“Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin is a classic rock song that is well-known for its distinctive and mysterious sound. This interlude, in particular, creates a sense of tension and resolution through its simple but effective chord progression. The overall harmonic structure is built on a modal mixture, drawing from both the major and minor modes, which contributes to its unique atmosphere.
The outro of “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin features a simple alternating chord progression between G major and A major, which creates tension by avoiding a resolution to the tonic or dominant chords. This makes the progression sound unstable, yet well defined as it repeats. The recurring ascending motion creates a sense of lift throughout the outro, while the lack of a true resolution maintains a feeling of unease. This progression is notable for its simplicity, as well as how it invokes a modal sound that is characteristic of the mixolydian mode often used in rock music.
“Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin is recognized for its use of modal interchange, specifically borrowing chords from the parallel minor, and its distinct way of blending rock and folk music elements. This piece is in the key of A minor and the chord progression in Verse 5 is simple but quite effective.
This mid-section of “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin features a mixolydian/modal feel, which is mostly characterized by the use of the bVII chord (D major). The chord progression primarily revolves around a simple G and A alternation, which manifests an ♭II chord (A Major) borrowed from the Phrygian mode. Following this alternation, the chord progression ascends through a series of major chords before resolving back to A Major.
This mid-section of “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin features a mixolydian/modal feel, which is mostly characterized by the use of the bVII chord (D major). The chord progression primarily revolves around a simple G and A alternation, which manifests an ♭II chord (A Major) borrowed from the Phrygian mode. Following this alternation, the chord progression ascends through a series of major chords before resolving back to A Major.
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