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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.

The chord progression for verse 3 of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” utilizes multiple techniques to create a rich and emotive sound. These techniques include diatonic chords, borrowed chords, and extended harmony. The progression follows a general pattern, with a repeated structure that helps unify the verse.

The chord progression in Verse 3 of Daniel Caesar’s “Get You” consists of a mix of diatonic chords and borrowed chords from the parallel minor. The overall tonality is in the B minor key. The smooth, soulful sound of the progression is achieved through the use of minor chords, mixed with major seventh chords, and the cycle of fifths progression in some measures.

“Eleanor Rigby” is known for its unusual and innovative use of the Aeolian mode, otherwise known as the natural minor scale, which is reflected in the chord progression Em – C. The song incorporates string arrangements and has a narrative, storytelling style. Unlike most pop and rock songs of the time, it does not contain drums or guitars. The chord utilization is simple with only two chords used throughout, Em and C, but it nevertheless creates a unique and haunting soundscape.

“Wicked Game” has a distinct melancholic tone facilitated by the minor chord progression. The repeating pattern enhances the hypnotic sense of longing Isaak is known for. Isaak’s use of reverb and echo effects on the electric guitar contributes to the “dreamy” and somewhat eerie atmosphere of the song.

Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

D Major (I) – E Major (V)

“`d- e- d- e- d- e- d- e- d- e- d- e- d- e- d- e- d- e- d- e- d“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Smokestack Lightning” by Howlin’ Wolf (1956)
Chord Progression: C Major (I) – D Major (V)

2. “Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones (1965)
Chord Progression: E Major (I) – D Major (IV) – A Major (V) – E Major (I)

3. “All Day and All of the Night” by The Kinks (1964)
Chord Progression: G Major (I) – A Major (V)

Musical Analysis

“Whole Lotta Love” utilizes the two-chord progression of D Major and E Major. The D Major chord serves as the tonic (I) chord, giving listeners a sense of resolution and stability. The E Major chord is the dominant (V) chord, which produces tension and propels the progression forward. The shift between these two chords creates a bluesy, yet hard rock sound, a distinctive characteristic of the song.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

The style of “Whole Lotta Love” is firmly rooted in the hard rock and blues tradition. The repetitive, heavy guitar riff played throughout the song and the driving rhythm section grounds it in this stylistic framework. The simple, two-chord progression allows the band to maintain an aggressive, driving sound while also highlighting individual instruments, such as the guitar riff, and the vocal performance. Additionally, the structure of the song is somewhat reminiscent of a 12-bar blues, but with a unique twist that sets it apart from traditional blues pieces.

Chords in the Verse 3 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, E, D, E, D