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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Stairway to Heaven” is a well-known song by Led Zeppelin, released in 1971 on their untitled fourth album, which is often referred to as “Led Zeppelin IV” or “Zoso.” The song, composed by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, is a complex piece with various sections and stylistic influences. The section under analysis, Bridge 2, is a chord progression that serves as a connecting passage between the more tranquil sections of the song and the harder, rock aspects that follow. The chords are built on diatonic and chromatic elements, showcasing the band’s skill in creating evocative harmonic progressions.

“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin is characterized by its distinctive blues-rock style and its highly memorable, driving riff. The bulk of the song revolves around the E5 (E power) chord, with occasional transitions to the D5 chord at the beginning of each phrase, giving the song a simple yet highly effective chord progression. The song is in the key of E Mixolydian.

“Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones is a masterful example of the band’s ability to incorporate a variety of musical elements into a rock setting. This song, in particular, unites a classic rock ‘n roll backbone with an exotic influence, likely derived from Eastern music, especially with the use of the sitar.

This is a rich verse chord progression where The Beatles use diatonic and borrowed chords to enrich the melody. This progression follows their signature style of pop music with strong melodious and harmonic elements.

“House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals is a traditional folk song that features a distinctive, repetitive chord progression throughout the song. The tune has a somber, haunting quality and is set in a minor key. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but the version by The Animals is the most famous.

Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven – Verse 5

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Chord Progression

Am, G, F, Am, G, F, Am, G, F, Am, G, F, Am, G, F, Am, G, F, Am, G, F, Am, G, F, Am, G, F

Chord Progression Analysis

A minor (i), G major (VII), F major (VI), A minor (i), G major (VII), F major (VI), A minor (i), G major (VII), F major (VI), A minor (i), G major (VII), F major (VI), A minor (i), G major (VII), F major (VI), A minor (i), G major (VII), F major (VI), A minor (i), G major (VII), F major (VI), A minor (i), G major (VII), F major (VI), A minor (i), G major (VII), F major (VI)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles: A minor (i), G major (VII), F major (VI), A minor (i), G major (VII), F major (VI).
2. “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals: A minor (i), C major (III), D major (IV), F major (VI), A minor (i), E major (V), A minor (i), C major (III), E major (V).

Please note that while these progressions are not exactly the same as in “Stairway to Heaven,” they share similarities in structure and overall tonality.

Musical Analysis

The progression in Verse 5 alternates between the i, VII, and VI chords of the natural A minor scale. The use of only three different chords in this section provides a strong sense of stability and simplicity. The VII and VI chords have a descending motion providing a melodic contour that enhances the tension and release dynamic. There are no borrowed chords in this particular progression.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

The simplicity and repetition of the chord progression contribute to the folk-like quality of “Stairway to Heaven.” Led Zeppelin is known for incorporating elements of blues, folk, and eastern music in their compositions, which contributes to the overall mystique and appeal of the piece. The use of acoustic guitar in the intro and verses further emphasizes the melding of rock and folk styles.

Chords in the Verse 5 section of Stairway To Heaven by Led Zeppelin are:

Am, G, F, Am, G, F, Am, G, F, Am, G, F, Am, G, F, Am, G, F, Am, G, F, Am, G, F, Am, G, F