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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.

“Dazed and Confused” by Led Zeppelin is an iconic rock song that features a descending bass line and bluesy chord progressions. The outro takes on a more aggressive tone and the chords are power chords, which give the song a heavy sound. These power chords, mixed with the syncopated rhythm and the blues-rock influences, contribute to the song’s unique character.

“Penny Lane” by The Beatles is an eclectic and elegant piece of music evident in its rhythm, harmony, melody, and lyrics. It is predominantly in the key of A Major, but it has several key changes and introduces chords that are non-diatonic, giving it a progressive and unexpected feel.

“Since I’ve Been Loving You” is a blues-influenced rock ballad by Led Zeppelin. Its chord progression showcases the band’s eclectic mix of blues, rock, and jazz influences. The progression is characterized by a mix of diatonic and chromatically altered chords, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of harmony and emotional depth that is typical of Led Zeppelin’s music.

“Yesterday” is predominantly composed in the key of F Major. The song is a classic in pop songwriting and showcases the effective use of borrowed chords to capture a unique, nostalgic sound that has made it one of the most covered songs in pop music. Specifically, in this verse, the use of secondary dominants and borrowed chords from the parallel minor key provides the song’s distinctive tonal color.

Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

C, G, Am, C, G, Fmaj7, Am, C, G, Am, C, G, Fmaj7, Am, C, G

Chord Progression Analysis

C Major (I)
G Major (V)
A minor (vi)
C Major (I)
G Major (V)
F Major 7 (IV^7)
A minor (vi)
C Major (I)
G Major (V)
A minor (vi)
C Major (I)
G Major (V)
F Major 7 (IV^7)
A minor (vi)
C Major (I)
G Major (V)

Borrowed chords: N/A (All chords in this progression are diatonic to the key of C major)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – Let It Be
C Major (I)
G Major (V)
A minor (vi)
F Major (IV)
C Major (I)
G Major (V)
F Major (IV)
C Major (I)

2. Elton John – Your Song
E flat major (I)
B flat major (IV)
E flat major (I)
A flat major (♭VII)
A flat major (♭VII)
E flat major (I)
B flat major (IV)
E flat major (I)

While these examples have their distinct elements, they share similarities with the progression from “Stairway to Heaven” in their use of diatonic chords, and the interplay between major and minor chords to create tension and resolution.

Musical Analysis

The verse begins with a classic I-V-vi progression, giving a sense of grounding and establishing the tonal center as C major. The repeated alternation between the I and V chords provides stability, while the use of the vi chord adds an emotional depth due to its relative minor quality. The introduction of the IV^7 chord adds tension, as the 7th note in the chord creates a stronger pull and desire for resolution, especially before returning to the vi chord. This progression helps guide the listener on a sonic journey, with the chords working together to build tension and release throughout the verse.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

“Stairway to Heaven” is a prime example of progressive rock, with its complex and intricate use of harmony, melody, and texture. The chords in this progression are typical of the 1970s rock aesthetic, with an emphasis on atmospheric and emotional depth. The use of extended harmony underscores the sophistication of the composition, creating a sense of expansiveness and adding color to the overall sound.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Stairway To Heaven by Led Zeppelin are:

C, G, Am, C, G, Fmaj7, Am, C, G, Am, C, G, Fmaj7, Am, C, G