Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven – Verse 5
Stairway To Heaven < All Analyses
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.
What are the chords in: Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven – Verse 5?
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
