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“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin is a classic example of hard rock and blues rock, characterized by its driving rhythm, distorted guitar riff, and powerful vocal performance by Robert Plant. The harmonic structure of the song is relatively simple, with a focus on the blues-based E-D-E progression during the second chorus. Although seemingly basic, this progression contributes to the song’s raw, energetic vibe.

“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.

This chord progression is in the key of C Major, but incorporates a variety of borrowed chords and slash chords that add complexity and color to the song. It’s a good example of how Elton John takes popularly-used chord progressions and puts his own unique spin on them.

“Love of My Life” is a stunning ballad written by Freddie Mercury of Queen. The song is written in the key of A major and is primarily played on piano. It features a sophisticated and somewhat unconventional chord progression that serves as the foundation for Mercury’s versatile vocal performance. It’s arguably one of Queen’s more classical-influenced pieces and makes use of borrowed chord techniques frequently, which are commonly associated with the band’s flirtation with different musical styles, including rock, classical, and opera.

“Time” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock song that features an uncommon chord progression with some unique harmonic choices. The Verse 2 progression has a strong sense of tonal ambiguity and the chords often fluctuate between major and minor tonalities. This contributes to the emotional depth and complexity of the song, which is characteristic of Pink Floyd’s music.

Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

D, E, D, E, D, E, D, E, D, E, D, E, D, E, D, E, D

Chord Progression Analysis

– D5 (‘bVII5)
– E5 (‘I5)

“`
D5: Borrowed chord from E Dorian
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Sunshine Of Your Love” by Cream:
– D5 (‘bVII5)
– E5 (‘I5)

2. “La Grange” by ZZ Top:
– A5 (‘I5)
– G5 (‘bVII5)

3. “Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin:
– A5 (‘I5)
– G5 (‘bVII5)
– D5 (‘IV5)

4. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses (intro riff):
– D5 (‘bVII5)
– E5 (‘I5)

As shown, several other blues-rock songs feature similar chord progressions, often revolving around power chords and the Mixolydian mode. The usage of the bVII chord, in particular, gives these songs a bluesy and edgy feel.

Musical Analysis

Though simple in structure, the driving rhythm and energy of the riff keep the listeners engaged throughout the song. The use of the power chord (E5) without the third allows for an ambiguous harmonic quality, giving the song its heavy rock sound.

The bVII chord, in this case, the D5, creates a strong pull back to the tonic, E5. It is important to note the use of the borrowed chord D5 from the E Dorian mode, which adds tension and bluesy character in the riff.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

“Whole Lotta Love” is a perfect example of Led Zeppelin’s signature style, combining elements of blues and rock in a way that is both original and definitively Zeppelin. The simple yet effective use of the power chords and the Mixolydian mode, with a touch of the Dorian mode, gives this song its recognizable blues-rock feel.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin are:

D, E, D, E, D, E, D, E, D, E, D, E, D, E, D, E, D