Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven – Verse 2
Stairway To Heaven < All Analyses
Chord Progression
C, D, Fmaj7, Am, C, D, Fmaj7, Am, Ammaj9, Am, D/F#, Fmaj7, G, Am
Chord Progression Analysis
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C (bIII) – D (IV) – Fmaj7 (bVI maj7) – Am (i) – C (bIII) – D (IV) – Fmaj7 (bVI maj7) – Am (i) – Ammaj9 (iMaj9) – Am (i) – D/F# (IV/VI) – Fmaj7 (bVI maj7) – G (VII) – Am (i)
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Similar Chord Progressions
1. “Hotel California” by The Eagles
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Bm (i) – F#7 (V7) – A (bVII) – E (IV) – G (bIII) – D (II) – Em (iii) – F#7 (V7)
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2. “Time of Your Life (Good Riddance)” by Green Day
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G (I) – C (IV) – D (V) – Em (vi) – G (I) – C (IV) – D (V)
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Both of these songs feature borrowed chords and chromatic alterations that create unique and memorable harmonic landscapes, similar to “Stairway to Heaven.”
Musical Analysis
This chord progression in A minor starts with a borrowed chord from the parallel major key, A major, C major (bIII). The progression then moves to D major (IV) and Fmaj7 (bVI maj7), both of which are also borrowed chords from the parallel major key, providing a sense of modal interchange. After that, it resolves to the tonic chord, Am (i). The pattern repeats itself once more before introducing Ammaj9 (iMaj9), a chromatic alteration adding a touch of tension and unexpected color to the progression.
The song then returns to Am (i) and moves to the D/F# chord (IV/VI), where F# is borrowed from A dorian mode. After that, it proceeds to Fmaj7 (bVI maj7) and finally reaches G major (VII), which leads back to the tonic chord, Am (i), for the next verse or section.
Overall Analysis
“Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin is a classic and iconic rock song released in 1971, as part of their fourth studio album, Led Zeppelin IV. The song is considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time, featuring an intricate chord progression, a memorable melody, and folk-inspired acoustic guitar work. The verse you provided is the second verse of the song, which shares a similar, but not identical chord progression to the other verses. The song is in the key of A minor, and the chord progression showcases a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, along with a couple of chromatic alterations.
Style Analysis
This chord progression exhibits a unique combination of folk, rock, and classical music elements. The use of borrowed chords and chromatic alterations in these verses shows the influence of classical music on Led Zeppelin’s songwriting, while the acoustic guitar arpeggios have a strong folk music feel. The overall rock sound of “Stairway to Heaven” comes from its arrangement and production, with the song building up to an electrifying guitar solo and climax.
What are the chords in: Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven – Verse 2?
C, D, Fmaj7, Am, C, D, Fmaj7, Am, Ammaj9, Am, D/F#, Fmaj7, G, Am
