Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven – Verse 1
Stairway To Heaven < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Am,
Ammaj9,
Am7,
D/F#,
Fmaj7,
G,
Am,
Am,
Ammaj9,
Am7,
D/F#,
Fmaj7,
G,
Am,
C,
D/F#,
C,
G,
D’]
Chord Progression Analysis
“`
A minor (i),
A minor major 9 (iMaj9),
A minor 7 (i7),
D major/F# (IV6),
F major 7 (VI7),
G major (VII),
A minor (i)
–(x2)
C major (III),
D major/F# (IV6),
C major (III),
G major (VII),
D major (IV)
“`
`Borrowed chord: [‘D major/F# (IV6)`’]
Similar Chord Progressions
1. Pink Floyd – “Breathe”
“`
D7sus2/G (IV7sus2/III),
Gmaj7 (IVmaj7),
A7sus4 (V7sus4),
A7 (V7),
“`
2. Jethro Tull – “Aqualung”
“`
Fmaj7 (VI7),
Dm (iv),
G7sus4 (VII7sus4),
G7 (VII7)
“`
3. Genesis – “Firth of Fifth”
“`
Cmaj7 (III7),
Ebmaj7 (bV7),
Fmaj7 (VI7),
G#maj7 (bVII7),
Abmaj7 (bVIM7)
“`
Musical Analysis
The verse begins with a tonic A minor chord, establishing the tonal center of the piece. The progression then moves through Ammaj9 and Am7, creating a chromatic descent in the melody. The borrowed chord, D major/F# (IV6), adds tension and intrigue to the progression, serving as a secondary dominant leading back to the relative major, Fmaj7.
The use of the Fmaj7 and G chords adds a sense of resolution to the progression, leading back to the tonic A minor. The inclusion of the C major (III) and D major (IV) chords in the latter part of the verse adds further interest and movement, while G major (VII) serves as a dominant function leading back to the tonic.
Overall Analysis
“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.
Style Analysis
“Stairway to Heaven” is a fusion of progressive rock, folk, and hard rock, as it combines intricate acoustic fingerpicking with powerful guitar solos and a highly dynamic arrangement. The chord progression in the verse reflects an eclectic mix of diatonic, chromatic, and borrowed chords that are typical of progressive rock, contributing to the song’s atmospheric quality.
What are the chords in: Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven – Verse 1?
[‘Am,
Ammaj9,
Am7,
D/F#,
Fmaj7,
G,
Am,
Am,
Ammaj9,
Am7,
D/F#,
Fmaj7,
G,
Am,
C,
D/F#,
C,
G,
D’]
