Music Theory Alchemy

Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

The Bridge 1 of “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin is a beautiful and intriguing chord progression that combines diatonic chords, borrowed chords, and chromatic passing tones. This progression is part of a longer musical composition which has gained immense popularity since its release in 1971 as part of their fourth album, and has become one of the most iconic songs in rock music history.

This mid-section of “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin features a mixolydian/modal feel, which is mostly characterized by the use of the bVII chord (D major). The chord progression primarily revolves around a simple G and A alternation, which manifests an ♭II chord (A Major) borrowed from the Phrygian mode. Following this alternation, the chord progression ascends through a series of major chords before resolving back to A Major.

**
“Killer Queen” is a unique composition with a hybrid style. It manages to combine rock and pop structure with complex harmonic techniques often found in classical and jazz music. Queen’s unique sound can be attributed to Freddie Mercury’s diverse musical influences, hence creating such sophisticated progressions.

**

The overall analysis of “With A Little Help From My Friends” indicates usage of the classic Pop/Rock chord style that The Beatles were known for. This style often features I-IV-V (1-4-5) progressions and the usage of minor chords to create emotive contrasts. “With A Little Help From My Friends” uses this to great effect, even incorporating borrowed chords from parallel scales for enhanced emotion and “singability.”

Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven – Bridge 2

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

Am7, D, Am7, Em/D, D, C/D, D, Am7, D, Am7, Em/D, D, C/D, D

Chord Progression Analysis

Am7 (vi7) – D (IV) – Am7 (vi7) – Em/D (ii7/IV) – D (IV) – C/D (♭VII/IV) – D (IV) – Am7 (vi7) – D (IV) – Am7 (vi7) – Em/D (ii7/IV) – D (IV) – C/D (♭VII/IV) – D (IV)

“`
Borrowed Chord: C/D (♭VII/IV)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “Let It Be” (Chorus)
F (IV) – C (I) – G (V) – F (IV) – C (I) – G (V)

2. Guns N’ Roses – “Sweet Child O’ Mine” (Verse)
D (IV) – Bm (ii) – A (I) – D (IV) – G (♭VII) – A (I) – D (IV)

Musical Analysis

The progression starts with an Am7 chord (vi7), which has a distinctly minor feel. This is followed by a major D chord (IV), creating a gentle, uplifting progression that touches on both major and minor tonalities. The Am7 and D chords are alternated, with the addition of an Em/D (ii7/IV) chord serving as a passing chord, adding more harmonic richness to the progression.

The most noteworthy aspect of this progression is the inclusion of the C/D (♭VII/IV), which is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key. This chord adds an interesting chromatic element and provides a brief sense of tension before resolving back to the D (IV).

Overall Analysis

“Stairway to Heaven” is a well-known song by Led Zeppelin, released in 1971 on their untitled fourth album, which is often referred to as “Led Zeppelin IV” or “Zoso.” The song, composed by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, is a complex piece with various sections and stylistic influences. The section under analysis, Bridge 2, is a chord progression that serves as a connecting passage between the more tranquil sections of the song and the harder, rock aspects that follow. The chords are built on diatonic and chromatic elements, showcasing the band’s skill in creating evocative harmonic progressions.

Style Analysis

Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” is often classified as a progressive rock piece. It incorporates various elements of folk, rock, and even classical music. The Bridge 2 progression exemplifies the fusion of these different styles, as it borrows traditional diatonic harmonies, the chromatic borrowed chord, and the rhythmically driven guitar line. This blending of styles ultimately helps create the song’s unique and enduring appeal.

Chords in the Bridge 2 section of Stairway To Heaven by Led Zeppelin are:

Am7, D, Am7, Em/D, D, C/D, D, Am7, D, Am7, Em/D, D, C/D, D