“Landslide,” penned by the iconic Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac, is a timeless classic that resonates with guitarists of all levels. Like many, when I first encountered the sheet music for “Landslide,” the chords seemed daunting. Seeing notations like Eb, Bb, and Cm initially threw me off. As a budding guitarist with a stronger piano background, it felt like deciphering a different language. I almost gave up on learning this beautiful song then and there.
Landslide Chords
Image depicting the initial daunting chord notation for Landslide, showcasing Eb, Bb, and Cm chords.
However, “Landslide” is actually quite approachable, especially when you unlock the secret weapon for guitarists: the capo. If you’re unfamiliar, a capo is a clamp-like device that you place on your guitar neck to raise the pitch of all the strings. It’s a fantastic tool for changing the key of a song without having to learn complex new chord shapes. (For a deeper dive, check out resources on using a capo effectively.)
Unlocking Landslide’s Simplicity with Capo Chords
The magic of playing “Landslide” lies in using a capo. With a capo in place, the chords become remarkably simple. The foundational chord progression for the verses revolves around: C, G/B, Am, G/B. This sequence repeats throughout the verse sections, creating the song’s signature gentle and flowing feel.
For those unfamiliar with the G/B chord, it’s a variation of a G major chord where the bass note is a B. This creates a smooth transition between the C and Am chords, adding to the song’s melodic beauty. Don’t worry if you find it slightly tricky at first; with a little practice, the G/B will become a comfortable part of your chord vocabulary.
Navigating the Bridge Section
“Landslide” features a delicate bridge section, marked by the lyrics, “Well, I’ve been afraid of changing.” Thankfully, this bridge remains relatively straightforward, maintaining the song’s accessibility. The chord progression for the bridge moves to: G, D/F#, Em. Then, it seamlessly transitions back to the familiar verse progression of C, G/B, Am, G/B.
The D/F# chord is another chord variation you might encounter. Similar to the G/B, the F# in the bass adds a step-wise movement in the bass line, contributing to the bridge’s slightly different harmonic color. Again, with a bit of practice, these bridge chords will become manageable.
To match the original recording of “Landslide”, position your capo on the third fret. However, many guitarists, including myself, often prefer placing the capo on the 4th fret. This transposes the song to the key of E, rather than Eb, which often better suits a wider range of vocal ranges. Experiment to find what key works best for your voice.
Exploring Fingerpicking Patterns for Landslide
Beyond the chords, the fingerpicking pattern is crucial to capturing the essence of “Landslide.” When I initially learned the song, I was given a specific pattern by my guitar teacher, designed to emulate the album version.
Lyrics 1
Image displaying the first section of Landslide lyrics and chord diagrams.
Lyrics 2
Image displaying the second section of Landslide lyrics and chord diagrams.
Lyrics 3
Image displaying the third section of Landslide lyrics and chord diagrams.
Lyrics 4
Image displaying the fourth section of Landslide lyrics and chord diagrams.
Over time, my fingerpicking style for “Landslide” has evolved. I’ve adapted the initial pattern to something that feels more natural and comfortable for my hand, while still maintaining the song’s core character. The beauty of “Landslide” lies in its adaptability; even with slight variations in the picking pattern, the song remains recognizable and emotionally impactful.
My teacher’s original pattern was structured like this:
Landslide Teacher Pattern 1
Image showing the first part of the teacher’s fingerpicking pattern for Landslide.
Landslide Teacher Pattern 2
Image showing the second part of the teacher’s fingerpicking pattern for Landslide.
Landslide Teacher Pattern 3
Image showing the third part of the teacher’s fingerpicking pattern for Landslide.
Landslide Teacher Pattern 4
Image showing the fourth part of the teacher’s fingerpicking pattern for Landslide.
Landslide Teacher Pattern 5
Image showing the fifth part of the teacher’s fingerpicking pattern for Landslide.
However, I eventually modified it to better suit my playing style and vocal performance:
Landslide Laura Pattern 1
Image showing the first part of Laura’s adapted fingerpicking pattern for Landslide.
Landslide Laura Pattern 2
Image showing the second part of Laura’s adapted fingerpicking pattern for Landslide.
Landslide Laura Pattern 3
Image showing the third part of Laura’s adapted fingerpicking pattern for Landslide.
Landslide Laura Pattern 4
Image showing the fourth part of Laura’s adapted fingerpicking pattern for Landslide.
Landslide Laura Pattern 5
Image showing the fifth part of Laura’s adapted fingerpicking pattern for Landslide.
Landslide Laura Pattern 6
Image showing the sixth part of Laura’s adapted fingerpicking pattern for Landslide.
Landslide Laura Pattern 7
Image showing the seventh part of Laura’s adapted fingerpicking pattern for Landslide.
Landslide Laura Pattern 8
Image showing the eighth part of Laura’s adapted fingerpicking pattern for Landslide.
During the bridge section, on the Em chord, I often substitute the lower Em bass note with the B note on the second string, second fret. This is a personal preference that I find adds a pleasing flavor to the bridge. Remember, personalizing your playing is key to truly making a song your own. Experiment with different fingerpicking approaches within the basic chord structure of “Landslide” to discover what resonates with you. There’s no definitive “wrong” way to approach the pattern as long as it complements the underlying chords.
The Beauty of a Landslide Guitar Duet
Having played “Landslide” solo for many years, I experienced a delightful surprise when I had the chance to play it as a duet with fellow guitarist David Hodge. David masterfully created a counterpoint guitar part that beautifully complemented my standard picking pattern.
David’s approach to his part was to keep it simple yet distinct, adding a new dimension without overshadowing the main melody or vocals. He mirrored the rhythm of my pattern but focused on higher voicings, often utilizing the high E string, which my pattern typically avoided.
Landslide Laura and David Pattern 1
Image showing the first part of the combined Laura and David fingerpicking pattern for Landslide.
Landslide Laura and David Pattern 2
Image showing the second part of the combined Laura and David fingerpicking pattern for Landslide.
Landslide Laura and David Pattern 3
Image showing the third part of the combined Laura and David fingerpicking pattern for Landslide.
Landslide Laura and David Pattern 4
Image showing the fourth part of the combined Laura and David fingerpicking pattern for Landslide.
Landslide Laura and David Pattern 5
Image showing the fifth part of the combined Laura and David fingerpicking pattern for Landslide.
Landslide Laura and David Pattern 6
Image showing the sixth part of the combined Laura and David fingerpicking pattern for Landslide.
Landslide Laura and David Pattern 7
Image showing the seventh part of the combined Laura and David fingerpicking pattern for Landslide.
Landslide Laura and David Pattern 8
Image showing the eighth part of the combined Laura and David fingerpicking pattern for Landslide.
The result was a richer, more textured rendition of “Landslide,” demonstrating how two guitars can intertwine to create a captivating sonic tapestry. David utilized techniques like thumb and middle finger plucking, index finger work on the B string, and alternating bass lines to achieve this layered effect.
Landslide: A Song Rooted in Personal Reflection
Stevie Nicks penned “Landslide” during a pivotal period in her life in 1975, while contemplating her future with Fleetwood Mac in Aspen, Colorado. The lyrics poignantly employ natural imagery to convey feelings of personal upheaval and transformation.
While many know the Dixie Chicks’ popular 2002 rendition, “Landslide” has also been interpreted by artists like The Smashing Pumpkins, who recorded a version as a B-side to “Disarm” in 1994. This song’s enduring appeal lies in its simple yet profound emotional resonance, making it a favorite for generations of musicians and listeners alike.
“Landslide” is a rewarding song to learn on guitar. Its simple chord structure, especially with a capo, makes it accessible to a wide range of players. Experiment with different fingerpicking patterns, explore duet arrangements, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of making this beautiful song your own.
