Led Zeppelin – Since Ive Been Loving You – Verse 3
Since Ive Been Loving You < All Analyses
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.
What are the chords in: Led Zeppelin – Since Ive Been Loving You – Verse 3?
Cm, Fm, Cm, Eb, D, Cm, G7/D, Cm/Eb, Eb7, D7, Dbmaj7
