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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Dazed and Confused” by Led Zeppelin is an iconic rock song that features a descending bass line and bluesy chord progressions. The outro takes on a more aggressive tone and the chords are power chords, which give the song a heavy sound. These power chords, mixed with the syncopated rhythm and the blues-rock influences, contribute to the song’s unique character.

The chord progression in verse 4 of “Since I’ve Been Loving You” has a striking mix of diatonic chords and chromatic chords that borrow from different modes, creating a unique and expressive progression found in the blues rock style. The progression features a predominantly minor tonality, with some tension points provided by the dominant seventh and major seventh chords.

“Heartbreaker” by The Rolling Stones is a classic rock song that utilizes a chord progression that is stereotypical of the genre. The verse and chorus unfold in the key of E minor, with the verse using primarily a cycle of Em7 and Am7. In terms of musical mood and expressivity, the progression conveys a melancholic yet energetic feeling, which is characteristic of the rock genre.

The progression starts on the suspended II chord of the key, which anticipates resolution either to the tonic (E major) or the supertonic (F# minor). However, it instead moves to the dominant minor (C# minor), suggesting a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (E minor). The D major chord which concludes the progression is a borrowed II from E minor as well.

“Tiny Dancer” by Elton John, written in the key of C Major, is a classic example of elaborate pop song writing. The chord progression features common primary and secondary chords in the key of C Major, along with some borrowed chords to add color. This combination makes for a memorable and melodic song.

The most unique feature of the song is how it slowly changes to the key of C minor in the second half of the verse, making use of two borrowed chords. This is a powerful tool in songwriting, as it can dramatically affect the emotional tone of the song. Lastly, this song demonstrates Elton John’s use of Coloristic harmony, through chromatically altered chords.

Led Zeppelin – Dazed And Confused – Verse

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Chord Progression

Em, Em, Emadd9, G7add13, Em, Em7, Em6, C7M, Em, Emadd9, G7add13, Em, Em7, Em6, C7M, B5, B5, B5, B5, B5, B5, B5, B5, B5, B5, B5, B5

Chord Progression Analysis

Em (i), Em (i), Emadd9 (iadd9), G7add13 (III7add13), Em (i), Em7 (i7), Em6 (i6), Cmaj7 (VIIMaj7), Em (i), Emadd9 (iadd9), G7add13 (III7add13), Em (i), Em7 (i7), Em6 (i6), Cmaj7 (VIIMaj7), B5 (v^o5)

Note: As there are no borrowed chords in this progression, no code block is necessary.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Cream – Sunshine of Your Love
Chord Progression: D (IV), C (bIII), G (I), G (I)

2. The Doors – Riders on the Storm
Chord Progression: Em9 (i9), Em9 (i9), A9 (IV9), A9 (IV9)

3. Jimi Hendrix – Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)
Chord Progression: E7#9 (I7#9), G (bIII), A (IV)

While these chord progressions may not be identical, they incorporate some similar techniques, such as modal interchange and the use of dominant or extended chords to create distinctive atmospheres in rock and blues music.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression begins with three variations of the Em chord (Em, Emadd9, and Em7), establishing E as the tonal center, creating a modal feeling. The G7add13 seems to suggest a shift to E Aeolian mode since it contains the flat 6th scale degree (C). This shift gives a sense of darkness and dissonance when it resolves back to Em.

The Em6 and Cmaj7 form an interesting chromatic line (B moving to C), slightly shifting the emphasis before returning to Em. The verse ends with a sequence of predominant B5 power chords, which leads back to the tonic, creating a sense of tension and release.

Overall Analysis

“Dazed and Confused” by Led Zeppelin is a rock song that features a mix of blues and psychedelic elements. The chord progression in the verse is quite unconventional and may invoke a feeling of unease, which matches the song’s mysterious and somewhat disorienting theme.

Style Analysis

“Dazed and Confused” showcases Led Zeppelin’s unique blend of blues and psychedelic rock. The use of modal interchange, chromatic lines, and power chords creates a dark and mystifying atmosphere. Additionally, the driving beat and dynamic changes add to the song’s energy.

Chords in the Verse section of Dazed And Confused by Led Zeppelin are:

Em, Em, Emadd9, G7add13, Em, Em7, Em6, C7M, Em, Emadd9, G7add13, Em, Em7, Em6, C7M, B5, B5, B5, B5, B5, B5, B5, B5, B5, B5, B5, B5