Landslide
by Fleetwood Mac
Album: Fleetwood Mac
Released: 1975
Genre: Folk Rock
Difficulty Analysis
Overall
BeginnerRhythm
BeginnerLead
BeginnerBass
BeginnerMusical Analysis
Key & Tonality
Song Structure
Understanding Eb major (sounding key with capo 3; played as C major shapes):
Eb major (sounding key with capo 3; played as C major shapes) has a bright, uplifting character typical of major keys. The Ionian (Major) with gentle, reflective diatonic harmony mode gives it a stable, resolved feeling. This key works well for anthemic rock songs and creates a powerful, confident mood.
Pro Tip: Power chords (5ths) work exceptionally well in this key for rock/metal, as they avoid the major/minor quality and focus on raw power.
Primary Chords Used
Scale Patterns in Eb major (sounding key with capo 3; played as C major shapes)
C major (played shapes with capo)
Notes: C - D - E - F - G - A - B - C
Application: All chord voicings and fingerpicking patterns are based in open C major position relative to the capo
Fretboard Pattern
Chord Progressions
Main Progression
Gentle descending and ascending bass line movement (C-B-A-B) using slash chords and the minor seventh, creating the song's flowing, introspective quality.
Theory Insight:
This progression creates a specific harmonic movement that defines the song's emotional character. Understanding the relationship between these chords helps in improvisation and songwriting.
Chord Shapes Used:
C
G/B
Am7
Harmonic Functions:
- C (I):Tonic chord, the warm home base of the song
- G/B (V/7):Dominant chord with the 3rd (B) in the bass creating a smooth stepwise bass line from C
- Am7 (vi7):Relative minor seventh adding gentle melancholy and emotional depth
Key Techniques
Travis Picking / Fingerpicking Pattern
BeginnerThe signature fingerpicking pattern combining an alternating bass note played by the thumb with melodic notes on the higher strings picked by the index and middle fingers
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Progression:
C - G/B - Am7 - G/B (fingerpicked with capo 3)
Tips:
- • Start by practicing just the thumb alternating bass notes until it becomes automatic
- • Add one picking finger at a time to build the pattern gradually
- • Keep the picking hand relaxed and anchored lightly near the soundhole
- • The thumb should be completely independent from the fingers
- • Practice the pattern on a single chord (C) until it flows before adding changes
Capo Usage and Open Position Playing
BeginnerUsing a capo on the 3rd fret to play familiar open C major chord shapes that sound in the key of Eb major, making the song accessible for beginning fingerpickers
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Progression:
All shapes played with capo 3
Tips:
- • Place the capo as close to the 3rd fret wire as possible
- • Re-tune after applying the capo for accurate pitch
- • Use a quality capo with even pressure for consistent tone
- • The open strings above the capo are critical to the song's ringing quality
Walking Bass Line
BeginnerStepwise bass note movement created by the chord progression's bass notes descending (C-B-A) and ascending (A-B-C), giving the song its flowing, continuous character
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Progression:
Walking bass line pattern
Tips:
- • Focus on hearing the bass line as a separate melody underneath the picking
- • Keep the thumb movement smooth and connected between bass notes
- • The bass line should feel like a slow walk, not jumpy or staccato
- • This technique is the foundation of Travis picking style
Practice Exercises
Scale and technique exercises in the key of Eb major (sounding key with capo 3; played as C major shapes). Practice these patterns to build the skills needed for this song.
Intro
0:00-0:15Arpeggio Fingerpicking Exercise
Gentle fingerpicked introduction establishing the signature walking bass line and flowing picking pattern
Arpeggio Fingerpicking Exercise
- • Begin with the thumb establishing the alternating bass pattern
- • Let each note ring into the next for a harp-like quality
- • Set a gentle, unhurried tempo at 78 BPM
Verse
0:15-1:05Arpeggio Fingerpicking Exercise
Continuing the fingerpicking pattern under Stevie Nicks' reflective vocal melody about change and the passage of time
Arpeggio Fingerpicking Exercise
- • Maintain the steady fingerpicking pattern throughout
- • The picking should be consistent and even beneath the vocals
- • Allow the walking bass line to flow naturally through chord changes
Chorus
1:05-1:35Arpeggio Fingerpicking Exercise
Expanded harmonic section with the F and G chords adding breadth to the emotional the signature vocal climax
Arpeggio Fingerpicking Exercise
- • The F chord opens the chorus with a warmer subdominant color
- • Slight increase in picking intensity for emotional emphasis
- • The IV-I-V-vi7 movement provides a satisfying harmonic journey
Verse 2 / Chorus 2
1:35-2:40Arpeggio Fingerpicking Exercise
Second verse and chorus cycle with Lindsey Buckingham's picking becoming slightly more confident and embellished
Arpeggio Fingerpicking Exercise
- • Same fingerpicking pattern with subtle dynamic growth
- • The bass line walk (C-B-A-B) continues as the foundation
- • Slightly more assertive attack on the chorus section
Outro
2:40-3:19Arpeggio Fingerpicking Exercise
Final verse pattern repetition with a gentle resolution, the fingerpicking gradually coming to rest as the song concludes
Arpeggio Fingerpicking Exercise
- • Gradual decrease in picking intensity for a gentle ending
- • Final resolution on the C tonic chord
- • Let the last notes ring out naturally
Equipment & Tone
Guitar
Pickup Type:
No pickup needed - pure acoustic tone. If amplified, use a quality acoustic pickup or microphone.
Alternatives:
- • Taylor 214ce
- • Gibson J-45
- • Yamaha FG800
- • Any quality steel-string acoustic
Amplifier
Recommended:
Acoustic amplifier or direct PA input
Settings:
Gain: 1-2 (clean acoustic signal only)
Treble: 6 (clear fingerpicking articulation)
Middle: 5 (natural midrange)
Bass: 5 (warm without muddiness)
Presence: 5 (natural acoustic presence)
Alternatives:
- • Fishman Loudbox Mini
- • AER Compact 60
- • Fender Acoustasonic
- • Direct input with acoustic preamp
Effects
Distortion:
None - pure acoustic tone
Reverb:
Very subtle room reverb if any, to preserve acoustic intimacy
Other:
Capo on 3rd fret (essential). No effects needed. A quality capo and fresh strings make the biggest difference.
Learning Path
Time Estimate: 2-3 weeks with regular practice
- • Place capo on 3rd fret and learn the C, G/B, and Am7 chord shapes
- • Practice alternating bass thumb pattern on each chord separately
- • Add one finger (index on 3rd string) to the thumb pattern
- • Work on smooth chord transitions while maintaining the thumb pattern
Time Estimate: 3-5 weeks for fluid performance
- • Add middle and ring fingers to complete the Travis picking pattern
- • Practice the pattern at 78 BPM with a metronome
- • Learn the F and G shapes for the chorus section
- • Play through the entire song structure with correct fingerpicking
Time Estimate: 5-8 weeks for polished sing-along performance
- • Add subtle dynamic variation between verse and chorus
- • Experiment with occasional hammer-ons and pull-offs within the pattern
- • Practice singing the melody while maintaining the fingerpicking
- • Develop personal expression and phrasing within the picking pattern
Practice Notes
Common Mistakes
- • Losing the alternating bass thumb pattern during chord changes
- • Picking fingers getting out of sync with the thumb
- • Rushing the tempo - Landslide should feel unhurried and flowing
- • Muting the open strings that need to ring as part of the chord
Practice Routine
- • Warm up with single-chord fingerpicking on C for 5 minutes (thumb only first, then add fingers)
- • Practice the chord transitions C to G/B to Am7 with just the thumb pattern
- • Add the full fingerpicking pattern to the chord transitions
- • Play through the verse progression at slow tempo, gradually increasing to 78 BPM
- • Run through the complete song including the chorus section
Focus Areas
- • Thumb independence from the picking fingers
- • Smooth chord transitions without breaking the picking pattern
- • Even volume and tone across all picked notes
- • Walking bass line clarity beneath the melodic picking
Metronome Work
- • Start at 50 BPM with just the alternating thumb bass pattern
- • Add picking fingers at 50 BPM, increasing in 5 BPM increments
- • Reach 78 BPM (song tempo) with the complete pattern
- • Practice without metronome to develop natural rubato feel once pattern is solid