How to Play Suspended Chords on the Guitar

If you’ve been strumming along on your guitar and looking to spice up your chord vocabulary, suspended chords might just be the secret sauce you need. They add a unique flavor, creating tension and interest in your music. In this article, we’ll explore how to play these chords, what makes them tick, and how they can elevate your playing, especially if you’re into genres like metal and progressive rock.

What Are Suspended Chords?

Suspended chords are like a musical cliffhanger. Instead of resolving smoothly like your regular major or minor chords, they leave you hanging, waiting for what’s next. The most common suspended chords are the sus2 and sus4. These replace the third note in the chord with either the second or fourth, respectively. It’s what gives them that unresolved, yet intriguing sound.

Imagine you’re playing a standard C major chord. You’ve got C, E, and G. In a Csus2, the E is swapped out for a D (C, D, G). For a Csus4, the E becomes an F (C, F, G). Simple, right? This little tweak shifts the whole vibe of the chord, giving you something fresh and new to work with.

In metal and progressive music, where creating tension and release is key, suspended chords are invaluable. They offer a different texture and can make transitions between parts of a song more dynamic. Plus, they can sound pretty epic when used in the right context.

Why Use Suspended Chords?

So, why bother with suspended chords when you have a perfectly good set of majors and minors? Well, here are a few reasons:

• Versatility: Suspended chords can fit into almost any genre, but they shine in metal, rock, and prog music. Their ambiguous sound allows them to blend well, creating more seamless transitions between different sections of a song.
• Tension: The unresolved nature of suspended chords can create a sense of anticipation. This is especially useful in building up to a big chorus or a heavy breakdown.
• Texture: They add a different tonal color to your music. If your song feels a bit flat, throwing in a suspended chord can add that extra layer of complexity.

For those of us who are always experimenting with our sound, suspended chords open up a world of possibilities. They can turn a simple riff into something much more engaging. And if you’re looking to expand your chord vocabulary, these are a great place to start.

How to Form Suspended Chords

Now that we’ve covered what suspended chords are and why they’re worth your time, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of forming them. We’ll break down sus2 and sus4 chords and look at some common examples.

Sus2 Chords

To form a sus2 chord, you’ll take a major or minor chord and replace the third with the second degree of the scale. Let’s look at a few examples:

• Csus2: C, D, G
• Dsus2: D, E, A
• Esus2: E, F#, B

Notice how the second note (D, E, F#) takes the place of the third note in the original chord. This substitution is what gives sus2 chords their distinctive sound.

Sus4 Chords

For sus4 chords, you’ll replace the third with the fourth degree of the scale. Here are some examples:

• Csus4: C, F, G
• Dsus4: D, G, A
• Esus4: E, A, B

Again, you’re simply swapping out the third for the fourth, creating that suspended feel. It’s a small change, but one that has a big impact on the sound.

Playing Suspended Chords on the Guitar

Let’s take these theoretical concepts and put them into practice on the guitar. Here’s how you can play some of these suspended chords:

Csus2 and Csus4

• Csus2: Place your index finger on the second fret of the D string and your ring finger on the third fret of the A string. Strum the C major chord without the E note.
• Csus4: Simply move your index finger from the second fret of the D string to the third fret. This replaces the E note with an F, creating the sus4 sound.

Dsus2 and Dsus4

• Dsus2: With your index finger on the second fret of the G string and your middle finger on the second fret of the high E string, strum the D string open. This removes the F# note and adds an E.
• Dsus4: Add your pinky to the third fret of the high E string while keeping the other fingers in place. This changes the E note to a G.

These fingerings are fairly straightforward and should be easy to incorporate into your existing chord progressions. Remember, the beauty of suspended chords is in their simplicity and the way they can transform a piece with just a slight change.

Incorporating Suspended Chords into Your Playing

Now that you know how to play suspended chords, let’s talk about how to use them effectively. In music, context is everything. Suspended chords can be used in various ways to enhance your compositions.

Transition Between Sections

Suspended chords are perfect for creating smooth transitions between different parts of a song. For instance, if you’re moving from a verse to a chorus, throwing in a sus4 chord can build anticipation and make the transition feel more natural.

Add Interest to Repetitive Chord Progressions

If you have a chord progression that’s starting to feel a bit stale, try substituting a suspended chord for one of the standard chords. This can add a fresh sound and keep your listener engaged.

Enhancing Emotional Depth

The unresolved nature of suspended chords can evoke a sense of longing or tension, which can be particularly effective in ballads or slower songs. Experiment with adding sus2 or sus4 chords to see how they affect the mood of your piece.

And if you’re looking for some inspiration, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best metal guitarists, where you can see how they incorporate these chords into their playing.

Using Suspended Chords in Metal

In metal, the use of suspended chords can be a game-changer. They add a level of sophistication and complexity that can elevate your riffing and songwriting. Here’s how you can integrate them into your metal playing:

Riff Writing

Suspended chords can add a new dimension to your riffs. Try using them in place of power chords to create a different tonal landscape. The tension in a sus4 chord can lead nicely into a heavy breakdown or a melodic lead section.

Layering and Texture

In a band setting, layering suspended chords with other guitar parts can create a rich, textured sound. This is especially effective in progressive metal, where the interplay between different instruments is crucial.

Solos and Lead Lines

Using suspended chords as a backdrop for solos can add an extra layer of emotion. The unresolved nature of these chords can make your lead playing stand out, creating a more dramatic impact.

For more on how to use suspended chords in metal, check out the lessons available at Riffhard, where top metal guitarists share their insights and techniques.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

As with any new technique, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for when incorporating suspended chords into your playing. Here are some tips to help you avoid these mistakes:

Overusing Suspended Chords

While suspended chords are great, using them too much can dilute their impact. Use them strategically to maintain their effectiveness and keep your compositions dynamic.

Ignoring the Root Note

It’s easy to focus on the suspended notes and forget about the root. Make sure you’re still emphasizing the root note to maintain a solid foundation for your chord progressions.

Not Resolving the Tension

Suspended chords create tension, but you need to resolve it effectively. Make sure to follow up with a chord that provides a sense of closure, whether it’s a return to the tonic or another chord that fits your progression.

For more tips on perfecting your technique, Riffhard offers a wealth of resources to help you refine your skills and take your playing to the next level.

Experimenting with Suspended Chords

One of the best things about suspended chords is their versatility. Don’t be afraid to experiment and see how they fit into your unique style. Try them in different keys, positions, and progressions to discover new sounds and textures.

Alternative Tunings

Experimenting with alternative tunings can open up new possibilities for suspended chords. Drop D, open C, or other tunings might offer a fresh perspective and inspire new ideas.

Combining with Other Techniques

Pair suspended chords with techniques like palm muting, harmonics, or tapping to create interesting combinations and textures. This can add depth and complexity to your playing, making your music even more engaging.

Collaborating with Other Musicians

Playing with other musicians can offer fresh insights into how suspended chords can be used. Whether it’s jamming with friends or collaborating on a project, sharing ideas can lead to exciting new discoveries.

And if you’re looking for inspiration, Riffhard has a community of like-minded guitarists who are always exploring new ways to push the boundaries of metal music.

Final Thoughts

Suspended chords are a powerful tool in any guitarist’s arsenal, offering a fresh twist on traditional progressions. They bring tension, texture, and an element of surprise to your music. If you’re eager to delve deeper into guitar techniques like these, Riffhard provides lessons from the world’s leading metal guitarists. Whether you’re into riff writing or exploring new sonic landscapes, you’ll find plenty of inspiration and guidance there.