Song Rig
Go Your Own Way
Lindsey Buckingham · Rumours · 1977
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
Buckingham's most aggressive Rumours tone — arpeggiated chords with a driving rhythmic attack into a moderately driven amp. The guitar tone is bright and cutting, sitting above the Fleetwood Mac rhythm section rather than blending into it.
Signal Chain
- 1Gibson Les Paul Standard (bridge pickup)
- 2Fender amp (pushed)
Amp Settings
More amp drive than The Chain — the driving verse requires slightly more sustain and push. The treble is higher to keep the arpeggio pattern articulate and cutting. Still no pedals; the amp's natural character is the sound.
Technique
How to Play It
The intro arpeggiated chord pattern uses a circular picking motion — not quite chicken-picking, not quite standard flatpicking. Buckingham attacked the strings almost from below, giving the arpeggio an urgent, upstroke-driven quality.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Les Paul bridge pickup + any moderately driven amp (Blues Deluxe at gain 5–6, or any amp with slight crunch). The arpeggiated rhythmic pattern is straightforward to play but requires consistent attack to replicate the urgency.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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