Suspended Chord

Definition

A suspended chord is a type of chord that replaces the third of a major or minor chord with either the second or fourth scale degree, creating a sense of tension and anticipation. This unique sound can lead to a resolution when it eventually transitions back to a traditional major or minor chord. Suspended chords add color and richness to musical progressions, making them an essential tool for songwriters and composers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Suspended chords are typically notated as 'sus2' or 'sus4' depending on whether the second or fourth scale degree is used.
2. These chords create a feeling of unresolved tension, which is often resolved by moving to the related major or minor chord.
3. In popular music, suspended chords are frequently used in progressions to enhance emotional expression and create dynamic shifts.
4. The use of suspended chords can add interest to repetitive progressions by providing variation without changing the overall tonality.
5. Suspended chords are commonly found in various genres, including rock, pop, jazz, and classical music, showcasing their versatility.

Review Questions

• How does the use of suspended chords influence the emotional quality of a musical progression?
  • Suspended chords influence emotional quality by introducing tension and anticipation in the music. When a suspended chord is played, it creates an expectation for resolution, which can evoke feelings of longing or suspense. This emotional depth can enhance the overall impact of a song and engage listeners more effectively, as they await the satisfying release when the chord resolves to its major or minor counterpart.
• Compare and contrast suspended chords with major and minor chords in terms of their construction and emotional effects.
  • Suspended chords differ from major and minor chords primarily in their construction; they replace the third with either the second or fourth scale degree. Major chords convey happiness and brightness due to their major third interval, while minor chords evoke sadness and introspection with their minor third interval. In contrast, suspended chords create tension and uncertainty, leading to an eventual resolution. This contrast allows for creative expression within compositions as suspended chords provide transitional moments between the stability of major and minor chords.
• Evaluate how suspended chords can be effectively incorporated into common chord progressions to enhance songwriting.
  • Incorporating suspended chords into common chord progressions can significantly enhance songwriting by adding unexpected turns and emotional depth. For instance, using a suspended chord before resolving to its major or minor form can create dramatic shifts in mood. Songwriters can utilize these moments to build tension before crucial lyrical phrases or climactic sections in their compositions. This technique not only enriches the harmonic language but also keeps listeners engaged through varied emotional landscapes throughout the song.

Related terms

Major Chord: A three-note chord consisting of a root note, a major third, and a perfect fifth, providing a bright and happy sound.

Minor Chord: A three-note chord made up of a root note, a minor third, and a perfect fifth, giving it a darker and more somber tone.

Chord Progression:

A sequence of chords played in succession that creates the harmonic structure of a piece of music.