Suspension
Definition
In music theory, suspension refers to a dissonant note that is held over from one chord into another before resolving to a consonant note.
Analogy
Think of a suspension as a musical cliffhanger. Just like how a TV show leaves you hanging at the end of an episode, a suspension creates tension and anticipation by delaying the resolution of dissonance until the next chord.
Related terms
Resolution: The movement from dissonance to consonance in music, providing a sense of stability and closure.
Appogiatura: A type of non-chord tone that is approached by a leap and resolved by step into a consonant note.
Passing Tone: A non-chord tone that connects two chord tones by stepwise motion, creating melodic interest and smooth voice leading.
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