Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love – Verse 2
Whole Lotta Love < All Analyses
Chord Progression
D, E, D, E, D, E, D, E, D, E, D, E, D, E, D, E, D
Chord Progression Analysis
– D5 (‘bVII5)
– E5 (‘I5)
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D5: Borrowed chord from E Dorian
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Similar Chord Progressions
1. “Sunshine Of Your Love” by Cream:
– D5 (‘bVII5)
– E5 (‘I5)
2. “La Grange” by ZZ Top:
– A5 (‘I5)
– G5 (‘bVII5)
3. “Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin:
– A5 (‘I5)
– G5 (‘bVII5)
– D5 (‘IV5)
4. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses (intro riff):
– D5 (‘bVII5)
– E5 (‘I5)
As shown, several other blues-rock songs feature similar chord progressions, often revolving around power chords and the Mixolydian mode. The usage of the bVII chord, in particular, gives these songs a bluesy and edgy feel.
Musical Analysis
Though simple in structure, the driving rhythm and energy of the riff keep the listeners engaged throughout the song. The use of the power chord (E5) without the third allows for an ambiguous harmonic quality, giving the song its heavy rock sound.
The bVII chord, in this case, the D5, creates a strong pull back to the tonic, E5. It is important to note the use of the borrowed chord D5 from the E Dorian mode, which adds tension and bluesy character in the riff.
Overall Analysis
“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin is characterized by its distinctive blues-rock style and its highly memorable, driving riff. The bulk of the song revolves around the E5 (E power) chord, with occasional transitions to the D5 chord at the beginning of each phrase, giving the song a simple yet highly effective chord progression. The song is in the key of E Mixolydian.
Style Analysis
“Whole Lotta Love” is a perfect example of Led Zeppelin’s signature style, combining elements of blues and rock in a way that is both original and definitively Zeppelin. The simple yet effective use of the power chords and the Mixolydian mode, with a touch of the Dorian mode, gives this song its recognizable blues-rock feel.
What are the chords in: Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love – Verse 2?
D, E, D, E, D, E, D, E, D, E, D, E, D, E, D, E, D
