{"id":6289,"date":"2023-01-25T14:34:41","date_gmt":"2023-01-25T14:34:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bandmag.com\/?p=6289"},"modified":"2023-01-26T12:50:56","modified_gmt":"2023-01-26T12:50:56","slug":"suspended-chords","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bandmag.com\/how-to\/suspended-chords\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are Suspended Chords?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Have you ever heard a song with an unusual chord that just doesn’t sound like the standard major and minor chords? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chances are, it was a suspended chord! Suspended chords<\/strong> add flavor to songs by creating unique harmonic textures. Let’s dive into suspended chords<\/strong>, their formation, and when they should be used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are Suspended Chords?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Suspended chords <\/strong>(sometimes referred to as \u201csus\u201d chords) replace the third degree of the scale with either the second or fourth degree. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other words, if you have a C major triad (C-E-G), then playing a C suspended chord would replace the E note with either a D or F note. This creates an interesting tension in the chord that can add some extra flavor to songs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suspended chords<\/a><\/strong> come in two varieties: sus2 and sus4. Sus2 replaces the third degree of the scale with the second degree, while sus4 replaces it with the fourth degree. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if we take our C major triad again (C-E-G), then playing a C sus2 would give us C-D-G while playing a C sus4 would give us C-F-G. These variants create unique sounds that can be used to great effect in music!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Should You Use Suspended Chords?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since suspended create tension within songs due to their unfamiliarity compared to more traditional major and minor chords, they’re often used when there is an emotional peak in a song\u2014particularly when that peak is unresolved. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They can also be used as transitions between sections of different keys or modes to create smooth movement without too much tonal disruption. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, suspended chords<\/strong> can be used for their textural qualities; for example, one might use them to fill out space in long instrumental passages or give certain notes greater emphasis within vocal melodies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference; feel free to experiment and see what results you can get with chords!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Suspended chords<\/strong> are an incredibly versatile tool for musicians looking to spice up their music and add unique harmonic textures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They come in two varieties\u2014sus2 and sus4\u2014and can be used for both textural and tonal purposes depending on what type of effect you\u2019re going for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re looking for resolution or dissonance, suspended chords<\/strong> may be your ticket!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That’s all! You can also check out What Guitar Chords Go Together?<\/a> and How Many Guitar Chords Are There<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related Post:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n