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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

“Dazed and Confused” by Led Zeppelin is an iconic rock song that features a descending bass line and bluesy chord progressions. The outro takes on a more aggressive tone and the chords are power chords, which give the song a heavy sound. These power chords, mixed with the syncopated rhythm and the blues-rock influences, contribute to the song’s unique character.

“Zombie” by The Cranberries is in the key of E minor. Its structure is generally pop and rock, with the power of distorted guitars and a heavy drumbeat complemented by Dolores O’Riordan’s haunting vocals. It utilizes a four-chord progression, which is common in many pop and rock tracks and has been a popular choice amongst songwriters for its simplicity and versatility.

“Undone – The Sweater Song” by Weezer is a grunge rock song from their debut album, “Weezer (The Blue Album)” released in 1994. The chord progression in Verse 2 seems to blend elements from both pop and rock genres, with some diatonic chords and a borrowed chord that adds an unexpected twist.

The verse 2 chord progression in “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Muse follows a typical jazz/pop style with the use of extended and altered chords such as Major 7th and minor 7th ♭5 chords. It also features a variation in line with the different sections of the piece.

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)

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D5: Borrowed chord from E Dorian
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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