Introduction: Explore the Power of Sus Chords

Hello, it’s Tom Donald from the London Contemporary School of Piano! In this tutorial, we’re diving into the magical world of sus chords. These chords create tension and richness in your music, adding emotional depth and intrigue. Today, I’ll show you what sus chords are, how to practice them, and how to incorporate them into your playing to make your music more expressive.

What Is a Sus Chord?

A sus chord, short for “suspended” chord, replaces the third note of a traditional chord with either a second or fourth note from the scale. This creates tension, as the chord feels unresolved, giving the music a fresh, open sound. There are two common types of sus chords:

• Sus2 (Suspended Second) – Formed by playing the 1st, 2nd, and 5th notes of a scale.
• Sus4 (Suspended Fourth) – Formed by playing the 1st, 4th, and 5th notes of a scale.

For example:

• C Sus2: C-D-G (instead of C-E-G)
• C Sus4: C-F-G

The Theory Behind Sus Chords

In traditional harmony, the third determines whether a chord is major or minor. By suspending the third and replacing it with the second or fourth, you create ambiguity. This suspension creates a need for resolution, which can be used to build musical tension and release.

Sus chords are neither major nor minor, making them versatile tools for composers and improvisers. They can bridge chords smoothly in a progression or add unexpected color to your harmonies.

How to Practice Sus Chords

To get comfortable with sus chords, start by playing them in all major keys. Here’s a simple exercise:

1. Play a C Sus2 (C-D-G) and listen to how the chord feels like it wants to resolve.
2. Resolve it to a C Major chord (C-E-G) by moving the D to E.
3. Now try a C Sus4 (C-F-G) and notice the tension created.
4. Resolve it to C Major by moving the F down to E.

Practice these chords in different keys and experiment with both resolving and sustaining the tension. This will train your ear to recognize the unique qualities of sus chords.

Understanding Resolution

The beauty of sus chords lies in their potential for resolution:

• Sus2 chords often resolve upwards to the third.
• Sus4 chords typically resolve downwards to the third.

This movement creates a sense of completion and satisfaction in the listener. For example, in a G Sus4 chord (G-C-D), resolving the C down to B gives you a G Major chord (G-B-D).

The Relationship Between Sus2 and Sus4

Interestingly, sus2 and sus4 chords are inversions of each other:

• A C Sus2 (C-D-G) is the same as a G Sus4 (G-C-D) inverted.
• A G Sus2 (G-A-D) relates closely to a D Sus4 (D-G-A).

This means you can often use them interchangeably to create similar harmonic effects. Understanding this relationship expands your options for chord voicings and progressions.

Sus Chords in Popular Music

Sus chords are prevalent in various genres, adding flavor and emotional depth. Let’s explore some examples:

Example: Queen’s “The Show Must Go On”

In Queen’s famous song The Show Must Go On, suspended chords play a crucial role. The progression moves from suspended to minor chords, creating a dramatic and introspective mood.

Try this progression:

1. Play a D Sus4 (D-G-A).
2. Resolve to D Minor (D-F-A) by moving G down to F.
3. Next, play a G Sus2 (G-A-D).
4. Resolve to G Minor (G-Bb-D) by changing A to Bb.

Notice how the mood shifts, conveying a sense of struggle and persistence, mirroring the song’s themes.

Creating Movement with Sus Chords

Sus chords can add movement and interest to your playing, especially when combined with bass lines:

1. Hold a C Sus2 chord (C-D-G) in your right hand.
2. In your left hand, play a bass line walking up the C major scale: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C.

This technique creates a cascading effect, with the suspended chord providing a constant harmonic backdrop while the bass line adds motion.

Exploring Chord Progressions with Sus Chords

Here’s a chord progression that incorporates sus chords:

| Cmaj7 | Dsus2 | Gsus4 | Am7 |
| Fmaj7 | Gsus2 | Em7   | Dm7 |

Practice this progression to hear how sus chords blend with other chord types, enriching the harmonic texture.

Arpeggiating Sus Chords for Added Effect

To add more movement and expression, try arpeggiating the sus chords:

1. Play the notes of a C Sus2 chord (C, D, G) sequentially instead of simultaneously.
2. Experiment with different rhythms and tempos.
3. Add bass notes that complement the arpeggio, such as A or F, to create modal sounds.

Arpeggiated sus chords can create a flowing, ethereal quality in your music.

Modernizing Classics: Pachelbel’s Canon with Sus Chords

One of my favorite ways to use sus chords is in Pachelbel’s Canon, a classical piece traditionally played with major triads. To modernize it:

1. Replace the standard chords with suspended chords. For example, use D Sus2 instead of D Major.
2. Maintain the bass line as in the original piece.
3. Experiment with resolving the sus chords at different points to add suspense.

This approach breathes new life into a classic, showcasing the versatility of sus chords.

The Magic of Sus Chords: A Versatile Tool

Once you get comfortable with sus chords, you’ll find they have a flexible quality:

• They can function in place of major or minor chords, depending on context.
• Using a Sus2 chord in the right hand while playing the third of the scale in the bass creates a rich, complex sound.

For example:

• Play a D Sus2 (D-E-A) in the right hand.
• Play an F# in the bass (the third of the D scale).

This combination produces a lush sound that can enhance your compositions and improvisations.

Conclusion: Take Your Playing to the Next Level

Sus chords are an excellent way to add dimension to your music, whether you’re improvising or reharmonizing a familiar piece. Practice these exercises, explore different keys, and don’t hesitate to incorporate sus chords to add freshness to your music.

For more exercises and detailed guides on sus chords, visit our website at the London Contemporary School of Piano and download our Free Resources Kit. It includes exercises that will enhance your chord knowledge and help you take your playing to the next level.

Happy practicing, and see you in the next tutorial!

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