Suspended chords, commonly denoted as “sus” chords, offer a distinctive sound that can add depth and emotion to your guitar playing. This guide will explore what “sus” means in guitar chords, how to construct them, their sound and feel, practical usage in music, and provide visual aids and practice tips to help you master these intriguing chords.
What Does “Sus” Mean?
In guitar terminology, “sus” stands for “suspended.” Suspended chords are a type of chord where the traditional third note of a major or minor chord is replaced with either a second or a fourth. This alteration creates a unique sound that can convey a sense of tension and anticipation, making it a powerful tool in musical composition and improvisation.
In a major chord, the third note defines whether the chord sounds happy or sad. By suspending this note, you introduce a different tonal quality.
Sus2 Chords: Replace the third with the second note of the scale. For example, in a Csus2 chord, the notes are C, D, and G. Here, D replaces E, the third note of the C major chord.
Sus4 Chords: Replace the third with the fourth note of the scale. In a Csus4 chord, the notes are C, F, and G. F replaces E, the third note of the C major chord.
This replacement of the third with either a second or a fourth creates a sense of unresolved tension, which resolves when the chord moves to a more stable chord, often the original major or minor chord.
Construction of Sus Chords
Structure of Sus2 Chords
Sus2 chords are built by taking a major or minor chord and replacing its third with the second note of the scale. For example:
Csus2: This chord consists of the notes C, D, and G. Here, D (the second note) replaces E (the third note of the C major chord).
Asus2: Contains the notes A, B, and E. B (the second note) replaces C# (the third note of the A major chord).
Structure of Sus4 Chords
Sus4 chords are constructed by replacing the third with the fourth note of the scale. For example:
Csus4: Includes the notes C, F, and G. F (the fourth note) replaces E (the third note of the C major chord).
Dsus4: Consists of the notes D, G, and A. G (the fourth note) replaces F# (the third note of the D major chord).
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Examples and Notation
To better understand the construction of sus chords, let’s look at a few examples:
Csus2: C – D – G
Csus4: C – F – G
Asus2: A – B – E
Asus4: A – D – E
These examples show how sus chords replace the third with either the second or fourth note of the scale, creating their unique sound.
Musical Effect of Sus Chords
Suspended chords are known for their open, ambiguous sound. They create a sense of tension that yearns for resolution. This tension is due to the absence of the third note, which is crucial in defining the chord’s major or minor quality. When a sus chord resolves to a major or minor chord, it often creates a satisfying sense of completion and release.
Comparison to Major and Minor Chords
Major Chords: Have a bright, happy sound due to their major third. For example, a C major chord consists of C, E, and G.
Minor Chords: Sound sad or melancholic due to their minor third. For instance, an A minor chord includes A, C, and E.
Sus Chords: Provide a more ambiguous sound. A Csus2 (C, D, G) and Csus4 (C, F, G) lack the definitive major or minor quality, making them versatile in different musical contexts.
By comparing the sound of sus chords to major and minor chords, you can appreciate their role in adding tension and color to your music.
When and How to Use Sus Chords
Sus chords are particularly effective in various musical situations:
Creating Tension: Use sus chords to build suspense before resolving to a major or minor chord. This is common in progressions where you want to create a sense of anticipation.
Adding Color: Sus chords can provide a fresh sound to chord progressions that might otherwise sound predictable.
Enhancing Melody: They can be used to complement or highlight a melodic line, especially when you want to create an emotional effect.
Examples of Popular Songs Featuring Sus Chords
Many well-known songs incorporate sus chords to great effect. Here are a few examples:
“Every Breath You Take” by The Police: Features a prominent use of the Dsus2 chord.
“Hotel California” by The Eagles: Includes sus chords in the verse progression.
“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd: Utilizes the Asus4 chord to create a poignant sound.
Analyzing these songs can provide insight into how sus chords are used effectively in different musical styles.
Exercises for Incorporating Sus Chords
To effectively incorporate sus chords into your playing, try the following exercises:
Chord Progression Practice: Create and practice progressions using sus chords. For example, try a progression like Csus2 – G – Am – F, and observe how the sus2 chord creates a sense of tension that resolves as you move through the progression.
Transitional Exercises: Practice transitioning between sus chords and major/minor chords to understand how they can resolve into more stable chords.
Improvisation: Incorporate sus chords into your improvisation practice. Experiment with using them over backing tracks or with a metronome to explore their sound in different contexts.
Daily Practice: Spend a few minutes each day practicing sus chord shapes and progressions. Consistency will help you become more comfortable with these chords.
Listening and Analysis: Listen to songs that use sus chords and analyze how they are used. Try to replicate their use in your playing.
By incorporating these exercises and tips into your practice routine, you’ll develop a solid understanding of how to use sus chords effectively in your guitar playing.
Conclusion
Suspended chords are a valuable addition to any guitarist’s toolkit. Understanding what “sus” means in guitar chords, how to construct and use them, and practicing effectively will enhance your musical expression and creativity. By mastering sus chords, you can add new dimensions to your playing and create more dynamic and engaging music.
