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“Stairway to Heaven” is a progressive rock song by Led Zeppelin, released in 1971. The song showcases a movement between different styles and musical settings, as it starts with a gentle, fingerpicked acoustic section and gradually evolves into a powerful and climactic electric guitar solo, finishing with a full-band finale. The song is characterized by its ascending progression and intricate chord changes, which contribute to its unique and haunting atmosphere. The verse 1 chord progression features a blend of diatonic and chromatic elements, borrowed chords, and inversions, which create a sense of tension and resolution throughout the progression.

“Dazed and Confused” by Led Zeppelin is a rock song that features a mix of blues and psychedelic elements. The chord progression in the verse is quite unconventional and may invoke a feeling of unease, which matches the song’s mysterious and somewhat disorienting theme.

The Beatles’ “Rocky Raccoon” incorporates a repeating sequence of predominantly seventh chords, displaying a mix of minor, dominant, and sustained chords within the and C Major/A minor keys. This diversity contributes to the song’s unique harmony, and given its context in a folk rock style, the progression exudes a rustic, storytelling personality.

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The given chord progression is from the verse 3 of the song “The Good Life” by Weezer. The song is in the key of G major and features a mix of diatonic chords from the G major scale and a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (G minor).

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“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin is a hard rock song that was released in 1969. The song features a famous guitar riff with a simple, blues-influenced chord progression. That guitar riff is based on the D and E chords and can be heard throughout the main part of the song. The verse consists of the same primary chords as the riff, with slight variations in the E chord during the iconic “You need cooling” vocal part. The overall harmonic structure of the song with its repeating chords D and E gives it a strong I-V dynamic while staying in the D Mixolydian mode. Additionally, the guitar riff borrows elements of other blues progressions, creating a distinguished sound.

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