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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin is characterized by its distinctive blues-rock style and its highly memorable, driving riff. The bulk of the song revolves around the E5 (E power) chord, with occasional transitions to the D5 chord at the beginning of each phrase, giving the song a simple yet highly effective chord progression. The song is in the key of E Mixolydian.

The chord progression in the verse 2 of “House of The Rising Sun” by The Animals is an iconic progression in popular music. The song is in the key of A minor, and is built using diatonic and borrowed chords with some chromaticism. The progression features a strong sense of movement and resolution, with the mix of major and minor chords creating an emotional and dramatic atmosphere.

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The progression in the song “The Less I Know The Better” by Tame Impala shows a combination of borrowed chords and modal mixture, with most of the chords belonging to the key of E Major. The verse chords including G# minor, C# minor, B, and E, establish a strong use of modal interchange, borrowed from the parallel minor of E.

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“Exit Music (For a Film)” by Radiohead features a unique and somewhat complex chord progression, particularly in the second verse. The song can be viewed as being in A minor, with various borrowed chords and non-diatonic chords. The chord progression reflects Radiohead’s experimental and innovative approach to harmony and songwriting.

Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

C, D, Fmaj7, Am, C, D, Fmaj7, Am, Ammaj9, Am, D/F#, Fmaj7, G, Am

Chord Progression Analysis

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C (bIII) – D (IV) – Fmaj7 (bVI maj7) – Am (i) – C (bIII) – D (IV) – Fmaj7 (bVI maj7) – Am (i) – Ammaj9 (iMaj9) – Am (i) – D/F# (IV/VI) – Fmaj7 (bVI maj7) – G (VII) – Am (i)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Hotel California” by The Eagles
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Bm (i) – F#7 (V7) – A (bVII) – E (IV) – G (bIII) – D (II) – Em (iii) – F#7 (V7)
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2. “Time of Your Life (Good Riddance)” by Green Day
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G (I) – C (IV) – D (V) – Em (vi) – G (I) – C (IV) – D (V)
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Both of these songs feature borrowed chords and chromatic alterations that create unique and memorable harmonic landscapes, similar to “Stairway to Heaven.”

Musical Analysis

This chord progression in A minor starts with a borrowed chord from the parallel major key, A major, C major (bIII). The progression then moves to D major (IV) and Fmaj7 (bVI maj7), both of which are also borrowed chords from the parallel major key, providing a sense of modal interchange. After that, it resolves to the tonic chord, Am (i). The pattern repeats itself once more before introducing Ammaj9 (iMaj9), a chromatic alteration adding a touch of tension and unexpected color to the progression.

The song then returns to Am (i) and moves to the D/F# chord (IV/VI), where F# is borrowed from A dorian mode. After that, it proceeds to Fmaj7 (bVI maj7) and finally reaches G major (VII), which leads back to the tonic chord, Am (i), for the next verse or section.

Overall Analysis

“Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin is a classic and iconic rock song released in 1971, as part of their fourth studio album, Led Zeppelin IV. The song is considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time, featuring an intricate chord progression, a memorable melody, and folk-inspired acoustic guitar work. The verse you provided is the second verse of the song, which shares a similar, but not identical chord progression to the other verses. The song is in the key of A minor, and the chord progression showcases a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, along with a couple of chromatic alterations.

Style Analysis

This chord progression exhibits a unique combination of folk, rock, and classical music elements. The use of borrowed chords and chromatic alterations in these verses shows the influence of classical music on Led Zeppelin’s songwriting, while the acoustic guitar arpeggios have a strong folk music feel. The overall rock sound of “Stairway to Heaven” comes from its arrangement and production, with the song building up to an electrifying guitar solo and climax.

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

C, D, Fmaj7, Am, C, D, Fmaj7, Am, Ammaj9, Am, D/F#, Fmaj7, G, Am