Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven – Bridge 2
Stairway To Heaven < All Analyses
Chord Progression
Am7, D, Am7, Em/D, D, C/D, D, Am7, D, Am7, Em/D, D, C/D, D
Chord Progression Analysis
Am7 (vi7) – D (IV) – Am7 (vi7) – Em/D (ii7/IV) – D (IV) – C/D (♭VII/IV) – D (IV) – Am7 (vi7) – D (IV) – Am7 (vi7) – Em/D (ii7/IV) – D (IV) – C/D (♭VII/IV) – D (IV)
“`
Borrowed Chord: C/D (♭VII/IV)
“`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. The Beatles – “Let It Be” (Chorus)
F (IV) – C (I) – G (V) – F (IV) – C (I) – G (V)
2. Guns N’ Roses – “Sweet Child O’ Mine” (Verse)
D (IV) – Bm (ii) – A (I) – D (IV) – G (♭VII) – A (I) – D (IV)
Musical Analysis
The progression starts with an Am7 chord (vi7), which has a distinctly minor feel. This is followed by a major D chord (IV), creating a gentle, uplifting progression that touches on both major and minor tonalities. The Am7 and D chords are alternated, with the addition of an Em/D (ii7/IV) chord serving as a passing chord, adding more harmonic richness to the progression.
The most noteworthy aspect of this progression is the inclusion of the C/D (♭VII/IV), which is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key. This chord adds an interesting chromatic element and provides a brief sense of tension before resolving back to the D (IV).
Overall Analysis
“Stairway to Heaven” is a well-known song by Led Zeppelin, released in 1971 on their untitled fourth album, which is often referred to as “Led Zeppelin IV” or “Zoso.” The song, composed by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, is a complex piece with various sections and stylistic influences. The section under analysis, Bridge 2, is a chord progression that serves as a connecting passage between the more tranquil sections of the song and the harder, rock aspects that follow. The chords are built on diatonic and chromatic elements, showcasing the band’s skill in creating evocative harmonic progressions.
Style Analysis
Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” is often classified as a progressive rock piece. It incorporates various elements of folk, rock, and even classical music. The Bridge 2 progression exemplifies the fusion of these different styles, as it borrows traditional diatonic harmonies, the chromatic borrowed chord, and the rhythmically driven guitar line. This blending of styles ultimately helps create the song’s unique and enduring appeal.
What are the chords in: Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven – Bridge 2?
Am7, D, Am7, Em/D, D, C/D, D, Am7, D, Am7, Em/D, D, C/D, D
