Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love – Chorus 3
Whole Lotta Love < All Analyses
Chord Progression
D, E, D, E, D, E, D, E, E, A, D
Chord Progression Analysis
The chorus can be analyzed as follows:
D Major (bVII) – E Major (I) – D Major (bVII) – E Major (I) – D Major (bVII) – E Major (I) – D Major (bVII) – E Major (I) – E Major (I) – A Major (IV) – D Major (bVII)
Similar Chord Progressions
1. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
D Major (bVII) – C Major (bVI) – G Major (V) – Bb Major (bVII)
2. “All Right Now” by Free
A Major (IV) – G Major (bVII) – D Major (I)
3. “Rock and Roll” by Led Zeppelin
B Major (bVII) – A Major (bVI) – E Major (I)
These examples all share the use of the bVII – I progression popular in rock music, showcasing its versatility and influence in the genre. Though the specific order and combination of chords may vary from song to song, the raw energy and driving force of this progression remains a staple of rock and blues music to this day.
Musical Analysis
The chorus uses a Mixolydian-inspired progression, which is often found in rock and blues-inspired music. The primary chords in this progression are the bVII (D Major) and the I (E Major). This creates a strong pull between these chords, giving the song an energetic and driving feel.
The last three chords of the chorus are E, A, and D, which provide a brief change from the primary progression and helps create tension that is resolved when the song returns to the main bVII – I progression.
Overall Analysis
“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.
Style Analysis
The use of Mixolydian mode, heavy syncopation, and riff-based structure are hallmarks of the classic rock and blues genres. The simple, repetitive, and strong harmonic structure combined with powerful vocal performances show the signature characteristics and influences of Led Zeppelin’s music and provide a foundation for similar future rock and metal bands.
What are the chords in: Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love – Chorus 3?
D, E, D, E, D, E, D, E, E, A, D
