Go Your Own Way

The recording

Buckingham recorded the rhythm for “Go Your Own Way” on a 1963 Fender Telecaster with the bridge pickup, finger‑picking the chords (thumb on the low E, index/middle/ring on the high strings). The signal was sent directly into a Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue, pushed just past clean into a mild tube breakup, which gave the rhythm its characteristic crunchy edge. The solo was later overdubbed with the amp’s volume turned up for extra sustain, and both parts were panned hard in the mix by producers Ken Caillat and Richard Dashut at Wally Heider Recording.

Tuning Standard (E A D G B E)

Reported gear

Fender American Vintage II 1963 Telecaster

Guitar

Buckingham used a 1963 Fender Telecaster set to the bridge pickup, finger‑picking the rhythm part and pushing a Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb into mild breakup.

Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue

Amp

The Telecaster was routed into a Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue, cranked just enough to break up the tubes and give the rhythm a crunchy edge; the solo was recorded with the amp volume turned up for extra sustain.

Alternatives

Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster

Budget alternative · for the Fender American Vintage II 1963 Telecaster

$200 to $250

Fender Blues Junior IV

Budget alternative · for the Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue

$500 to $600

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1. 1.Fingerpick the rhythm using your thumb on the low E string and the index/middle/ring fingers on the high strings.
2. 2.Select the bridge pickup on the Telecaster for a bright, cutting tone.
3. 3.Keep the amp volume low for the rhythm part; raise it for the solo to achieve natural tube breakup.
4. 4.Avoid using a pick; let your fingers control dynamics and attack.
5. 5.Position your picking hand close to the bridge to accentuate the bridge pickup’s bite.