“Landslide,” penned by the iconic Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac, is a timeless classic cherished by guitarists for its poignant lyrics and delicate acoustic arrangement. Many aspiring guitar players are drawn to its beauty but might feel intimidated by the chords and fingerpicking patterns. This guide breaks down playing “Landslide” on guitar, making it accessible for players of all levels and ensuring you can confidently learn Guitar Landslide Chords. We’ll explore the essential chords, the magic of using a capo, and various fingerpicking techniques to bring this song to life.
When many guitarists first encounter “Landslide” in songbooks, the chord notations can appear daunting. Seeing chords like Eb, Bb, and Cm might lead you to believe it’s beyond your reach, especially if you’re newer to the guitar. However, the secret to easily playing “Landslide” lies in utilizing a capo.
Landslide Chords
A capo is an invaluable tool for guitarists, acting as a movable nut that raises the pitch of all strings. In the case of “Landslide,” the capo allows us to play the song using simpler chord shapes in the key of C, while still achieving the song’s original key when placed correctly. By placing a capo on the 3rd fret, we transpose the key, making those initially intimidating chords much more manageable.
The verse sections of “Landslide” primarily revolve around a repeating chord progression: C, G/B, Am, G/B. These chords, when played with a capo on the 3rd fret, create the harmonic foundation of the song. The G/B chord, a G chord with a B in the bass, adds a subtle melodic movement to the progression. For those unfamiliar, G/B is played by fretting the 2nd fret of the A string with your index finger, and playing a standard G shape while ensuring the B note is emphasized in the bass. This sequence repeats throughout the verses, providing a beautiful and cyclical harmonic structure.
As “Landslide” progresses, we encounter a bridge section, offering a slight harmonic shift before returning to the familiar verse chords. The bridge, containing the lyrics “Well, I’ve been afraid of changing,” introduces a new set of chords: G, D/F#, and Em. Thankfully, with the capo still in place, these chords remain relatively straightforward. The D/F# chord, similar to the G/B, is a D chord with an F# in the bass, creating a smooth transition from G to Em. This bridge section is relatively short, quickly leading back to the comforting C, G/B, Am, G/B progression of the verses.
To fully capture the essence of “Landslide,” mastering the fingerpicking pattern is just as important as understanding the chords. The original recording features a distinctive fingerstyle arrangement that complements Stevie Nicks’ vocals perfectly. Over time, many guitarists have developed their own interpretations and variations of this pattern.
Initially, learning a teacher-provided pattern can be a great starting point. A common pattern taught for “Landslide” aims to mimic the album version’s feel. Here’s an example of a teacher-style pattern that provides a solid foundation for playing the song:
Landslide Teacher Pattern 1
Landslide Teacher Pattern 2
Landslide Teacher Pattern 3
Landslide Teacher Pattern 4
Landslide Teacher Pattern 5
This pattern emphasizes alternating bass notes and delicate plucking of the higher strings, capturing the song’s gentle and melancholic mood. However, as you become more comfortable, you might find yourself naturally modifying the pattern to better suit your playing style and vocal delivery.
One guitarist, Laura Lasley, describes how she adapted the teacher’s pattern to create a version that felt more natural and allowed her to sing comfortably while playing. Her modified pattern prioritizes playability and vocal accompaniment:
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
Notice the subtle changes in rhythm and note emphasis. Experimenting and finding a pattern that resonates with your own musicality is part of the joy of learning “Landslide.” There’s no single “correct” way to fingerpick it, as long as the fundamental feel of the song is preserved.
For an even richer sonic texture, consider playing “Landslide” as a duet. Guitarist David Hodge created a beautiful counterpoint pattern to complement Laura’s arrangement. David’s approach involves mimicking the rhythm of Laura’s pattern but adding higher voicings and melodic interest on the higher strings. This creates the illusion of a single guitarist playing an incredibly complex and full arrangement.
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’s part often employs a thumb and middle finger for bass and melody notes, while the index finger handles the B string on the offbeat, creating a complex interwoven texture. This duet arrangement demonstrates the potential for creative exploration within the seemingly simple structure of “Landslide.”
“Landslide” holds a significant place in music history. Stevie Nicks penned it in 1975 during a period of personal reflection in Aspen, Colorado, as she contemplated her future with Fleetwood Mac. The lyrics poignantly use natural imagery to convey feelings of vulnerability and change. Beyond Fleetwood Mac’s original, “Landslide” has resonated with numerous artists, leading to notable covers by the Dixie Chicks in 2002 and The Smashing Pumpkins in 1994. These versions highlight the song’s enduring appeal and adaptability across genres.
Learning “Landslide” on guitar is a rewarding journey. By understanding the basic chords, utilizing a capo, and exploring different fingerpicking patterns, you can unlock the beauty of this song and make it your own. Experiment with the patterns provided, listen closely to recordings, and most importantly, enjoy the process of bringing this classic to life on your guitar. Explore more song tutorials and guitar lessons at guitarplayers.net to further your musical journey!
Liner Notes
“Landslide” was written by Stevie Nicks and first appeared on Fleetwood Mac’s 1975 self-titled album. It has been covered by artists such as The Smashing Pumpkins and Dixie Chicks, showcasing its lasting impact and versatility.
