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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin is a hard rock song that was released in 1969. The song features a famous guitar riff with a simple, blues-influenced chord progression. That guitar riff is based on the D and E chords and can be heard throughout the main part of the song. The verse consists of the same primary chords as the riff, with slight variations in the E chord during the iconic “You need cooling” vocal part. The overall harmonic structure of the song with its repeating chords D and E gives it a strong I-V dynamic while staying in the D Mixolydian mode. Additionally, the guitar riff borrows elements of other blues progressions, creating a distinguished sound.

“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.

The piece “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars showcases a common pop ballad structure that follows a typical 4-chord progression with common tone substitution as well as some chords borrowed from the relative minor. Its simplicity is one of its strengths as it allows the focus to fall on Bruno’s vocals and the lyrics, which matches the direct, emotional content of the song effectively.

“Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones, off their 1971 album Sticky Fingers, is in the key of C major, and primarily uses the chords C, F, G and Bb. This song showcases the band’s blues rock influences, built on a repetitive, riff-driven chord progression. The use of I, IV, V, and a borrowed bVII (Bb), which is common in the blues, creates an appealing and familiar sound, helping the song resonate with listeners.

“Creep” by Radiohead is a song in the key of G major that features a four-chord progression in its verse 2, which is distinctive for its use of a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (G minor). Although the song’s simple harmonic structure is quite common in pop music, its use of a borrowed chord adds an element of surprise and emotional depth, establishing Radiohead’s unique sound.

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