Suspended & Added Chords: A Deep Dive for Pop, Folk, and Rock Musicians

If there's one chord that's used a lot (often overused) in pop and rock music, it's the suspended chord. It's a traditionally classical and folk music idiom that has found it's way into mainstream pop, rock and even metal. It's used in classic rock like Van Halen's "Panama," Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child o' Mine," and Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive." It also often appears in more modern, power-chord-driven music like Pierce the Veil's "Props & Mayhem".

We're going to go through all of the variations and the way this chord is used over and over in everything from pop to classic rock to metal.

The Theory Behind Suspended and Added Chords

At their core, suspended and added chords are about altering the traditional major and minor triads we're so familiar with. They create a sense of tension, color, and often, a shimmering quality that regular chords don't quite achieve.

Suspended 2 and 4 Chords: A Sense of Unresolved Motion

A suspended chord (often abbreviated as "sus") replaces the third of a chord with either a second or a fourth. This removes the major or minor quality and creates a more open, often ubiquitous sound. The most common types are:

• Sus2 (Suspended Second): The third is replaced by the major second. For example, a C major chord is C-E-G. A Cb2 (Csus2) chord would be C-D-G.
• Sus4 (Suspended Fourth): The third is replaced by the perfect fourth. For example, a C major chord is C-E-G. A Cb4 (Csus4) chord would be C-F-G.
  

The key characteristic of suspended chords is that they often resolve back to their major or minor counterparts. This resolution creates a satisfying sense of tension and release.

Music Theory and Staff Notation:

The 3rd of the D chord (F#) get replaced by the 2nd (or 9th) E note in the sus chord. Same goes for the sus4 chord but the F# is replaced by the G.

Difference in Sound:

• Sus2: Often sounds open, airy, and sometimes ethereal. It can evoke a sense of anticipation.
• Sus4: Tends to sound more "hanging" or unresolved, with a stronger pull towards its resolution. It can have a more dramatic or powerful feel.

Traditional Music Usage:

In traditional classical music, suspended chords were primarily used as dissonances that must resolve. Composers like J.S. Bach frequently employed suspensions for their expressive and contrapuntal possibilities. For example, you'll often find a Csus4 resolving to a C major chord, or a Gsus4 resolving to a G major.

Classical Examples:

• J.S. Bach - Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, Prelude: While not explicitly suspended chords in the modern sense, Bach's use of non-chord tones and their resolutions strongly anticipates the sound of suspensions.
• Mozart - Piano Sonata No. 16 in C Major, K. 545: You can hear suspensions used to create melodic tension and release within phrases.

Added 2 and 4 Chords: Adding Color Without Replacing

In contrast to suspended chords, added chords (often abbreviated as "add") include the second or fourth in addition to the regular major or minor triad. The third is still present, giving the chord its fundamental major or minor quality, while the added note provides extra color.

• Add2 (Added Second) / Add9 (Added Ninth): The major second is added to the major or minor triad. If the added second is an octave higher, it's typically called an add9. For example, a C major chord is C-E-G. A Cadd2 chord would be C-D-E-G. A Cadd9 would be C-E-G-D (where the D is an octave higher).
• Add4 (Added Fourth): The perfect fourth is added to the major or minor triad. For example, a C major chord is C-E-G. A Cadd4 chord would be C-E-F-G.

Music Theory and Staff Notation:

In added chords the 2nd (or 9th) is played along with the 3rd of the chord. The same goes for the 4th (or 11).

Difference in Sound:

• Add2/Add9: These chords often sound bright, shimmering, and sophisticated. They can add a jazzy or lush quality without sounding dissonant.
• Add4: While less common than add2/add9, an add4 can create a slightly more complex and sometimes slightly ambiguous sound.

Traditional Music Usage:

Added chords, particularly add9s, became more prevalent in jazz and later in pop and rock. They provide harmonic richness and color without the strong need for resolution seen in suspended chords.

Old Pop, Rock, and Folk Examples:

• The Beatles - "Blackbird": Uses a Gsus4 resolving to G, and other subtle suspensions for a folk-like quality.
• Simon & Garfunkel - "Bridge Over Troubled Water": Features beautiful use of suspensions and added chords to create a rich, expansive sound.
• Led Zeppelin - "Stairway to Heaven": The iconic acoustic intro uses arpeggiated suspensions (primarily Am add9-like voicings) that give it its distinctive sound.

Examples of Suspended and Added Chords

Let's dive into some practical examples of how these chords are used in popular music.

Cliché Suspended 2 and 4 Uses (Type 1)

These are the classic "tension and release" uses where the suspended chord almost always resolves to its major or minor counterpart.

• Gsus4 to G: Heard constantly in folk and classic rock. Think the opening of "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison.
• Dsus2 to D: A common sound in acoustic-driven pop.
• Asus4 to Am: Creates a melancholic or introspective feel.

Open String Cliché Added 2 and 4 Chords

These chords are used to add color and richness, often holding for a longer duration.

• Cadd9: Very common in pop and folk. Think the main riff of Oasis' "Wonderwall."
• Gadd2: Often used in acoustic and indie rock for a brighter, open sound.

A, B, C, D, E, F, and G in First Position (Open Chords)

Here are some common open-position voicings for suspended and added chords.

Barre Suspended Chords (Type 2)

Suspended chords can be easily moved up and down the fretboard using barre shapes.

Moveable sus chords

Suspended Power Chords (Type 3)

These are sus chords using drop D tuning and playing a 'power chord' shape on the 4th string. These are common in heavier genres.

Drop D sus4 chords

Suspended Arpeggios in Popular Songs

The arpeggiated nature of many suspended chords lends itself well to memorable intros and riffs.

• Guns N' Roses - "Sweet Child o' Mine": The iconic intro is built around arpeggiated Dsus4-Dsus2-D and Asus4-Asus2-A patterns.
• Bryan Adams - "Summer of '69": The main guitar riff features a prominent Dsus2-D-Dsus4-D resolution going to the same resolution on A major.
• Van Halen - "Panama": The main riff utilizes a driving, arpeggiated Esus4-E sound.

How to Use Suspended and Added Chords in Basic Progressions

Let's take a common chord progression and see how we can infuse it with suspended and added chords.

Basic Progression: C - Am - F - G

Using Suspended Chords in Usual Ways

• C - Asus4 - Am - F - Gsus4 - G:
• Here, we're using the Asus4 to create a brief moment of tension before resolving to the Am.
• The Gsus4-G is a classic turnaround, building anticipation before returning to the C.

(Imagine a gentle strumming pattern, allowing the suspensions to hang before resolving.)

Utilizing the 'High Pedal' Chords

This is a common use when guitar players will leave the high G and D notes on the first and second strings throughout an extended chord progression. The chords end up being G5- Em7-Cadd9-Dsus4.

• Taylor Swift-esque (Cadd9, G, Am7, F): While not strictly suspensions, the use of Cadd9 adds a shimmering, contemporary pop feel. You can even try swapping the G for a Gsus4 occasionally.
• Pink Floyd-esque (Am - G - C - F with added colors): Think about adding a Gsus2 or a Dsus2 to create a more open, atmospheric sound. Pink Floyd often used sustained, ringing chords with subtle embellishments that functioned similarly to added notes.
• Oasis-esque (G - Dsus4 - Cadd9): The "Wonderwall" progression famously uses a Dsus4 that often lingers, creating its signature sound, followed by the bright Cadd9.

'High pedal' open guitar chords

Added Strums, Arpeggios, Fills, and Lines

• Strums: Instead of just strumming a C major, try strumming a Csus4 and then resolving it to C. This adds movement and interest to your rhythm.
• Arpeggios: Instead of a block chord, arpeggiate a suspended or added chord. This is how many classic rock intros are built ("Sweet Child o' Mine").
• Fills: Between chords in a progression, throw in a quick suspended chord or an arpeggiated added chord as a fill. For example, between an F and a G, you could play a quick Fsus4.
• Lead Lines: Think about how lead guitar lines can incorporate the notes of suspended or added chords. For instance, over a G major, a lead line could briefly outline a Gsus4 or a Gsus2 before returning to chord tones, adding melodic interest and tension.

Final Thoughts

Suspended and added chords are undeniably cliché in popular music, but they are often effective. Their power lies in their ability to evoke emotion, create tension and release, and add harmonic color.

Don't be afraid to use them, but always strive to find your own variations. Experiment with different voicings, resolutions (or lack thereof), and contexts. Try using them sparingly at first, and then explore how they can be integrated into arpeggios, fills, and even lead lines. The more you experiment, the more you'll unlock the expressive potential of these versatile chords.

More To Come...

Stay tuned for a separate post and video specializing in tutorials on each type of suspended and added chord, with tons of examples!

Check our Patreon for an ongoing series on chords and chord progressions and how they are used in pop rock and metal. Also, check out all of the downloadable chord charts that contain all suspended and added chords in all variations. Plus, tons of examples and pdf's on different variations that can be used in your own productions.