Led Zeppelin – Since Ive Been Loving You – Verse 1
Since Ive Been Loving You < All Analyses
Chord Progression
Cm, Fm, Cm, Fm, Cm, G5, Ab, Fm, Cm/Eb, G7/D, Cm, Eb7, D7, Dbmaj7
Chord Progression Analysis
C minor (i), F minor (iv), C minor (i), F minor (iv), C minor (i), G5 (V), A-flat major (VI), F minor (iv), C minor/E-flat (i/vi), G7/D (V7/ii in first inversion), C minor (i), E-flat7 (III7), D7 (V7/IV), D-flat major7 (♭IVmaj7)
Borrowed Chords:
`A-flat major (VI)`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. Pink Floyd – “Breathe”
Verse Chord Progression: E minor (i), A7 (IV7), E minor (i), A7 (IV7), E minor (i), E7/G# (VImaj7/V), A major (IV), A7 (IV7)
Although not identical, the verse of Pink Floyd’s “Breathe” shares the same emphasis on the iv (A7) chord, exploring a sense of harmonic tension and resolution. It also includes the E7/G# (VImaj7/V), a chromatic harmony that creates an expressive atmosphere similar to Led Zeppelin’s “Since I’ve Been Loving You.”
2. The Beatles – “Yer Blues”
Verse Chord Progression: E7 (I7), A7 (IV7), E7 (I7), B7 (V7), E7 (I7), G7 (♭III7), C7 (♭VI7), F7 (♭II7)
Although in a major key, The Beatles’ “Yer Blues” also utilizes a blues-based structure. The constant movement between I7-IV7-I7 creates a similarly moody atmosphere. The song incorporates chromatic, descending seventh chords like G7, C7, and F7, which add tension and color reminiscent of the emotional tension found in “Since I’ve Been Loving You.”
Musical Analysis
The verse of “Since I’ve Been Loving You” opens with a basic i-iv progression (Cm-Fm) that is typical in minor key blues music. The repetition of this i-iv progression evokes a sense of melancholy and longing. The G5 chord, which is the fifth degree in the key of C minor, does not have the full dominant function, but the tension created by the later G7/D helps the listener anticipate a resolution.
The A-flat major chord, functioning as a borrowed chord from the parallel major key of C major, gives the progression a surprising uplifting quality before returning to the F minor, further highlighting the emotional tension of the piece.
The Cm/E-flat and G7/D chords add harmonic interest through their first inversion, creating a smoother bass line progression. The transition from E-flat7 to D7 is a chromatic mediant relationship, creating a sense of momentary harmonic ambiguity before resolving to the final chromatic surprise, the D-flat major7 chord.
Overall Analysis
“Since I’ve Been Loving You” by Led Zeppelin is a slow-tempo blues-rock song featuring a sophisticated and expressive chord progression that falls predominantly within the C minor key, standing out from the more traditional blues structures. The chords in the verse display a creative use of borrowed chords and chromaticism, contributing to the song’s moody and emotionally-evocative atmosphere. The progression is less common in rock music, which is what makes it characteristic of Led Zeppelin’s innovative musical explorations.
Style Analysis
Led Zeppelin’s “Since I’ve Been Loving You” showcases the band’s fondness for blues-based progressions but also underlines their success in introducing innovative harmonic changes into their music. The inclusion of borrowed and chromatic chords emphasizes their progressive musical approach. Additionally, the song’s slow tempo, combined with the passionate vocal delivery and emotive guitar solos, contribute to the reflective and introspective character of the piece.
What are the chords in: Led Zeppelin – Since Ive Been Loving You – Verse 1?
Cm, Fm, Cm, Fm, Cm, G5, Ab, Fm, Cm/Eb, G7/D, Cm, Eb7, D7, Dbmaj7
