Music Theory Alchemy

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“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.

“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin is a classic rock song that was released in 1969. The song features a signature riff that has become an iconic part of rock and roll history. The chorus of the song features a chord progression based on the alternating pattern of E and D Major chords, creating a groove that is both driving and catchy.

The song “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails is in the key of B minor. The verse has a simple yet effective chord progression that revolves mainly around the i, III, and IV chords with a slight deviation towards the end. The chorus is characterized by a i-VII-III-VI progression with a slight extension. The outro mostly repeats the verse progression but is shorter.

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“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by The Rolling Stones is built around major tonality and uses direct and simple progressions. It also features what are known as additive chords (Gadd9) – chords to which notes are added beyond the common triad. The song commences in the key of G Major, indicated by the G, Gadd9, and C chords. These chords progress in an almost continual cyclical pattern across the verses. Here, the dominant chord (D) in the key of G Major is absent, which grants a tonal ambiguity to the song. Interestingly, the song takes a departure into a different key later on which will not be included in this analysis as it pertains to the Verse only.

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The chord progression in the verse of “Help!” by The Beatles is quite characteristic of their style, using common chords but in interesting and unusual ways. The verse of “Help!” notably presents a mix of classic pop chord progression (I-vi-ii-V), secondary dominant chords and chromatic progressions. The Beatles often incorporated novel harmonic structures that added depth and complexity to their pop music, as evidenced in this piece.

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