Landslide
by Fleetwood Mac
Difficulty Profile
Skill LevelOverall
BeginnerRhythm
BeginnerLead
BeginnerBass
BeginnerWhy "Landslide" Works Harmonically
Beyond standard guitar tabs and chord charts, discover the exact music theory mechanics, modal interchange, and voice leading choices that give Fleetwood Mac's classic its unforgettable emotional power.
The Harmonic Architecture of Eb major (sounding key with capo 3; played as C major shapes) with Ionian (Major) with gentle, reflective diatonic harmony
The musical power of "Landslide" stems from the deliberate harmonic movement between Eb major (sounding key with capo 3; played as C major shapes) and the I - V/7 - vi7 - V/7 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.
Harmonic Progression (Roman Numerals)
I - V/7 - vi7 - V/7Step-by-Step Movement
- •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
- •F (IV) - Subdominant chord bringing warmth and openness in the chorus sections
- •G (V) - Full dominant chord providing standard V-I resolution in the chorus
Voice Leading & Counterpoint
- ›The progression moves through C → G/B → Am7 → G/B, creating smooth root movement across the guitar fretboard.
- ›Tuning (Standard (EADGBE) with Capo 3) allows open-string resonance and dynamic chord extensions.
- ›The tempo of 78 BPM gives each chord voicing time to breathe and establish its tonal identity.
Fretboard Mechanics
Played in Standard (EADGBE) with Capo 3 with classic fretboard fingerings tailored to Folk Rock guitar playing. Focus on clean transitions between C, G/B, Am7.
Study the I - V/7 - vi7 - V/7 progression in Eb major (sounding key with capo 3; played as C major shapes). Notice how each chord change either builds or resolves tension without overcomplicating the underlying harmony.
All chord voicings and fingerpicking patterns are based in open C major position relative to the capo
The actual sounding pitches; the capo transposes C shapes up a minor third to Eb
The modal foundation of the key.
Primary chord shapes used.
Musical 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.
All chord voicings and fingerpicking patterns are based in open C major position relative to the capo
The harmonic character shaping Eb major (sounding key with capo 3; played as C major shapes)
Understand major chord construction and voicings
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
Interactive Fretboard Map
Chord Progressions & Movement
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 In This Section:
C
G/B
Am7
Harmonic Functions & Roles:
- 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
- F (IV)Subdominant chord bringing warmth and openness in the chorus sections
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:
Progression:
C - G/B - Am7 - G/B (fingerpicked with capo 3)
Technique 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:
Progression:
All shapes played with capo 3
Technique 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:
Progression:
Walking bass line pattern
Technique 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). Switch instrument sounds (Acoustic Steel, Nylon, Clean Electric, Piano) and practice at your own tempo.
Intro
Lindsey Buckingham Travis Picking Pattern
Gentle fingerpicked introduction establishing the signature walking bass line and flowing picking pattern
- •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
Intricate Fingerpicked Verse
Continuing the fingerpicking pattern under Stevie Nicks' reflective vocal melody about change and the passage of time
- •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
G-D/F#-Em-C Chorus Pattern
Expanded harmonic section with the F and G chords adding breadth to the emotional the signature vocal climax
- •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
Emotional Fingerpicked Build
Second verse and chorus cycle with Lindsey Buckingham's picking becoming slightly more confident and embellished
- •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
Gentle Fingerstyle Resolution
Final verse pattern repetition with a gentle resolution, the fingerpicking gradually coming to rest as the song concludes
- •Gradual decrease in picking intensity for a gentle ending
- •Final resolution on the C tonic chord
- •Let the last notes ring out naturally
Scale Practice Exercise
Lindsey Buckingham Travis Picking Turnaround
Two-octave E major pentatonic scale run connecting the 11th through 14th frets matching the tonal foundation of Landslide
- •Practice the Major Pentatonic Scale Exercise with a metronome
- •Focus on clean alternate picking across all 6 strings
- •Connect the scale degrees with the song's vocal melody and guitar riffs
Equipment & Tone Setup
🎸 Guitar
Recommended Model:
Pickup Type:
No pickup needed - pure acoustic tone. If amplified, use a quality acoustic pickup or microphone.
Alternative Models:
⚡ Amplifier & Settings
Recommended Amp:
Tone Stack Dial-In:
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)
Alternative Amps:
🎛️ Effects Pedals
Overdrive / Distortion:
None - pure acoustic tone
Reverb / Delay:
Very subtle room reverb if any, to preserve acoustic intimacy
Modulation / Other:
Capo on 3rd fret (essential). No effects needed. A quality capo and fresh strings make the biggest difference.
Recommended Learning Path
⏱️ 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
⏱️ 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
⏱️ 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 & Routine
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •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
⏱️ Targeted 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
🎯 Key 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 Drills
- •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