Song Rig

Trouble

Lindsey Buckingham · Law and Order · 1981

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

Lindsey's biggest solo hit — a driving new wave-influenced track where his fingerpicking style creates a percussive, clipped rhythm pattern unlike conventional pick playing. The guitar is dry, close-miked, and direct, with no reverb diluting the percussive impact of his right-hand technique.

Signal Chain

1Fender Stratocaster (bridge pickup, fingerstyle right hand)
2Marshall or Fender (dry, moderate gain)
3Direct studio recording, minimal processing

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume4

Bass5

Mid7

Treble8

Dry and direct — Trouble has almost no reverb on the guitar, making each fingerpicked string hit immediately audible in the mix. The bright, percussive quality comes from fingernails on strings rather than pick on strings.

Technique

How to Play It

Fingernail picking without a plectrum — Lindsey never uses a pick, instead using his right-hand fingernails and flesh to pluck strings. For Trouble, he snaps the strings with his index finger for a sharp, clipped attack reminiscent of funk bass slapping applied to guitar.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

Stratocaster → Fender Deluxe Reverb (reverb off) → no pick: use fingernail snap on the rhythm strings → practice without any reverb until the technique is completely consistent.

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