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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in verse 4 of “Since I’ve Been Loving You” has a striking mix of diatonic chords and chromatic chords that borrow from different modes, creating a unique and expressive progression found in the blues rock style. The progression features a predominantly minor tonality, with some tension points provided by the dominant seventh and major seventh chords.

“Stairway to Heaven” is a progressive rock song by Led Zeppelin, released in 1971. The song showcases a movement between different styles and musical settings, as it starts with a gentle, fingerpicked acoustic section and gradually evolves into a powerful and climactic electric guitar solo, finishing with a full-band finale. The song is characterized by its ascending progression and intricate chord changes, which contribute to its unique and haunting atmosphere. The verse 1 chord progression features a blend of diatonic and chromatic elements, borrowed chords, and inversions, which create a sense of tension and resolution throughout the progression.

The chord progression for verse 3 of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” utilizes multiple techniques to create a rich and emotive sound. These techniques include diatonic chords, borrowed chords, and extended harmony. The progression follows a general pattern, with a repeated structure that helps unify the verse.

“Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles is a significant example of their high level of technical composition skills. This track, which is played in the key of A Major, incorporates variations in the conventional chord progressions by using borrowed chords and shifting harmonic and melodic structures, showcasing their profound understanding of music theory and ability to use those ideas creatively.

“Yet Again” by Grizzly Bear uses a repetitive verse structure that has a fairly common, major-oriented progression, but develops interest by alternating the exact sequence of chords that it employs. This gives the song a haunting but familiar atmosphere. The mixture of minor and major chords, along with the presence of a borrowed chord, creates tension and release within each verse.

Led Zeppelin – Since Ive Been Loving You – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

Cm (i), Fm (iv), Cm (i), E♭ (III), D (V/vi), Cm (i), G7/D (V7/IV), Cm/E♭ (i6), E♭7 (III7), D7 (V7 of ♭III), D♭maj7 (♭III).

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Borrowed Chords: E♭7, D7
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. Pink Floyd – “Breathe”:
Dmaj7 (I), Em9 (ii9), Amaj7 (V), G(#11) (IV#11)

2. The Beatles – “Something”:
Cmaj7 (I), C7 (V7 of IV), F (IV), Am (vi), D7 (V7 of IV), G (IV), Bm7 (ii7), E7 (V7 of vi), Am (vi)

3. Jimi Hendrix – “Little Wing”:
Em (i), G (III), Am (iv), Em7 (i7), Bm (v), B♭ (♭V), Am (iv), C (VI)

These examples showcase other artists who use chromaticism, borrowed chords, and modal interchange to add harmonic depth and interest to their music, similarly to what Led Zeppelin achieved in “Since I’ve Been Loving You.”

Musical Analysis

This progression begins with a classic i-iv (Cm-Fm) movement that is common in blues and rock music. The E♭ major chord, functioning as a chromatic mediant, connects the Cm and D chords through smooth voice leading. This D major chord, which is borrowed from the parallel major key of C and functions as a secondary dominant to the following Cm, adds an interesting twist to the otherwise simplistic progression.

G7/D serves as a secondary dominant targeting the Fm chord (IV), leading to a brief tonicization of the subdominant. The harmonic progression then moves to the first inversion of the tonic chord, Cm/E♭, creating a smooth bass line descending stepwise to E♭7. This chord is another borrowed chord, a lowered III7, which transitions to a D7. The D7 is traditionally expected to resolve to Gm (vi), but instead, it resolves deceptively to a D♭maj7 (♭III), which brings an unexpected and emotionally rich color to the progression.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

“Since I’ve Been Loving You” showcases Led Zeppelin’s unique blend of rock, blues, and jazz influences. The progression mixes diatonic and chromatic harmonies, along with modal interchange and secondary dominants. Moreover, it features the signature melodic and expressive guitar playing of Jimmy Page, as well as the potent rhythm section formed by John Bonham and John Paul Jones. This verse stands as a testament to Led Zeppelin’s ability to push the boundaries of popular music while remaining true to their roots.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Since Ive Been Loving You by Led Zeppelin are:

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