Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

The chord progression in the verse 1 of “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin features just two chords: D and E. This fairly simple progression, used repetitively throughout the verse, creates a strong and energetic foundation for the song. The style of the song reflects 1960s heavy rock, and the simplicity of the chord progression adds to the rawness and drive of the music.

“Creep” by Radiohead is a song in the key of G major that gained significant attention for its melancholic lyrics and distinctive chord progression. The verse chord progression features major chords, followed by a switch to a minor chord, which creates an unexpected twist and contributes to the emotive quality of the song. This specific progression is relatively rare in popular music but has been used in various other songs.

Prince’s “Purple Rain” is a classic power ballad, rooted deeply in pop and rock genres. The chord progressions, with particular emphasis on the one given in Verse 3, underlines Prince’s lyricism and craft, showcasing his unique ability to blend seemingly simple chord progressions to evoke emotional and profound moods. The key of the song is G major.

“Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley is a popular and iconic song that showcases Jeff Buckley’s unique vocal talent and emotional delivery. The song is in the key of C major and features a simple yet effective chord progression. The song’s memorable melody is accompanied by guitar, which uses arpeggiated fingerpicking. This adds to its musical depth and also creates dynamic rhythmic interest. The song builds in intensity as it progresses, and this, along with the powerful lyrics, contributes to the overall emotional impact of the piece.

Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven – Verse 3

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

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