Led Zeppelin – Kashmir – Turnaround
Kashmir < All Analyses
Chord Progression
A, D, F, C, G, A, C, G, Bb, F
Chord Progression Analysis
– A major (I)
– D major (IV)
– F major (‘bVI’)
– C major (‘bIII’)
– G major (VII)
– A major (I)
– C major (‘bIII’)
– G major (VII)
– Bb major (‘bII’)
– F major (‘bVI’)
The progression above includes borrowed chords from various keys, particularly the major chords built on flattened 2nd and 3rd scale degrees, as indicated by the Roman numerals preceded by a ‘b’. The overall sequence generates a mysterious, shifting atmosphere that is common in Led Zeppelin’s music.
Similar Chord Progressions
1. King Crimson – “Epitaph”
– A minor (i)
– D major (IV)
– F major (‘bVI’)
– C major (‘bIII’)
– G major (VII)
– E minor (v)
2. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
– A minor (i)
– C# diminished (ii°)
– D major (‘IV’)
– E major (V)
– G major (‘bVII’)
– F major (‘bVI’)
These examples listed above share similarities with “Kashmir” through their use of borrowed chords, non-diatonic progressions, and a blend of Eastern and Western sounds. Both King Crimson’s “Epitaph” and The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” reflect the innovative compositional approaches explored by many artists during the same era as Led Zeppelin, resulting in lasting impacts on rock music history.
Musical Analysis
The chords in “Kashmir” are primarily based on major chords and are arranged to create a sense of unsettled harmonic motion due to their unusual ordering and non-diatonic progression. The interplay between the chords and the melody creates a hypnotic, repetitive riff-like structure that is a key feature of the song. The scale choices and modal interchanges used in this progression contribute to a colorful, exotic sound that takes listeners on a journey through a unique musical landscape.
Overall Analysis
The chord progression found in “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin is a typical example of their unique approach to harmonic movement and compositional ideas. It features a blend of chords from different keys, creating a sense of tonal ambiguity which is a recurring theme in the band’s music. The piece also incorporates elements of Eastern and Western sounds, adding to the distinctiveness of their music.
Style Analysis
“Kashmir” is an experimental blend of hard rock and Eastern music elements. Led Zeppelin’s unique approach to harmony in this piece is one of the factors that made them stand out in the late 1960s and early 1970s rock scene. The song, with its heavy use of syncopation and complex rhythmic structures, lends an air of mystique and a sense of journey to the music. Employing non-diatonic chord progressions and modal shifts throughout the piece results in unconventional yet creative songwriting that has stood the test of time.
What are the chords in: Led Zeppelin – Kashmir – Turnaround?
A, D, F, C, G, A, C, G, Bb, F
