“Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac is a timeless classic, beloved for its heartfelt lyrics and delicate guitar work. For aspiring guitarists, learning to play “Landslide” is often a rewarding goal. Initially, the chord charts might seem daunting, especially when encountering chords like Eb, Bb, and Cm. However, the beauty of “Landslide” lies in its simplicity, particularly when you unlock the secret weapon of many acoustic guitarists: the capo. And within its deceptively simple structure, the Am/gb Guitar Chord, or more accurately, the G/B chord, plays a pivotal role in creating its signature sound.
Many beginners, upon seeing chord diagrams for “Landslide”, might feel overwhelmed. The original sheet music can present chords in keys that are less common for guitar, leading to frustration. Like many, when first encountering “Landslide”, the notation featuring chords like Eb and Bb seemed complicated. However, the key to easily playing “Landslide” lies in understanding how to use a capo and simplifying the chord voicings.
The magic of the capo allows us to play “Landslide” using primarily open chords, making it accessible to guitarists of all levels. By placing a capo on the third or fourth fret, we transpose the key, allowing us to use chord shapes we’re already comfortable with. The verse section of “Landslide” beautifully demonstrates this with a repeating chord progression: C, G/B, Am, G/B.
Landslide Chords
The G/B chord, often written as G/B or G over B, is a variation of a G major chord where the bass note is B instead of the root note G. This creates a smooth, descending bass line in the progression from C to Am, adding a melancholic and flowing quality to the music. Understanding the G/B chord is crucial for capturing the true essence of “Landslide”. It acts as a crucial passing chord, linking the C and Am chords and providing harmonic richness that elevates the song beyond simple strumming.
Let’s break down the verse chords and how they contribute to the song’s feel:
- C Major: A bright and grounding chord, it establishes the home key and provides a sense of stability.
- G/B (G over B): This is our key chord. Instead of a standard G chord, the G/B uses a B note as the bass. This creates a smoother transition from C to Am and adds a touch of sophistication to the progression. It’s an inversion of a G chord, and understanding inversions can greatly expand your guitar vocabulary.
- Am (A minor): The Am chord brings in a touch of minor key melancholy, reflecting the lyrical themes of change and introspection in “Landslide.”
- G/B (G over B): Returning to the G/B reinforces the descending bass line and creates a cyclical feel to the verse, drawing the listener into the song’s emotional core.
The bridge section of “Landslide,” where Stevie Nicks sings “Well, I’ve been afraid of changing,” offers a slight harmonic shift while still remaining accessible. The chords in the bridge are G, D/F#, and Em. The D/F# is another example of an inverted chord, similar in concept to the G/B, creating a smooth bass line movement.
To truly capture the magic of “Landslide,” fingerpicking is essential. The original article provides several fingerpicking patterns, starting with a pattern taught by a guitar teacher, and then the author’s own modified pattern, which is easier to sing along with. Experimenting with different fingerpicking patterns is part of the joy of learning “Landslide.”
Lyrics 1
Lyrics 2
Lyrics 3
Lyrics 4
The teacher’s pattern aims to closely mimic the album version, while the author’s pattern prioritizes playability and vocal accompaniment. Both patterns, and even your own variations, can work beautifully within the framework of the song.
Landslide Teacher Pattern 1
Landslide Teacher Pattern 2
Landslide Teacher Pattern 3
Landslide Teacher Pattern 4
Landslide Teacher Pattern 5
The key is to find a pattern that feels comfortable for your hand and allows you to sing expressively. The beauty of fingerstyle guitar is the personal touch you can bring to a song. Notice how the author modified the teacher’s pattern to better suit her vocal range and playing style. This highlights a crucial aspect of learning guitar: adapting and personalizing techniques to fit your own musicality.
Landslide Laura Pattern 1
Landslide Laura Pattern 2
Landslide Laura Pattern 3
Landslide Laura Pattern 4
Landslide Laura Pattern 5
Landslide Laura Pattern 6
Landslide Laura Pattern 7
Landslide Laura Pattern 8
The article also touches upon the magic of playing “Landslide” as a duet, adding a counterpoint guitar part that enhances the song’s texture and emotional depth. This highlights the collaborative and evolving nature of music.
Landslide Laura and David Pattern 1
Landslide Laura and David Pattern 2
Landslide Laura and David Pattern 3
Landslide Laura and David Pattern 4
Landslide Laura and David Pattern 5
Landslide Laura and David Pattern 6
Landslide Laura and David Pattern 7
Landslide Laura and David Pattern 8
David Hodge’s contribution to the duet version demonstrates how a second guitar part can add harmonic layers and complexity without overshadowing the original melody and rhythm. His approach of keeping his part simple yet adding a different voice perfectly complements the existing fingerpicking pattern.
David Variation
In conclusion, “Landslide” is a rewarding song to learn on guitar. While the initial chord charts might appear complex, using a capo and focusing on the core chord progression, including the subtle beauty of the G/B chord, unlocks its accessibility. Experiment with different fingerpicking patterns and find what feels natural and expressive for you. Whether you play it solo or as a duet, “Landslide” offers a beautiful journey into fingerstyle guitar and a chance to connect with a truly iconic song.
“Landslide” was indeed a significant song for Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac. Written in 1975, it reflects on personal change and uncertainty. Its enduring appeal lies in its emotional honesty and musical simplicity, proving that sometimes, the most powerful songs are built upon the most fundamental chords and heartfelt delivery. Learning “Landslide” is not just about mastering guitar chords; it’s about connecting with the emotional core of a song that resonates with generations of listeners.
