitar about 15 years ago. To this day, I've still never hit every note playing at full speed. It's SOO tough. I just love how cleanly and effortlessly Lindsey plays it. Absolutely incredible and beautiful!
@@cold_polo Fleetwood Mac himself?
Like the guy asked, wtf are you talking about?
@@cold_polo do
do you think “fleetwood mac” is a person???
@@maxhasproblems4885 2 people actually 😎
He plays and sings it a little bit differently every time too. It’s like watching Nancy from Heart playing Crazy on You, no one plays it better than the person who wrote it, and they can play it so well that they’re improvising and creating a new version of the song each time they play it.
@@cold_polo You need to put down the drugs.
Lindsey's acoustic version of big love still blows my mind too. That man is a talent sent from the heavens.
It's so fun to play
Yes, Lindsay is pretty amazing. Now we have Alejandro Aranda, who is also self taught and doing some crazy guitar playing.
Yes, but he usually plays that on a 12-string.
@@djshotty Big love? He doesn't.
haha, when I saw the title of this video, I assumed it was Big Love. I always thought it was one guitar until I saw him do a mini lesson on it
I don't play guitar. I will likely never play guitar, but it is so enjoyable watching competent people talking about difficult things and reaking them down like this - I probably watch this vid once every three months. Lovely.
This is incredibly interesting to me
@@floga10😊 me too
Anyone can learn to play. I enjoy mangling songs all day long and have enjoyed it for 45 years! 😂
Take a c lass or three. And practice. I never got really good, but women love guitar players.
Consider that every time Lindsay Buckingham has left Fleetwood Mac, he has been replaced by two guitarists. First it was Rick Vito and Billy Burnette, then Neil Finn and Mike Campbell. Few individual guitarists can play the way he does.
@@cold_polo what?
@@cold_polo VSTs weren't around before Lindsay joined in 75. in fact they were a decade and a half away, and a full 23 years before they were used in mainstream recordings
That’s superficial. They did it because those were famous musicians
@@cold_polo DAW's and VST's weren't around in the days this was recorded. Also, Fleetwood is the drummer.
@@RyanPeter And Mac the bassist.
My wife, while in college, saw Fleetwood Mac in December 1987, in San Francisco CA. Lindsay Buckingham was ill or injured and couldn't perform. The band used TWO GUITARISTS simultaneously to perform many of his pieces. So you're doing great Paul.
pretty much doing that now, right? Mike Campbell and Neil Finn
Lindsey had left the band at that point.
@@andyc.4387 yes, following my posting this comment, my wife corrected me, saying they'd bought the tickets in June and it wasn't until the day of the event that they learned LB had left the band back in August. She said much of the audience, including her friends and her, were pretty disappointed.
Yeah, it was the Tango in the Night album they were touring. Lindsey agreed to produce and play on the album (much of his material on the album was slated for a solo project he was working on). However, because of Mick & Stevie’s substance addiction problems Lindsey bowed out of touring and quit Fleetwood Mac. Billy Burnette & Rick Vito were hired to take his place. The story goes, after some convincing by Mick,Lindsey initially signed on to the tour. However, days later, at a group meeting at Christine McVie’s house, Lindsey changed his mind and announced, one he wasn’t going to tour and two he was leaving the band. The band’s reaction? Let’s just say it involved a physical altercation between Lindsey and Stevie.
@Repent or you will likewise perish. hahahahahahaha you're a little late. I repented in 1987.
I've taught this to a few people and it's been "really" hard to find any material that properly spells out how to play this tune correctly. I believe you have absolutely hit the bulls eye on this one. Bravo!!!! You've broken the sections and details of each section out so beautifully....................
Yeah me too and never properly got it this is superb!
You have to check out ruclips.net/video/_rLZ-LIx09I/видео.html
I would be happy to play this at half speed. How doable is this? I can play Fire and Rain intro at full speed. But I suck at fast tempo songs.
@@Better_Call_Raul I've been a finger picker since the '60s. The way to get faster is to practice. Any new picking pattern or rhythm requires practice to master. Start slow. Get the pattern perfected (both hands), then try it a little faster.
How come god can't get you to play it by some act of magic or something? Isn't god supposed to be great and powerful... no... wait; that's the Wizard of Oz; never mind!
I’m actually proud to say Lindsey was my hero growing up. I learned nearly all of his songs (including “Big Love”) before I turned 18, then got caught up in the work, sleep, repeat grind. Surprisingly, I still remember how to play most at full speed. I love that man.
I'm a fairly accomplished guitarist, but I've never been able to get this down, it has driven me absolutely crazy and eventually I just gave up. But now, you really broke it down and showed me the correct way to attack it, so now I'm going to revisit this and get this sucker down once and for all!
Let us know how you get on!
A Higher Vibe is going to a higher LEVEL
I know this is probably somewhat disheartening, but I have pretty much only done finger picking in my 8 years of playing the guitar and I got the pattern down but not infinitely in about two minutes. I might do the rest of the song once I listen to it more. For reference I have done a lot of travis picking for the past two years and I have made alternate more right hand complicated arrangements for a bunch of elliott smith's songs.
@@Anteksanteri ok
If it helps, I'm not a fingerpicking guitarist at all, I gave up on this song a while ago but recently managed to get Neon down after practising for weeks, I've improved as a guitarist since I gave up on this song, now I'm attempting it again and it isn't too difficult for me anymore! Just practice, and get better at finger picking other songs, then come back to this one (y)
Lindsay is a name that isn't brought up enough when talking about the best guitarists. Not only is some of the stuff he plays extremely difficult, but a lot of times he's singing along with it. He's amazing.
To the litany of Lindsey tales I will add one. One of his biggest influences was Dave Mason. There was one Mason tune which gave him fits and he worked intently for several months to nail it. Years later, he's joined Fleetwood Mac, he's famous and he finally meets Mason. So he decided to play that song, showing that he's done his homework. Mason listened to the song and then very politely said "Linds...I used a slide on that."
I need to know the song
Joe Walsh spent months learning the guitar solo on The Beatles' "And Your Bird Can Sing." When he played it for George Harrison, George told him that it was two takes, one backwards, and the other recorded at half speed because it was too hard to play at the real tempo.
Traffic!! All time faves. Mason is a genius. 💚☘️
I’m sure Lindsey knew that. How could you mistake that?😆
Paul is sooo relaxed in all his vids no matter how tough the lesson; he could calm a jet full of passengers nosediving into the sea.
Great analogy. Passengers, if you're interested, the big expanse of blue that you see us approaching through either of the windows is the Pacific Ocean. The Captain says will be on its surface in about 5 minutes, which is just enough time to pick apart my favorite Fleetwood Mac song.
I've always thought that he's one person I'd be VERY hesitant to introduce to my wife - or daughter, for that matter! Too smooth by half! (But I still love his videos!)
Sometimes, I realise how little I know about things I thought I was quite knowledgeable on. I've known and loved that song for almost my entire life without having the faintest idea it was quite as complicated as it actually is. This video is just fantastic. Thank you.
This video single-handedly got me back into guitar after not touching a string for 1.5 years (I gave up after getting kicked out my band who are now doing well for themselves) but I came back to guitar to prove I can play this song. I’m half way through it and my love for guitar is back.. thank you 🙏🏻
Dude, that's awesome! There's nothing like playing music.
that is amazing man, never let go of your love for making music for anyone ;)
Thank you
Screw your old band and start another!
Well done to you. You are truly gifted! Let it all out!
Iv always considered Lindsay Buckingham as one of those "Special" guitarists, under rated and massively talented and usually, when I mention this on YT, someone comes along and tries to explain how he's not that good. I'm glad to see so many people here appreciating what is an extraordinary talent, and major respect to Paul for doing such a good job.
It's about the artful choice of notes, not the quantity or volume. It's about serving the song, not the ego. To me, that's what's special about LB.
I mean I was unamused throught the video to be honest, I like that is a little more complex riff than the standard, but I usually think the standard is lame af. There are no bad guitarrists. But I certainly dont hold him in the highest regards.
@@donshingondonvergonio2247 Let's see you play it.
@@basidiomycota5067 id like to but im tackling better pieces at the moment, dont get me wrong I like fleetwood mac I just dont think this particular song is that high up on difficulty.
@@donshingondonvergonio2247 Alright, let's see one of the "better pieces."
I’ve come across this channel a few times over the years. I’ve been playing guitar since I was 15 (I’m 43 now) and wish I had some time to really dedicate to this channel. Not only is Paul an amazing guitar player, this guys demeanor, voice and just the way he approaches his audience is masterful. I wonder if he had to work at this but I doubt it. Sometimes people just have it. Great work Paul. You seem like a guy that would be cool to hang with. Best regards from Long Island NY
I saw some live show where he was accompanying Stevie and his acoustic parts were flawless the whole song. Lindsey's control of the instrument is second to none.
Love it. This song and “Big Love” acoustic are both masterpieces of finger-picking guitar playing.
YES
Both are killer, great call
And “I think I’m in Trouble’, check that one out.
‘Red Rover’ is a masterpiece also
Go insane is another great one he does acoustic
Lindsey is self taught. Think about that. The man is a GENIUS.
L had a LOT OF TIME for a self-taught musician! What if he were taught? Stamina, a hard soul drive, persistence and talent you need for what Lindsey has. Hmm!!!
I will say, from experience, when it comes to things like this, self taught is sometimes the greatest.
That is insane it blows my mind how someone can write this
So am I...
@@hamschh I'm not knocking Lindsey, but he didn't 'write' this, he improvised it and developed it. It came to life through his fingers and voice. It's a completely different process.
Wonderful video. Nailed it
Lindsey's an incredible musician to come up with a song like that. One of the greatest acoustic tracks IMO.
Totally agree
Watching someone break down a song and mention all the notes, chords, strings, etc etc is so impressive. You’re very talented.
Yeah, because this was the first time he ever played this song…🥱
@@wout69 who gives a shit if he’s played it once or a million times? Can you do it?
@@chubbrock659 YES I CAN!
Sure you can 😆
Lindsey plays guitar like a banjo. All finger picking. A true master!
This absolutely seems difficult to play but it's pure sorcery to me how he plays Big Love live. That's f-ing insane!! Oh and he sings on that one too
What a challenge. How the f does he play it so we'll and sing flawlessly at the same time 😂??
i wish there was a tutorial to watch on Big Love
@@davidpecararo9972there is a great one on RUclips
@@bromarbuildz-oy7ls right? 120% brain power
I have spent hours listening to one chord change in Big Love and can not get it!
This guy is so charismatic you can keep watching his videos and never get bored.
Lol no
Buckingham is one of the G.O.A.T.s!
His solos-while-picking are mindwrecking
wtf is goats
@@wouterdeheus3626 GOAT stands for Greatest Of All Time.
@@wouterdeheus3626 another ridiculous millennial term
Good that you don't write "goats", because that really makes me think of goats = the animal. Irritating... @florian niebauer
@@j.c.m5168 It’s an acronym, not a term. Maybe master basic English before casting aspersions on an entire generation, sweetie. We’ll pray for you
He might be the most intense guitarist I've seen. I've only seen him once, on the Buckingham/McVie Tour, and I had to close my eyes during his solo on "I'm So Afraid." It felt like sensory overload, and I was exhausted when he finished. I've seen many legendary guitarists, and this is the only time I've had this experience.
Never knew this song til I checked it Tnx to your comment. The videos blew me away so to see that live must’ve been a spine tingling experience
I'm so afraid is most definitely a tour de force in sensory and emotional overload. It's the most intense experience when you let yourself go with it. I'm glad I read your comment and it's not just me who finds it incredible. Eyes closed is certainly the best way to explore it
ruclips.net/video/TDwg28bSjoI/видео.html I'm so Afraid - Boston LIVE
I’m So Afraid on Fleetwood Mac Live (double album, late 70s) is just amazing, incredible. They way the intensity rises…goosebumps and you’re perspiring by the end of it. Magnificent.
@@Michael-mm3fm My favourite album of all time, I had the cassette in my car in the 80's and now digital flac version. Nothing can beat that live background. I'm glad you appreciate it as much as me. So thankful Fleetwood Mac made it too.
I am not a guitarist, but I loved this video. You're a great instructor. The way you broke down each section individually into its components was exactly what someone would need to learn how to play this. Practice each individual part in a section, then put that section together and practice that. Then, move onto the next.
How else would you do it?? Learn the whole thing at one go and play it in its entirety? Who does that?
I completely agree with you.
I tried to learn "The Chain", but it was the complicated fingerpicking that threw me off. Lindsay Buckingham had a very talented right hand.
The epic Bass solo is the heart and soul of the Chain
iirc the Chain was played on a dobro (GBDGBD tuning) and you'd almost be better off picking it on a banjo than an acoustic guitar.
😏
that's what she said
@@deviationblue ruclips.net/video/R4Btd9QHiao/видео.html
Love this song. Lindsey Buckingham deserves more credit. Can’t comprehend how he can do this and sing at the same time!
Oh it's crazy! My brother in law and I had a band about 4 years ago (I miss it tremendously)...but he had this talent and it ALWAYS amazed me!
It is much easier for him because he wrote it. It fits into "his" style of playing and he can play it, no other way and still remain in his comfort zone. He doesn't think about it while singing. He is essentially on auto-pilot because of repetition and muscle memory.
Every chord you comfortably know has fallen into that same zone. We don't search for the notes to play a C chord. It has been internalized and we don't really give it a second thought. We chase the sound, and muscle memory takes over.
If we can't play a song - "in our sleep" (so to speak) perhaps we can not really claim to "know the song"
@@jeffmckinnon5842 well said 👍
@@wesleyAlan9179 Why did you stop the band?
@@jeffmckinnon5842
That's a very intriguing way of explaining that, great comment,man!🤟
This song holds my personal record for most times giving up on an acoustic picking song before I finally got it. Whew! man did it drive me insane. Lyndsey Buckingham is a phenomenal guitarist!
I'm obsessed with this song. And so is my dog. He comes running every time he hears it and starts to howl. It's so cute.
I can't play guitar, but I watched this all the way through anyway. Fascinating! Great insight to a song I've loved for decades. Thank you!
Same here…..lol
Same!
Go get one now!!!
me too. and he makes me almost think I can just pick it up..
Same!
Lindsay Buckingham is one of the most underrated guitarists ever....
He is mind-blowing!!!!!
Underrated might not be the best term. Underappreciated is more appropriate. But that is the case with so many countless great musicians. Heck it took me several decades to realize Paul McCartney was a mind blowing bass player. However the success level they achieved does not suggest they were really underrated. To an average listener they just like the songs but to a player/musician it brings it to another level when you try to play it yourself or try to play or write something similar and at that point the appreciation really kicks in.
@@whichgodofthousandsmeansno5306 Thank you for your comment. Underrated is an overused on RUclips. I don't know any musicians who don't appreciate Lindsey Buckingham's talent for playing, writing , and complimenting, and embellishing others writing. I wonder sometimes if underrated is used by people who don't know dedicated amateur musicians singers,, guitarists, bassists, clarinetist flute players, violinists etc. Thanks for the space Which god of thousands....
That’s why when he leaves FMac they always need 2 guitarists to replace him. The guy is a genius
@@johncook7281 that is why he is underrated players know his greatness not so much the masses
@@twigd3825 "masses" don't care for musicians in general. They like the music, therefore pop music was invented.
Just…wow. I can barely walk on two feet without running into a wall. I’ve always been fascinated by and in love with Fleetwood Mac’s music - I’m so impressed you can play this AND teach it! 👏
Thanks to this video, I just got this song down at tempo today after three days of torturing my fretting hand. You're totally right when it comes to sleeping on it. It was way easier each time I came back to it the following day. Thanks for posting!
Man, Lindsey doing Big Love and Go Insane live is a revelatory experience.
I think having some experience playing scruggs style banjo really helped me with this song, the picking is very similar to how banjo rolls work so it feels really natural to me
LB's first instrument was the banjo
When I was 14 I told myself if I could learn this I would be a God of guitar. At 22 I can play this song pretty easily. I look at bands like Polyphia and become absolutely smacked in the face with how little I know about guitar and how little I know about how well to play guitar. This song has been one of the most challenging things I've ever learned, taking 6 years to properly learn. Now it's pretty easy. That's just how guitar goes.
I used to play guitar as a kid but stopped when i got into highschool, but thanks to polyphia, im getting back into playing at the ripe age of 24
@@rhoNcypher are you two Polyphia salemen or something? Who/what is Polyphia?
@@ATalkingBadger lmao nah, polyphia is a multi genre band that probably can be sumed
Up to being intstrumental math rock. I personally recommend listening to G.O.A.T as a first song for checking them out.
Can you sing while playing this?
@@ATalkingBadger I never understand why people like you contact someone on the Internet to ask a question like this. Why don't you just type "Polyphia" in on RUclips and save yourself and everyone else time? It's like holding a dictionary and asking me what a specific word's definition is.
This video literally taught me how to play this song id been struggling for so long. You have a great way of educating about the song in ways that are helpful and insightful.
I learned how to play Never Going Back Again about 5 years ago. Going to the A13 is still a difficult transition. It takes a lot of practice to get it right. My wife and I have seen Lindsay Buckingham live a few times, including from the front row. Watching him play is amazing. Thanks for the great lesson.
The remarkable thing isn't that Lindsay Buckingham plays songs with this complexity seemingly in his sleep, it's that he wrote them in the first place
Touché
It never fails to amaze me watching guitarists handle songs like this, and almost making it look easy….makes me sooo glad I’m a drummer 😏
Drummers ain't allowed to watch these here videos!
Honestly I find drumming so much more challenging than playing guitar. Everyone's built differently, I suppose.
I suck at both, they're hard in different ways.
The heart of rock'n'roll is the *beat.*
Oh wow. I am not a guitar player but for some reason I decided to watch this video from my feed. And absolutely loved it! We sometimes take music and musicians for granted and you have shown just how hard some of them work to give us the sheer enjoyment we experience. Thanks so much.
I learned that song. It was brutal at the beginning, but I became so good at it that I can play it today very effortlessly. Now I am proud of myself hearing that you acknowledge it's a hard song to learn.
I love that you immediately acknowledged the effort and pain associated with learning to play this piece. It is a master class in that fingerpicking style. I'm 68 and figured out most of this right after Rumours first came out -- this video has inspired me to try to dust it off and attempt it again. Lindsay is without a doubt one of the most technically proficient and tasteful players of the modern rock era. Thank you for sharing. I love your "down-to-earth" instructional method!
Nice one ❤️ Lindsey is one of my all time favorites !
I first heard this live in Marietta Ohio when I was 14 years old. I knew that song was hard when I heard it the very first time. I didn't realize until I watched your video that he actually played that entire part. I thought maybe two people played that guitar part.
You completely blew me away when you demonstrated exactly how hard it was to play. So here's kudos to Lindsey Graham, forever. And you as well!
Lindsey is, without a doubt, one of the most underrated guitarist of all-time. He is a Master.
Lyndsey Buckingham is possibly my favorite all around guitarist. I saw him live solo acoustic and it was transfixing. I just stared at his hands and wasn’t any closer to getting what he was doing so effortlessly.
As a former banjo player, he brings that to all of his playing. It’s a rare style in rock music and makes him so distinctive as a player. Great video breaking it down more.
This video single-handedly got me back into guitar after not touching a string for 1.5 years (I gave up after getting kicked out my band who are now doing well for themselves) but I came back to guitar to prove I can play this song. I’m half way through it and my love for guitar is back.. thank you i
Keep going man
keep it up, mate
Welcome back! Now go make great music. Remember, the best song is not written yet.
I heard those guys, they suck. Keep doing you!
Best of luck.
It took me forever to get this down but once I did, it started feeling natural. But holy hell, it took forever. Travis picking is so hard and counterintuitive. Great video!
Lindsey Buckingham has always been a severely underrated player. Fleetwood Mac would never have come close to achieving the status that they did without him.
That is certainly true from a commercial sales standpoint. But musically I consider the Welch era superior (especially Weston/Welch on Bare Trees). I also much prefer the Buckingham Nicks album to anything that duo did with the Mac.
True, and without Stevie going to work to pay their bills while he sat at home learning to play guitar he would've never achieved his status without her.
@@LadyLakeland And Lindsey made sure Stevie shared whatever success came his way. Fleetwood Mac offered him alone a spot in the band and he refused to accept unless Stevie was hired too.
I never underrated him? Who underrated him? Their albums sold millions. That's underrated?
@@Dennzio1 the band themselves certainly aren't overrated. But individually I don't think people realize how talented Lindsey is.
It's why they had to hire two people to replace him. He also sang whilst playing this stuff... maniac... very underrated within the lexicon of the great guitar heroes. Lindsey is in his own league.
EDIT: 1.3K likes. I never seen such a number in my music career. Be nice and listen to my music. X
He is in my top 5 guitarists of all time no doubt. Lets not bring up his songwriting and singing.
It’s not impossible but it is hard. I can sometimes nail it. Depends how much I keep my skills up. ruclips.net/user/shorts1bGB6u9cucM?feature=share
He really is great, its a shame his solo stuff never had the same appeal to the mass audience that his Fleetwood Mac tracks had. He always rejected being commercial and I'll always respect him for that.... and he looks good in eyeshadow.
@@danielbretall2236 his solo stuff is wonderful! If nobody has heard the song Time Precious Time, check it out!
Always been my favorite guitarist.
I started racing Porsche in the seventies and of course it was all manual gears back then. Heavy braking, using the right foot for the gas and brake pedal at the same time at very high speeds with so much going on. It came naturally since I was 14, I could feel everything. I have been trying to play a guitar for a while now.. I don't know how on earth you can do this! Such a wonderful gift!
I was a teenager when NGBA was released. Whenever I hear it, I stop what I'm doing and listen. To add one more level of astonishing talent, Lindsay sings the song while playing this complex amazing masterpiece.
love how you make us reconsider songs that were so easy to take for granted
I feel like Lindsey wrote this song so that he could have a challenging, fun song for himself to play. One of my favorite FM tunes
Underrated comment at 7:00
The best thing for learning guitar is a good night's sleep.
Practice for 4 hours and you just can't get it and you get frustrated and give up.
You wake up 8 hours later and you can just play it perfectly almost effortlessly. The brain is magic.
I've had trouble with this song too. I've found it's much easier on the fretting hand if you drop both the low E and the A strings to C and G. Then put the capo on 6 instead of 4. That way you don't need to hold that bar all the time.
That's exactly the way I do it.
I did the same. Much more enjoyable after.
Hmm, that’s Richard Thompson’s 1952 Vincent Black Lightning tuning (Cmaj9 I believe). Another challenging finger style piece!
Definitely makes it easier. "Wahine tuning"
Me too, it's actually pretty easy like this to fret and pick - the weird timing was still hard for me to nail though.
First time I've EVER seen this taught properly. I bought RUMOURS on vinyl when it came out and learned most of the songs on it. But NEVER GOING BACK was always the one that vexed me. Many years later, i found a FLEETWOOD MAC GUITAR tab/music book with NGB in it! THRLED after years of looking. I was so TOTALLY HEARTBROKEN to go home only to find it was completely inaccurate! I learned guitar b4 tab was around. (Of course no internet)Brilliant lesson! Separating the bass and the top 3 strings is like separating the left and right hand on piano. I've long used this technique to learn tricky finger style guitar parts. Also, do the same with learning to sing and play more intricate guitar parts for those wanting to learn the same. 👍
This is so cool! Thanks, Paul! I've been playing Leo Kottke tunes for about 52 years (I was his road manager in the early to mid '70s). And while this is pretty challenging, I got all of the notes after about 4 hours. However, it will be a while before it is presentable, which, for me, serves to make these types of tunes especially more rewarding when I'm able to play them decently. By comparison, I just spent about 25 hours learning all the notes to Leo's "William Powell". I'm not saying "WP" is harder, it's just different. What I'm trying to say is, for all those out there who find this "impossible", don't get frustrated. Break it down, piece by piece and then slowly put it together. That is what has worked for me all these years. Another very challenging tune is Tommy Emmanuel's "Drive Time". I spent over 50 hours learning all the notes (about 5 years ago) and I still don't have it up to performance level. It's all about the journey, eh?
Kottke took fingerpicking into new realms like no other before or since!
What an amazing talent Lindsey is, and kudos to you for being able to play it so well!
In my high school years I learned Travis picking and developed some wicked solo songs. When the left hand can settle down a bit, the right hand can really make magic.
I've tried for 40 years to nail this. You make it all look a lot harder and a lot easier than I thought it was lol
took me a year of practicing this song almost every morning & when i felt i had it down, i rewarded myself with a new Martin hd-28. it took a while but i got there!
I always thought just learning the part was enough of a reward. Heck I should consider holding a Martin guitar out as a carrot. Granted the sucky part is I still have to pay for it lol.
I love this guys’ lesson on this song. Always amazed at people like Paul Davids and their understanding of music. Also Loving the Dutch accent.
I love how he is able to incorporate a cool video and a cool song and how difficult it is while giving you almost step by step lesson at the same time 😂. Gotta love Paul.
No “almost” about it. It’s the best explanation of a finger style song I’ve ever seen 🌈
Wish I had this 11 years ago in high school when my brother challenged me to learn this song. Many hours spent with tabs and listening to the song but I got decent at the opening up to the verse. Learning this song definitely helps build your picking style however.
This is an incredible break down of one my all time favorite songs I've ever heard.
@3:00 yes, the thumb is the KING of fingers!
Great lesson btw. I grew up with this song playing all the time in my home. You did it the upmost sense of justice :)
That song sounds so good through that guitar and mic setup. Sometimes I wish various guitar/music youtubers would include them playing through the song (or an extended 2-3min version) of them playing, because they make these awesome sounding sections of songs.
one of my favorite guitarists, and woefully underrated, in my opinion. This song, Stephanie (from Buckingham Nicks), and the live acoustic version of "Go Insane" are a few gems.
I've been trying to learn Stephanie... I got like the first 2 bars lol (very slowly)
O and don't forget - he is also singing over all of this finger gymnastics! Brutally underrated. Love your breakdown and playing Paul.
Underrated by whom?
@@howie9751 Gen Z for one ☝️
Fun Fact about this song: Lindsey's guitar was restringed after every(!) single take to make it sound as crisp as possible.
Another personal Fun Fact: I've been practicing this song for months now, even singing along to it and at times it works quite okay. But I have not a single time managed to make it come close to the original. And no matter what I do: my left hand is aching like hell after even one playthrough.
That’s awesome! Once you have years on it, your grandkids will call you Master.
Maybe he asked for the new strings after each take to give his hands a chance to rest?
@@VoxRox probably this is it
not only was it restrung after every take, they realized at the end of the first day of recording this song that they'd recorded it in a key buckingham can't sing in... so day two they came back and quit restringing it haha
break it up into a duet
you have a digital recorder, USE IT
I’ve watched several tutorials on this tune. You are the first using the proper tuning. Thanks Paul for sharing this with us.
I always thought it was two guitars, so I never tried it. As a child I was lost in Stevie Nicks voice. Now as an adult guitarist, I am amazed at how awesome Lindsey was on that album.
Self taught and plays in his own style. Super talented.
About spit my coffee at 7’50” with the Chris Rock slap-reaction sound! Thank you for keeping things light! I know I won’t be playing this with any fluidity any time soon, but I love it!! Rumours is one of my top 5 albums of all time! You are amazing!
Rumours is still in my rotation of albums i listen to regularly
For me the key to learning the right hand for this so far has been to think of the thumb and fingers as working together in different combinations for each beat and not focusing on their opposing rhythms.
This video just popped up on my feed, and even though I don't really play the guitar, it was lovely to watch. You sound like a great guy and a great teacher. Very good work!
This song has always amazed me. The guitar is so pure & beautiful, it brings tears to my eyes. True magic. Thank you for explaining some of its beauty 😁❤️.
You're an incredibly great player and an equally great teacher Paul. THANK GOODNESS for you!
The set, lighting, camera angles, audio, graphics, even outfit and hair are freaking perfect. What? How is there a guitar tutorial this well made? I don't play guitar, I don't know why I'm watching this, but this is amazing.
Paul thank you SO MUCH for tackling this song. I learned this song probably five years ago and I still have trouble playing it. It is literally the hardest song I know how to play.
Your content is amazing. Thanks from Atlanta, GA,
Luke
Thank you Paul. I always thought this was a guitar duet; too hard to play individually. You have proved otherwise and I am amazed!
I learned this one when it only came on vinyl. I actually learned "The Chain" first. The picking structures are similar and require , at least basic Travis style finger picking abilities. It is more tricky than it is hard.
Dear old dad used to hide all of my picks on me, which forced me to learn how to play without one. The rest just happens.
It's funny, because I stopped playing with a pick for years, only because it's quieter for the rest of the household. It inadvertently developed my finger picking and I didn't even realize it until I started impressing my friends who are better overall players than me, but can't finger pick like me. Also, I use the finger nail on my index finger to strum, and they all freak out wondering how my fingernail didn't rip right off, but I guess it must've thickened because it doesn't hurt at all. LOL.
@@joeblough261 Ya, I got the same reaction from my friends as well. Those guys all had a few years experience over me, yet they were still impressed, which made me feel pretty good.
@@jeffmckinnon5842 Awesome. It for sure feels good to play something for better/more experienced people that impresses them. Some people might say, "play for yourself and only yourself", and of course we all play for ourselves, but one of my best enjoyments was to bust out something for my best friend, because he was a much better player than me our whole lives, but the last few years I started really concentrating on getting better and even though he was still overall better, I could play certain things (playing styles & music styles) better than him, and I knew way more theory. So half the fun was when either of us would learn something that we knew the other would dig. The sad part is that I finally (after 25 years of playing, lol) started really learning how to improvise leads in any key and sound pretty decent (something he couldn't do because he just never put his mind to it...even though he had really good skills, he was a killer singer - sohe didn't know the scales/theory, rather he played mostly to support his vocals, and/or played rhythm when in working bands, and he stopped working on solos ). But because of covid, we weren't playing together in person much...I figured I'd just patiently wait till we got together, and I'd blow his mind in person. And then he died unexpectedly in his sleep about 18 months ago. I've kept progressing, but everytime I "wow" myself there is sadness that half my joy came from showing him, and now I can't. It's very bittersweet....
@@joeblough261 awww man that really sucks. I'm so sorry for your loss. Keep playing for him. I'm sure he's impressed from the other side 💗
Lindsay Buckingham is one of the most original and talented guitarist and has a great stage presence and wonderful sounding voice and is a big part of Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks success. Long live the music and spirt of Lindsay Buckingham ✌🏽♥️
I went to see him perform quite a while ago. It is a performance I will never forget and he was so humble and sweet and played acoustic versions of his pop songs and it was so special.
That, my good man, was incredible. I remember being so proud of myself as a kid when I figured out (and could play!) the bass line to this, lol. I learned some of the other smaller parts later, but never all of it. I have no problems admitting I never could. There's a reason Lindsey is god.
Great video. Now go ice those hands!
God, I've been playing the guitar for almost 30 years and this one still kills me!!! Great lesson! I also want to know what year that Martin is, but that's just me!!!
Took me a long time to burn this into right hand muscle memory. Thankfully our lead vocalist carries the vocals. Kudos to Lindsay for putting it all together....oh yeah, and for writing it to begin with! Quite a talent!
I am not a guitarist, probably haven't even touched a guitar in decades, but STILL found this video lesson to be interesting, enjoyable, and satisfying. It's that well presented: good energy and great encouragement. Why did I even click this vid? The beautiful tune, of course! Nice to hear it, thank you for the fine diversion!
Lindsey is easily one of the best guitar players that’s ever lived!
Radio was playing, & I stopped My son dead in his tracks & said just listen 2 this! He did-shrugged-carried on. Needless 2 say, He no longer plays guitar.
In the pop sphere surely. In the classical and flamenco sphere there are dozens of amazing guitarists that few people know of.
@@FCB-ez4fl Flamenco is like the Dark Souls of guitar. You think this is hard...
someone tell that to Diondre Cole. What's up with that?
I remember as a young adult hearing this song for the 1st time and falling in love with it. I couldn’t tell you how long I put it on repeat.
So fun to see this analyzed from the player's point of view. I've always loved this song. Now I understand why it's so short!
Ok... im never going to touch my guitar again. You are incredible and i must say that the way you deliver the instruction is absolutely incredible. Very easy to understand and easy to digest. You must have a lifetime of involvement to be able to display your talent. Bravo, well done.
Buckingham is amazing. I always liked him, but I really realized how great he was when he did Big Love acoustic on The Dance. Not only do I like that version much better, but watching him play it just blows me away every time.