The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Lindsey Buckingham never rated: “Doesn’t make good records”

Lindsey Buckingham argued that guitar playing should serve the song rather than showcase the guitarist. In a 2012 interview, he criticised Eddie Van Halen’s playing as a poor fit for Van Halen’s records, while praising Chet Atkins for weaving guitar parts into a song’s overall sound.

Buckingham’s view reflects the contrast between his understated, song-focused style and Van Halen’s high-energy virtuosity. He said Atkins, folk music and light classical guitar influenced his fingerpicking, and that leaving room for imperfection gave music personality and depth.