Learn how to play sus chords on guitar. Find out what they are, how they're used and how to incorporate them into your playing.
Hey there, guitar enthusiasts! Today, let's talk about one of the most interesting and versatile chord voicings out there - Sus chords. If you're looking to spice up your playing with some fresh and unique sounds, these chords are a fantastic way to do it. Not only are they easy to play, but they add a whole new level of depth and complexity to your music.
With Sus chords, you can create a range of emotions and moods that would be impossible with traditional chords. Whether you want to add some tension to a minor progression or give a major chord a dreamy, ethereal quality, Sus chords are the way to go. Plus, they sound great in any genre - from jazz to rock to pop and everything in between.
So why not give Sus chords a try? You'll be amazed at how much they can transform your playing and take your music to the next level. And who knows, maybe you'll even discover a new favorite chord voicing along the way. So grab your guitar and let's get started!
Sus Chords on Guitar
Greetings fellow guitar enthusiasts! Today we're gonna talk about sus chords on the guitar. These chords are a staple in many genres of music and can add a unique flavor to your playing. So grab your guitar and let's dive in!
What are Sus Chords?
Sus chords, short for suspended chords, are chords that replace the third with either a fourth or a second. This creates a suspended feeling, as the chord doesn't have the typical major or minor sound. For example, a C major chord has the notes C, E, and G. If we replace the third (E) with a fourth (F), we get a Csus4 chord, which sounds like this:
Sus2 vs. Sus4
As mentioned, sus chords can replace the third with either a fourth or a second. This gives us two types of sus chords - sus2 and sus4. A sus2 chord replaces the third with a second, while a sus4 chord replaces it with a fourth. The difference in sound is subtle but can be significant depending on the context of the song. Generally, sus2 chords have a softer, dreamier feel, while sus4 chords are more tense and unresolved.
How to Play Sus Chords
Playing sus chords on the guitar is relatively easy. Since we're replacing the third with either a fourth or a second, we simply need to add that note to the chord. For example, to play a Csus4 chord, we play the notes C, F, and G. To play a Csus2 chord, we play the notes C, D, and G. Here are the fingerings for both chords:
Csus4: X32010
Csus2: X30010
Using Sus Chords in Progressions
Sus chords can be used in a variety of progressions to create tension and release. One common progression is the I-IV-V, where the IV chord is replaced with a sus4 chord. For example, in the key of C, the progression would be C-F-G, but we can replace the F with Fsus4 to create a more interesting sound:
C - Fsus4 - G
Sus Chords in Major and Minor Keys
Sus chords can be used in both major and minor keys. In major keys, sus4 chords are more common, while in minor keys, sus2 chords are often used. Here are some examples:
Major key: C - G - Am - Fsus4
Minor key: Am - G - Fsus2 - Em
Substituting Sus Chords for Major or Minor Chords
Sus chords can also be substituted for major or minor chords to create a different sound. For example, instead of playing a regular C major chord, we can play a Csus4 chord. This works particularly well in songs that have a folky or acoustic feel. Similarly, instead of playing an A minor chord, we can play an Asus2 chord to add some interest:
C - G - Am - F
Can become:
C - G - Amsus2 - Fsus4
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks! Sus chords are a simple yet powerful tool that can add a unique flavor to your playing. Experiment with them in different keys and progressions to see what works best for you. As always, keep practicing and happy strumming!
Alright, fellow guitar enthusiasts, today we're diving deep into the wonderful world of sus chords.
Sus chords are a fundamental part of any guitarist's arsenal, and mastering them can take your playing to new heights.
Let's start with the basics: what exactly is a sus chord, you might ask?
Well, it's short for 'suspended' and it refers to a chord where the third has been replaced by either the second or the fourth. In other words, instead of a major or minor third, you have a second or fourth, which creates a unique and intriguing sound.
The most commonly used sus chord is the sus2, which is made up of the root, second and fifth notes of a scale.
It has a dreamy, open sound that's perfect for creating a sense of mystery and intrigue in your playing. If you want to give your sus2 chords even more depth and complexity, try adding the sixth or ninth notes to the mix. This can create a lush, almost orchestral sound that's perfect for more atmospheric playing styles.
On the other hand, if you want a more upbeat and driving sound, you might want to experiment with sus4 chords instead.
These are made up of the root, fourth and fifth notes and have a bright, almost jangly quality to them. They work great in rock and pop music, and can add some serious punch to your playing.
To really make your sus chords pop, try playing them in open position with some light, fingerpicked arpeggios.
This can create a beautiful, shimmering effect that's perfect for intros and outros. Don't be afraid to experiment with different picking patterns and techniques – there's no right or wrong way to play sus chords!
Of course, you don't have to limit yourself to these more traditional sus chord shapes.
There are plenty of other ways to create suspended sounds on the guitar. For example, you could experiment with using partial chords or even just individual notes to create specific suspended harmonies. This can be a great way to add some variety and interest to your playing, and can help you stand out from the crowd.
Another useful trick for creating tension and release with sus chords is to use them as passing chords between more stable chord progressions.
This can create a sense of harmonic ambiguity that can be really effective for building tension in your music. Try using a sus2 or sus4 chord as a transition between two more traditional chords – you might be surprised at how well it works!
If you're interested in incorporating sus chords into your playing, there are plenty of great resources out there to help you get started.
Check out some of the classic rock and pop songs that use sus chords to great effect, or try working through some of the many online tutorials available. But ultimately, the most important thing when it comes to using sus chords is to experiment and have fun.
Don't be afraid to try new things and push yourself outside your comfort zone – who knows what kind of magical sounds you might discover along the way!
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced guitarist, sus chords are a powerful tool that can take your playing to new heights. So go forth and explore the wonderful world of sus chords – your ears (and your audience) will thank you!
Guitar virtuoso Guthrie Govan sat down with his trusty six-string in hand, ready to share his thoughts on one of the most ubiquitous chord progressions in music - the Sus Chords.
As he strummed his guitar, Guthrie began to reminisce about his earliest encounters with these chords, I remember when I first started playing guitar, I was fascinated by the sound of a suspended chord. It had such an ethereal quality to it that I couldn't help but be drawn to it.
- Guthrie explained that Sus Chords are essentially a variation of major and minor chords. Instead of playing a regular major or minor chord, you replace the third note with a fourth or second note respectively.
- The thing I love about Sus Chords is their versatility. They can be used in a variety of different genres like rock, pop, jazz, and even classical music, he added.
- One of the most popular uses for Sus Chords is in ballads. They add a dreamy, romantic quality to the music that can really tug at your heartstrings, Guthrie continued.
Guthrie also noted that Sus Chords can be used to create tension and release in a song. When you play a Sus Chord, it creates a sense of anticipation in the listener. The unresolved feeling makes them want to hear what comes next.
- And when you finally resolve the chord progression, it's like a weight has been lifted. It's an incredibly satisfying feeling for both the musician and the listener, Guthrie said with a smile.
- Guthrie also pointed out that Sus Chords can be used as a substitute for regular major and minor chords in certain situations. For example, if you're playing a song in the key of C, you could use a Csus2 or Csus4 chord instead of a regular C chord to add some variety to the progression.
As Guthrie continued to play his guitar, he mused on the endless possibilities that Sus Chords offer to musicians. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, there's always something new to discover with these chords. They're like a never-ending well of inspiration.
And with that, Guthrie Govan ended his discourse on Sus Chords, leaving us all with a newfound appreciation for this simple yet powerful chord progression.
Greetings fellow guitar enthusiasts! I hope you found my discussion on Sus chords enlightening and informative. As always, it's a pleasure to share my passion for music and guitar with you all.
As we've discussed, Sus chords are a versatile and powerful tool in any guitarist's arsenal. They can add depth, tension, and complexity to your playing, and can be used in a variety of musical genres. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner just starting to explore the world of guitar, mastering Sus chords is an essential skill that will take your playing to the next level.
Remember, as with any new technique, it takes time and practice to fully integrate Sus chords into your playing. But with dedication and hard work, you'll soon be able to incorporate them seamlessly into your repertoire. So grab your guitar, start experimenting with Sus chords, and let your creativity soar!
Thanks again for visiting my blog, and I hope to see you all soon. Keep on jamming!
People Also Ask About Sus Chords On Guitar:
What are sus chords on guitar?
How do you play a sus chord on guitar?
What is the difference between a sus2 and sus4 chord?
What songs use sus chords on guitar?
How do you use sus chords in a song?
Sus chords are a type of chord that includes a suspended 2nd or 4th instead of the 3rd. This creates a unique and ambiguous sound that can be used in a variety of musical genres.
To play a sus chord on guitar, you can typically replace the 3rd of a major or minor chord with either the 2nd or 4th. For example, to play a Gsus4 chord, you would play the notes G, D, and C instead of the G, B, and D that make up a regular G chord.
The main difference between a sus2 and sus4 chord is the note that is used to replace the 3rd. A sus2 chord uses the 2nd, while a sus4 chord uses the 4th. This gives each chord a slightly different sound and feel.
Many songs use sus chords on guitar, including Nothing Else Matters by Metallica, Landslide by Fleetwood Mac, and Wonderwall by Oasis. Sus chords can also be found in many different genres, from jazz to pop to rock.
Sus chords can be used in a variety of ways in a song, from adding tension to creating a unique sound. They can be used as a substitute for major or minor chords, or they can be used to add color and texture to a chord progression. Experimenting with different sus chords and chord progressions can help you find the perfect sound for your song.
As Guthrie Govan says, sus chords are a great way to add harmonic interest to your playing and create a sense of ambiguity that can be really beautiful. So don't be afraid to experiment with them and see where they take you!
