Suspended Chords

What is a suspended chord?

A suspended chord, often denoted as "sus", is a musical chord that temporarily replaces the third degree of the chord with either the second or fourth degree. This gives the chord a unique and somewhat unresolved quality. Suspended chords are a common feature in music and are often used to create tension and anticipation.

Sus2 Chord Formula: 1-2-5

The formula 1-2-5 represents the intervallic structure of a Sus2 chord:

1: The root note of the chord.
2: The second degree of the scale.
5: The perfect fifth.

For example, in a Csus2 chord:

Root note (1): C
Second degree (2): D
Perfect fifth (5): G

The combination of these three notes (C, D, G) creates the sound of a Csus2 chord.

Sus4 Chord Formula: 1-4-5

The formula 1-4-5 represents the intervallic structure of a Sus4 chord:

1: The root note of the chord.
4: The fourth degree of the scale.
5: The perfect fifth.

For example, in a Csus4 chord:

Root note (1): C
Fourth degree (4): F
Perfect fifth (5): G

The combination of these three notes (C, F, G) creates the sound of a Csus4 chord.

Characteristics of Suspended Chords

Suspended chords are known for their unique and somewhat unresolved sound. Sus2 chords have a bright and open quality, while sus4 chords have a more stable and consonant quality compared to sus2 chords. They are often used to create tension, anticipation, or a sense of transition in music.

Playing Suspended Chords

On a piano or keyboard, suspended chords are typically played by pressing the root note, either the second (for sus2) or the fourth (for sus4), and the perfect fifth.

In guitar playing, suspended chords are formed by pressing down specific combinations of strings and frets, following chord diagrams or finger positions.