Watch Guitarist Have The Hardest Time Playing A Fleetwood Mac’s Classic
SAN BERNARDINO, CA - MAY 1983: Singer Stevie Nicks and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham of the rock group "Fleetwood Mac" perform onstage at the US Festival in May 1983 in San Bernardino, California. (Photo by Richard McCaffrey/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
If you’re a guitarist, you’ve probably tried to play “Never Going Back Again” by Fleetwood Mac and found it frustratingly difficult. The song, written and performed by Lindsey Buckingham, uses a unique picking technique that leaves many players scratching their heads. In a video, guitarist and YouTuber Paul Davids breaks down the song and explains why it’s so tricky to nail.
Why It’s So Hard to Play
The difficulty of this song lies in the precise movements of the fingers combined with challenging chord shapes. Paul explains that, unlike most guitar parts, Buckingham’s technique requires an incredible amount of stamina and coordination. A lot of the song’s rhythm is driven by the thumb, which maintains a consistent eighth-note pattern throughout the track. The trickiest part is what happens on top of this steady pulse, with the fingers alternating between different strings while adding intricate patterns. This “polyrhythm,” where the thumb and fingers play different rhythms, is what makes the song sound so complex and captivating.
A Studio Masterpiece
Recording “Never Going Back Again” was no easy feat. The track was recorded at Studio City Sound Recording Studios in Los Angeles, and according to assistant engineer Cris Morris, Lindsey Buckingham was very particular about the process. Despite using just two guitar tracks, Buckingham recorded the parts multiple times, perfecting every note. The final result is a track that shows off Buckingham’s skill in using the acoustic guitar to create something so intricate and melodic.
Learning the Song
Paul breaks down the song step by step, focusing on the finger movements and picking patterns that make it so special. If you’re up for the challenge, he suggests starting slow and practicing regularly. Eventually, you’ll get that satisfying feeling when all the parts come together. It’s a true test of endurance for any guitarist, but once you’ve mastered it, playing *Never Going Back Again* is incredibly rewarding.
Keep going for the video below to learn more and see Paul’s amazing performance!
