Third replaced by 2 or 4; resolves to triad or used statically in pop.
Suspended Chords (sus2 and sus4)
Suspended chords replace the 3rd of a triad with either the 2nd or 4th degree of the scale.
By removing the 3rd — the note that defines whether a chord is major or minor — suspended chords create an ambiguous, open sound that feels unresolved yet spacious.
They are called “suspended” because, historically, the non-chord tone (2nd or 4th) was suspended from a previous harmony and then resolved by step.
In modern music, suspended chords are rarely resolved — their ambiguity has become part of their charm, widely used in rock, pop, jazz, and film scoring.
Structure
| Type | Formula | Semitones from Root | Example (C root) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sus2 | 1 – 2 – 5 | 0 – 2 – 7 | C–D–G | Open, light, modern |
| sus4 | 1 – 4 – 5 | 0 – 5 – 7 | C–F–G | Strong, suspended tension |
Both forms omit the 3rd, creating neutrality — neither major nor minor.
Interval Structure
| From | To | Interval | Size | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Root → 2nd | Major 2nd | 2 semitones | Bright openness (sus2) | |
| Root → 4th | Perfect 4th | 5 semitones | Expectant tension (sus4) | |
| Root → 5th | Perfect 5th | 7 semitones | Anchors the chord |
Suspended chords are frequently paired — the 4th often resolving downward to the 3rd (sus4 → major), or the 2nd rising upward (sus2 → major).
Roman Numeral Function
| Context | Chord Type | Function |
|---|---|---|
| V7sus4 | Dominant area | Holds tension before resolving to V7 or I |
| Isus2 / Isus4 | Tonic color | Replaces I or Imaj7 with openness |
| IVsus2 / IVsus4 | Subdominant | Expands harmonic texture |
Sound and Character
- Mood: suspended, unresolved, spacious, open
- Color: neutral — neither happy nor sad
- Function: adds delay or anticipation to harmonic movement
- Texture: modern, often associated with acoustic or ambient sounds
The sus4 has a stronger pull downward, while the sus2 feels lighter and more floating.
Common Progressions
| Progression | Function | Example (in C) |
|---|---|---|
| Csus4 → C | Resolution | Classic suspension |
| Dsus2 – Gsus4 – C | Modal cadence | Pop/folk pattern |
| G7sus4 – G7 – Cmaj7 | Jazz cadence | Dominant delay |
| Csus2 – Cmaj7 | Modern tonic color | Gentle release |
| Asus2 – E – F#m7 | Open rock sound | Modal minor movement |
Real-World Examples
| Song | Artist | Use |
|---|---|---|
| “Pinball Wizard” | The Who | Dsus4 → D drive |
| “Free Fallin’” | Tom Petty | Csus2 shimmer under melody |
| “Message in a Bottle” | The Police | Asus2 and sus4 voicings define texture |
| “Wish You Were Here” | Pink Floyd | Gsus4 and Csus2 open chords |
| “Clocks” | Coldplay | Repeated sus2 voicings over pedal tone |
Application Tips
- Guitar: sus2 and sus4 shapes are common in open-position chords — they add motion without changing harmony.
- Piano: sustain the 2nd or 4th while playing the 5th to emphasize airiness.
- Production: layer sus chords under drones or sustained pads for cinematic effect.
- Combine sus2 → maj7 or sus4 → 7 for smooth resolutions.
Summary
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Formula | sus2: 1–2–5, sus4: 1–4–5 |
| Tonality | Neutral |
| Emotional Color | Airy, suspended, open |
| Function | Pre-resolution or static color |
| Common Progressions | sus4→maj, sus2→maj7, V7sus4→V7 |
| Used In | Pop, rock, jazz, ambient, film music |