Led Zeppelin – Since Ive Been Loving You – Verse 2
Since Ive Been Loving You < All Analyses
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.
What are the chords in: Led Zeppelin – Since Ive Been Loving You – Verse 2?
Cm, Fm, Cm, Fm, Cm, Gm, Ab, Fm, Cm/Eb, G7/D, Cm, Eb7, D7, Dbmaj7
