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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin is a classic rock song with a strong blues influence. It features a heavy riff-based progression and a powerful vocal performance by Robert Plant. The song is in the key of E Mixolydian, a mode based on the fifth degree of the A Major scale, and exhibits a heavy use of syncopation, pentatonic scales, and chromaticism throughout its structure. The rich harmonic language and distorted guitar tone makes the song an excellent example of the emerging Hard Rock and Heavy Metal styles of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Muse’s “New Born” is a rock composition with progressive and alternative elements. The harmonic structure is simple, making use of common chords and progressions. In the given chord progression from Verse 3, there is a sense of tension and release between the major and minor chords, creating a sense of dynamics and urgency. The chord progression itself is repetitive, with subtle variations added to keep interest.

“`plaintext
D Major (I)
E Minor (ii)
G Major (IV)
B Minor (vi)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
D Major (I)
E Minor (ii)
G Major (IV)
B Minor (vi)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
“`

“Time” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock piece characterized by its reflective lyrics, syncopated rhythms, and distinctive use of chromaticism and modality. This chord progression takes place in the third verse of the song, where the harmonic structure is more complex and features borrowed chords, creating a sense of tension and resolution, reflecting the lyrics and conveying emotions of nostalgia and regret.

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