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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 chord progression found in “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin is a typical example of their unique approach to harmonic movement and compositional ideas. It features a blend of chords from different keys, creating a sense of tonal ambiguity which is a recurring theme in the band’s music. The piece also incorporates elements of Eastern and Western sounds, adding to the distinctiveness of their music.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Radiohead’s “All I Need” is a relatively simple and straightforward progression featuring chords from the key of C major. The progression revolves around the I, iii, and V chords (C, Em, and G), providing a tonal base that’s consistent and easy to follow. Radiohead’s use of repetition and minimalism in this progression contributes to an emotional atmosphere and allows listeners to focus on the lyrics and other musical elements.

Verse 2 of Grizzly Bear’s “Yet Again” presents a straightforward harmonic progression that is common in pop and indie rock music. This series of chords is mainly built around the key of A minor, and uses diatonic chords (those that naturally occur within the key) of this key. The recurring sequence (Am, G, C, F, F, Em, C, Dm) indicates a strong sense of familiarity and predictability, characteristic of many pop/rock anthologies.

The chord progression in the verse 2 of Megalomania by Muse is predominantly in the key of E minor, with several chromatic and borrowed chords that give the progression a unique character. This progression consists of 16 chords and features an interesting mix of diatonic chords, secondary dominants, and borrowed chords that contribute to the dramatic and dark atmosphere of the piece.

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

“`
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