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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Since I’ve Been Loving You” is a blues-influenced rock ballad by Led Zeppelin. Its chord progression showcases the band’s eclectic mix of blues, rock, and jazz influences. The progression is characterized by a mix of diatonic and chromatically altered chords, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of harmony and emotional depth that is typical of Led Zeppelin’s 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.

“Kiss” by Prince is a classic example showcasing Prince’s unique and complex songwriting abilities. The song is written in the key of A major. The distinctive funk rock style is primarily expressed via dominant and suspended chords. This combined with Prince’s rhythmically tight and syncopated guitar playing gives the song its infectious groove.

Verse 2 of Grizzly Bear’s “Yet Again” presents a straightforward harmonic progression that is common in pop and indie rock music. This series of chords is mainly built around the key of A minor, and uses diatonic chords (those that naturally occur within the key) of this key. The recurring sequence (Am, G, C, F, F, Em, C, Dm) indicates a strong sense of familiarity and predictability, characteristic of many pop/rock anthologies.

The piece “3’s and 7’s” by Queens of The Stone Age illustrates a fascinating blend of minor and major tonality, accented dissonances, and unexpected harmonic turns, which is characteristic of the band’s stoner rock and alternative metal style. The verse 2 chord progression is in A# minor and it sticks to a fairly repetitive three-chord progression of A#m – G# – F.

Led Zeppelin – Since Ive Been Loving You – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

Cm, Fm, Cm, Fm, Cm, Gm, Ab, Fm, Cm/Eb, G7/D, Cm, Eb7, D7, Dbmaj7

Chord Progression Analysis

Cm (i) – Fm (iv) – Cm (i) – Fm (iv) – Cm (i) – Gm (v) – Ab (VI) – Fm (iv) – Cm/Eb (i6) – G7/D (V7b9/iv) – Cm (i) – Eb7 (VI7) – D7 (V7/N) – Dbmaj7 (bVII)

`Borrowed Chord: Ab (VI)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles
Am (i) – Am/G (i7) – Am/F# (ivor) – Am/F (i6) – G (VII) – C (III) – E (V) – Am (i)

2. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin (Verse)
Am (i) – Am(maj7) (i(maj7)) – Am7 (i7) – Am6 (i6) – D/F# (IVb5) – Fmaj7 (VI) – G (VII) – Am (i)

Although these chord progressions are not exactly the same as “Since I’ve Been Loving You,” they share some common features, such as the use of borrowed chords, secondary dominants, and the mixture of major and minor chords to create a distinctive and emotionally charged atmosphere.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression begins with a standard i – iv alternation in C minor, which is typical of the blues genre. This progression is repeated three times, establishing the melancholy atmosphere of the verse. The Gm chord, serving as the v, introduces a brief sense of tension before resolving to a borrowed Ab major chord, which provides a more colorful and unexpected twist to the harmony.

The progression then returns to Fm before moving to a first inversion Cm chord, with the Eb in the bass. This sets up the following secondary dominant chord, G7/D, which temporarily tonicizes the Fm chord, intensifying the song’s emotive quality.

The return to the Cm chord is quickly followed by an Eb7 chord, acting as the VI7 and continuing the sense of longing present throughout the tune. The D7 chord, in turn, operates as a secondary dominant to the following Dbmaj7, highlighting the chromatic movement between the two chords and adding more color to the harmony.

Overall Analysis

“Since I’ve Been Loving You” by Led Zeppelin is a slow blues ballad with a rich harmonic palette, featuring expressive guitar solos and a passionate, longing vocal performance. The song is characterized by its use of chromaticism, borrowed chords, and seventh chords, which contribute to its intense, bluesy atmosphere. The chord progression for Verse 2 displays a moody and introspective tone, which serves as the perfect backdrop for the plaintive lyrics and the emotional solos throughout the piece.

Style Analysis

“Since I’ve Been Loving You” showcases Led Zeppelin’s ability to blend blues and rock elements with more sophisticated harmonic choices, creating a unique and emotionally charged musical experience. The use of borrowed chords, secondary dominants, and chromaticism reflects the band’s willingness to explore beyond traditional rock and blues progressions, while maintaining the raw and powerful impact characteristic of their music.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Since Ive Been Loving You by Led Zeppelin are:

Cm, Fm, Cm, Fm, Cm, Gm, Ab, Fm, Cm/Eb, G7/D, Cm, Eb7, D7, Dbmaj7