Led Zeppelin – Kashmir – Outro
Kashmir < All Analyses
Chord Progression
G, A, G, A, G, A, G, A, G, A, G, A, G, A, G, A, G
Chord Progression Analysis
G major (bVII) – A major (I)
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Borrowed Chord: None in this progression
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Similar Chord Progressions
1. The Beatles – “Eleanor Rigby”
Chord progression: C major (I) – E minor (iii) – C major (I)
2. The Rolling Stones – “Gimme Shelter”
Chord progression: C# minor (i) – B major (VII) – A major (VI)
3. David Bowie – “Heroes”
Chord progression: D major (I) – G major (IV) – A major (V)
These examples provide a taste of similar two-chord or unresolved progressions in other classic rock songs. While they may not be exact matches to the Kashmir outro, they share some structural similarities within their respective context, showcasing how simple chord progressions can be effective.
Musical Analysis
This simple two-chord progression creates an interesting harmonic landscape as it avoids traditional resolutions expected in tonal music. The choice to emphasize an ascent from G major to the A major chord, rather than following a more typical resolution from the dominant chord (E major), provides the track with a distinct modal quality. This harmonic ambiguity is a signature of Eastern music influences, which are quite prevalent in Led Zeppelin’s work.
Overall Analysis
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.
Style Analysis
The signature sound of “Kashmir” stems largely from Led Zeppelin’s ability to blend Western rock with Eastern elements, such as the drone-like quality of this outro. Though the chords themselves are relatively simple, the arrangement and instrumentation are what make this progression shine. The driving percussion, layered strings, and guitar embellishments give this simple progression a powerful, even hypnotic, quality.
What are the chords in: Led Zeppelin – Kashmir – Outro?
G, A, G, A, G, A, G, A, G, A, G, A, G, A, G, A, G
