How to Tune to Never Going Back Again

Lindsey Buckingham's fingerpicking masterpiece uses a Drop Db tuning — essentially Eb standard with the low string dropped an additional half step to Db. Combined with a capo, this creates the bright, delicate tone that defines one of Fleetwood Mac's most beautiful acoustic tracks from the legendary "Rumours" album.

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings:

String	Standard	Target	What to do
String 6	E2	Db2	Tune down 3 semitones
String 5	A2	Ab2	Tune down a half step
String 4	D3	Db3	Tune down a half step
String 3	G3	Gb3	Tune down a half step
String 2	B3	Bb3	Tune down a half step
String 1	E4	Eb4	Tune down a half step

Printable Never Going Back Again chart (PNG / PDF)

Fun Fact

Lindsey Buckingham recorded "Never Going Back Again" in a single take during the Rumours sessions. Despite sounding like it could be two guitars, every note is performed by Buckingham alone using his distinctive fingerpicking technique — he doesn't use a pick and plays with his bare fingers.

String Tension & Setup Tips

Recommended Gauge:Light or medium-light strings (.011-.052 acoustic). Since every string is tuned down a half step from standard (and the low string down a full step further), lighter strings help maintain good tension and playability.

Gear for Never Going Back Again

Tools that make tuning to Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - Eb easier.

D'Addario Universal Micro Headstock Tuner

A headstock tuner makes switching in and out of this tuning quick, even on stage or without a mic.

View tuner

D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

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Never Going Back Againby Fleetwood Mac

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a capo?

Yes. Buckingham uses a capo on the 4th fret with this Db tuning, which brings the actual sounding pitch up to a comfortable range. Some players prefer to use standard Drop D tuning with a capo on the 5th fret to achieve the same result without retuning all strings.

What fret does the capo go on?

With this Db-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb tuning (half step down from Drop D), place the capo on the 4th fret. Alternatively, if you tune to standard Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-E), place the capo on the 3rd fret. Both approaches produce the same sounding pitches.

How to tune for Never Going Back Again?

Tune all strings down a half step from standard to get Eb standard (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb), then drop the low Eb string down one more half step to Db. The result is Db-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb. Place a capo on the 4th fret, and you're ready to play.

What is Lindsey Buckingham's picking technique?

Buckingham uses a Travis picking pattern — his thumb alternates between bass notes on the lower strings while his index and middle fingers pick a melody on the higher strings. He plays without a pick, using his bare fingernails and fingertips. The technique creates the illusion of two guitars playing simultaneously.

Never Going Back Again Guitar Tuner