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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The outro of “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin features a simple alternating chord progression between G major and A major, which creates tension by avoiding a resolution to the tonic or dominant chords. This makes the progression sound unstable, yet well defined as it repeats. The recurring ascending motion creates a sense of lift throughout the outro, while the lack of a true resolution maintains a feeling of unease. This progression is notable for its simplicity, as well as how it invokes a modal sound that is characteristic of the mixolydian mode often used in rock music.

The chord progression in the verse 1 of “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin features just two chords: D and E. This fairly simple progression, used repetitively throughout the verse, creates a strong and energetic foundation for the song. The style of the song reflects 1960s heavy rock, and the simplicity of the chord progression adds to the rawness and drive of the music.

The song “A Day in the Life” by the Beatles is known for its unique and striking musical features. The chord progression in the interlude, in particular, represents an example of the Beatles’ innovative approach to harmonic structure and tonal movement. This section is essentially a sequence of dominant-seventh chords that each resolve to the note a fifth below, a common harmonic progression known as the circle of fifths. The interlude features a prominent orchestral crescendo and transition that are hallmarks of the Beatles’ experimental approach to the use of orchestral instruments in rock music.

“In My Life” is a song by The Beatles from the 1965 album Rubber Soul. It is written in the key of A Major, beloved for its introspective lyrics and harmonic structure. The chord progression is complex and contains several borrowed chords and secondary dominants, displaying an impressive use of tonality that is characteristic of the band’s sophisticated songwriting.

The song “Gravity” by A Perfect Circle is principally in the key signature of C# minor, which is categorically a minor scale. The primary chords used throughout the song are C#m, F#, and G#m, with the addition of E occasionally. The overall chord progression is quite consistent, with alternative lose touch of the conventional nature of chord progressions in pop and rock music.

Led Zeppelin – Kashmir – Interlude

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Chord Progression

A, A

Chord Progression Analysis

A Major (I) – A Major (I)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “Tomorrow Never Knows”
C Major (I) – C Major (I)
2. Radiohead – “Creep”
G Major (I) – G Major (I)
3. The Doors – “The End”
E Minor (i) – E Minor (i)

These songs feature similar repeated chord progressions, though the specific chords and overall styles of the music may vary significantly.

Musical Analysis

The interlude features a very simple chord progression, consisting only of the A Major chord repeated twice. This repetition serves to emphasize the tonal center of the piece and creates a sense of stability and resolution. As there are no borrowed chords in this interlude, it is a clear example of harmony derived from the major mode.

Overall Analysis

“Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin is a classic rock song that is well-known for its distinctive and mysterious sound. This interlude, in particular, creates a sense of tension and resolution through its simple but effective chord progression. The overall harmonic structure is built on a modal mixture, drawing from both the major and minor modes, which contributes to its unique atmosphere.

Style Analysis

“Kashmir” incorporates elements of both rock and world music, with the latter being most evident in the use of exotic-sounding scales and non-Western instrumentation. The repetition of the A Major chord in this interlude can be seen as a reflection of the drone-like quality often found in Indian classical music. Furthermore, the combination of simple harmonic structure and the unique timbres of the instruments used contribute to its overall sense of mystique, which is a hallmark of Led Zeppelin’s style.

Chords in the Interlude section of Kashmir by Led Zeppelin are:

A, A