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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.

“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin is a classic example of hard rock and blues rock, characterized by its driving rhythm, distorted guitar riff, and powerful vocal performance by Robert Plant. The harmonic structure of the song is relatively simple, with a focus on the blues-based E-D-E progression during the second chorus. Although seemingly basic, this progression contributes to the song’s raw, energetic vibe.

“House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals is a traditional folk song arranged by the British rock band in 1964. The song is known for its distinct and haunting minor sound, which has become one of the most famous examples of a minor key in popular music. The chord progression features a mix of diatonic and non-diatonic chords that add variety and interest to the music.

“Love of My Life” by Queen exhibits a very romantic and classical style, resonant of popular ballads primarily from the classical and romantic periods. The song beautifully plays with complex harmonies, frequent key changes and borrowings from parallel keys (modal mixture), which together yield a dramatic and emotional expression. Many of the chords used, including diminished chords, fully diminished seventh, major-minor seventh chords, and usage of secondary dominants are reminiscent of 19th-century Romantic music.

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The given chord progression is from the fourth verse of “Megalomania” by Muse. It reflects a mix of classical and rock influences and showcases Muse’s signature harmonic choices, featuring borrowed chords and non-diatonic elements.

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Led Zeppelin – Since Ive Been Loving You – Verse 4

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Chord Progression

Cm, Fm, Cm, C7, Fm, Cm, Gm, Ab, Fm, Cm/Eb, G7/D, Cm, Eb7, D7, Dbmaj7, Ab, Fm, Cm/Eb, G7/D, Cm, Eb7, D7, Dbmaj7, Cm

Chord Progression Analysis

Cm (i), Fm (iv), Cm (i), C7 (V7/iv), Fm (iv), Cm (i), Gm (v), Ab (VI), Fm (iv), Cm/Eb (i6), G7/D (V7/v), Cm (i), Eb7 (VI7), D7 (V7/iv), Dbmaj7 (bVIMaj7), Ab (VI), Fm (iv), Cm/Eb (i6), G7/D (/V7/v), Cm (i), Eb7 (VI7), D7 (V7/iv), Dbmaj7 (bVIMaj7), Cm (i)

Borrowed Chords:
`C7 (V7/iv), G7/D (V7/v), Eb7 (VI7), D7 (V7/iv)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Derek and the Dominos – “Layla”: Dm (i), Bb (VI), C (VII), Dm (i), C (VII), Dm (i), Eb (V7/iv), Dm (i), Bb9 (VI9), A (V7/v), Abmaj7 (bVIMaj7)
2. Pink Floyd – “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”: Gm (i), F (#VII), Gm (i), Cm (iv), Bb (VII), Ebmaj7 (bIIIMaj7), Bb (VII), Gm (i), Fm (iv), A (V7/v), Ab (#iv)

Musical Analysis

The progression begins with Cm and Fm, followed by a borrowed dominant C7 chord, which functions as a secondary dominant that temporarily resolves to Fm. The progression then returns to Cm, and continues with Gm and Ab, adding some modal mixture and creating a sense of ambiguity.

The next section features a Cm/Eb chord, followed by a borrowed dominant G7/D, which functions as a secondary dominant resolving to Cm. The music then moves to Eb7, D7, and Dbmaj7, with the D7 functioning as another borrowed secondary dominant resolving to the Dbmaj7. This creates a smooth chromatic movement.

The progression continues with Ab and Fm chords before repeating a similar pattern with Cm/Eb, G7/D, and Cm. The verse ends with another sequence of Eb7, D7, Dbmaj7, and Cm, featuring the same chromatic movement as before.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

This chord progression exhibits influences from blues and rock genres. The use of borrowed chords, secondary dominants, and modal mixture is characteristic of blues music, allowing for more emotional expression. The chromatic movement and the inclusion of major seventh chords reflect the more experimental and progressive tendencies of 1970s-era rock music, particularly in bands like Led Zeppelin that often blended blues and rock elements together.

Chords in the Verse 4 section of Since Ive Been Loving You by Led Zeppelin are:

Cm, Fm, Cm, C7, Fm, Cm, Gm, Ab, Fm, Cm/Eb, G7/D, Cm, Eb7, D7, Dbmaj7, Ab, Fm, Cm/Eb, G7/D, Cm, Eb7, D7, Dbmaj7, Cm