"I didn't take lessons, and I don't know my scales"

This quote by Lindsey Buckingham suggests that he is a self-taught artist. He implies that he has not taken any formal music lessons, and he does not understand the musical scales. This might suggest that he has discovered to play music by ear, or by experimentation. It might likewise imply that he has not studied music theory, and does not understand the basics of music. This might be viewed as a testament to his natural talent and imagination, as he has been able to create music without the assistance of formal direction. It might also be viewed as a limitation, as he might not have the same level of technical proficiency as someone who has actually studied music theory. Regardless, it is clear that Lindsey Buckingham is a gifted artist who has had the ability to develop music without the aid of formal instruction.