Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin is recognized for its use of modal interchange, specifically borrowing chords from the parallel minor, and its distinct way of blending rock and folk music elements. This piece is in the key of A minor and the chord progression in Verse 5 is simple but quite effective.

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.

“Eight Days A Week” by The Beatles, released in 1965, is renowned for its catchy melodic phrases, tight harmonies, and distinctive use of chords. The song is firmly rooted in the key of D major, but there is an interesting use of borrowed chords.

Verse 2

“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.

The chord progression in verse 2 of “Telepatia” by Kali Uchis is a jazz-influenced progression in the key of E minor. It features several extended chords, such as the Em9 and Gmaj7 used throughout, and a dominant chord, B7, which provides tension and resolution in the progression. The G/A chord, which is essentially an A11 chord without the 3rd, also gives the progression a sense of blending major and minor tonalities.

Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven – Verse 2

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
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
“`
Bm (i) – F#7 (V7) – A (bVII) – E (IV) – G (bIII) – D (II) – Em (iii) – F#7 (V7)
“`
2. “Time of Your Life (Good Riddance)” by Green Day
“`
G (I) – C (IV) – D (V) – Em (vi) – G (I) – C (IV) – D (V)
“`

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