Introducing Suspended Chords on Guitar

Suspended chords, often abbreviated as “sus,” offer a unique flavor compared to traditional major and minor chords. These chords create a sense of openness and tension, making them versatile tools for adding variety and atmosphere to your playing. In this article, we’ll introduce two common types of suspended chords: sus2 and sus4, and explore how you can play them as open or barre chords. If you’re comfortable reading tab and/or sheet music, dive into the PDF below!

Check out more concepts and exercises in my Free Sheet Music Library!

What Are Suspended Chords?

A suspended chord omits the third, the note that usually defines whether a chord is major or minor, and replaces it with either a second or a fourth. This substitution creates a suspended sound, leaving the chord feeling unresolved and airy.

• Sus2 chord: Replaces the third with a second (a whole step above the root). For example, in a Dsus2, the notes would be D, E, and A (instead of D, F#, A as in a D major chord). This chord tends to feel bright and open, perfect for adding a light, floating quality to progressions.
• Sus4 chord: Replaces the third with a fourth (a perfect fourth above the root). For example, in Dsus4, the notes would be D, G, and A. The sus4 chord has a stronger sense of tension and often begs to resolve back to a major chord.

Playing Suspended Chords as Open Chords and Barre Chords

Suspended chords can be easily integrated into open chord shapes, which are great for beginners and those looking for a full, resonant sound. Here are a couple of common open sus chords:

• Dsus2 and Dsus4: These can be played by simply altering the D major open chord. To play Dsus2, remove your middle finger from the second fret of the high E string. To play Dsus4, add your pinky on the third fret of the high E string.
• Asus2 and Asus4: Similar to the D chord, the A major shape can be modified. For Asus2, lift your finger off the second fret of the B string. For Asus4, add your pinky to the third fret of the B string.

These open positions are easy to switch between, making them great for adding movement and variation in songs that use simple open chords.

For more flexibility and to move suspended chords across the neck, you can play them as barre chords. Both sus2 and sus4 shapes can be based on familiar barre chord forms rooted on the E or A strings. Check out the attached PDF to learn these barre chord shapes.

Why Use Suspended Chords?

Suspended chords can add richness to your chord progressions, creating tension that can resolve beautifully back to major or minor chords. They’re also versatile, working well in various genres from rock to folk and jazz. With the added benefit of being simple to play, they’re a great tool for guitarists of all levels. Experiment with adding sus2 and sus4 chords into your playing and discover the unique textures they bring to your music. Happy practicing!