Every guitarist strives to create music that surpasses anything they’ve ever heard. With their arsenal of techniques, the studio becomes their playground, where they can unleash their creativity and strive to create something that can rival the timeless classics of the past. Lindsey Buckingham approached making Fleetwood Mac records in his unique way. However, he openly acknowledged that he had no desire to emulate the legendary Jimi Hendrix.
When examining the guitarists’ playing styles, it is evident that they consistently approached the instrument uniquely and unconventionally. Buckingham was well-known for his unique approach to playing the guitar. Instead of using a pick, he relied on his fingernails to create the beautiful melodies that defined his pop songs.
Hendrix had a unique relationship with the guitar. He had already started crafting songs with a unique twist – a right-handed guitar restrung to be played backward. However, he stood out from the crowd by seamlessly blending the distorted sound of psychedelic rock. He combined it with the free-flowing nature of improvisational music.
Immersing oneself in the melodies of Axis Bold As Love or Electric Ladyland, Hendrix possessed an unwavering desire to construct towering soundscapes with each studio session. He skillfully harnessed a myriad of sonic possibilities to craft something truly extraordinary. While Hendrix saw it as an opportunity to freely jam, Buckingham aimed to maintain a more concise approach.
Despite his polarizing ideas during the creation of Tusk, he demonstrated a knack for succinctly concluding matters in just a few minutes. While Buckingham possessed the ability to explore new musical territories like Hendrix, he was not inclined to create an elaborate guitar-driven masterpiece. His focus remained within the realm of progressive pop.
Hendrix had a knack for improvisation, but Buckingham never quite grasped the concept of spontaneous creativity. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he admitted, “I can’t compare myself to Jimi Hendrix.” I lack the expertise to freely explore new topics every evening. I don’t think I would want to, either. And I appreciate the importance of musical themes. Someone who believes in maintaining a consistent experience from night to night.
However, it cannot be denied that Buckingham faced his fair share of challenges. Although it may have been meticulously produced in the studio, ‘Never Going Back Again‘ proves to be quite challenging to fully appreciate on the initial listen. When he performed solo, Buckingham skillfully crafted each note to have a significant impact. He took a small number of musical themes and transformed them into the iconic ‘Go Your Own Way’.
Although the concept of performing the identical solo every night during a tour may seem monotonous, it actually presents a unique challenge. Without the luxury of depending on pre-recorded tracks, attempting to recreate the same polished enchantment every time you perform in front of an audience can be quite challenging. However, the thrill lies in the spontaneity and authenticity of live performance.
Lindsey Buckingham may have still admired Hendrix’s talents, but they came from completely different realms. Hendrix aimed for transcendence, while Buckingham had a keen sense of what pop radio craved.
