This paper will discuss application of the Shear Strength Reduction (SSR) method, using finite element (FE) analysis, to determine the stability of slopes in blocky/jointed rock masses. It will demonstrate the method's versatility and reliability through analysis of five simple examples. FE- SSR results are verified through comparison to the results of UDEC, a discrete element program. The paper provides arguments for incorporating SSR analysis into the standard solution toolkit of rock slope engineers.