What is a Sus Chord Guitar? A Symphony of Strings and Surrealism

The sus chord guitar, a term that resonates with both the novice and the seasoned musician, is a fascinating subject that intertwines the technicalities of music theory with the abstract beauty of sound. This article delves into the essence of sus chords, their application in guitar playing, and the surrealistic interpretations they inspire.

Understanding Sus Chords

Sus chords, short for “suspended chords,” are a type of chord that replaces the third with either a second or a fourth. This alteration creates a sense of tension and ambiguity, as the chord lacks the defining major or minor quality. In the context of guitar playing, sus chords are often used to add color and texture to a progression, offering a unique sonic palette that can evoke a range of emotions.

The Structure of Sus Chords

A typical sus chord on the guitar might look like this:

• Sus2: Root, second, fifth (e.g., Dsus2: D, E, A)
• Sus4: Root, fourth, fifth (e.g., Dsus4: D, G, A)

These chords are often used in place of their major or minor counterparts to create a more open and airy sound. The absence of the third allows the chord to float, unresolved, until it resolves back to a major or minor chord.

The Role of Sus Chords in Guitar Playing

Sus chords are a staple in many genres of music, from rock and pop to jazz and classical. They are particularly effective in creating a sense of movement and anticipation within a song. Here are some ways sus chords are utilized in guitar playing:

1. Creating Tension and Release

One of the primary functions of sus chords is to create tension. When a sus chord is played, the listener expects a resolution, typically to a major or minor chord. This tension-release dynamic is a powerful tool for songwriters and composers, as it can heighten emotional impact and drive the narrative of a piece.

2. Adding Color and Texture

Sus chords can add a layer of complexity to a chord progression. By replacing a standard major or minor chord with a sus chord, a guitarist can introduce a new tonal color that can make a progression more interesting and engaging.

3. Enhancing Melodic Lines

Sus chords can also be used to enhance melodic lines. When a melody note coincides with the suspended note (the second or fourth), it can create a harmonious blend that enriches the overall sound. This technique is often used in fingerstyle guitar playing, where the melody and harmony are intertwined.

4. Modulating Between Keys

Sus chords can serve as a bridge between different keys. By using a sus chord as a pivot, a guitarist can smoothly transition from one key to another, creating a sense of movement and progression within a song.

Surrealistic Interpretations of Sus Chords

Beyond their technical applications, sus chords can also be seen through a surrealistic lens. The ambiguity and tension they create can evoke a sense of the uncanny, the dreamlike, and the otherworldly. Here are some ways sus chords can be interpreted surrealistically:

1. The Unresolved Dream

In a surrealistic context, a sus chord can represent the unresolved nature of dreams. Just as a dream often leaves us with more questions than answers, a sus chord leaves the listener in a state of suspense, waiting for a resolution that may never come.

2. The Floating Reality

Sus chords can also symbolize the fluidity of reality in surrealism. The lack of a defined major or minor quality allows the chord to exist in a state of flux, much like the shifting landscapes and identities found in surrealistic art and literature.

3. The Emotional Ambiguity

The emotional ambiguity of sus chords mirrors the complex and often contradictory emotions explored in surrealism. Just as a surrealistic painting might evoke both joy and sorrow, a sus chord can evoke a range of emotions, from longing to hope, without settling on a single feeling.

4. The Infinite Possibility

Finally, sus chords can represent the infinite possibilities inherent in surrealism. By not resolving to a major or minor chord, a sus chord opens up a world of potential outcomes, much like the endless interpretations of a surrealistic work.

Practical Applications and Examples

To better understand the use of sus chords in guitar playing, let’s look at some practical examples and applications.

Example 1: The Classic Rock Progression

One of the most famous uses of sus chords in rock music is in the song “Pinball Wizard” by The Who. The opening chord progression features a series of sus4 chords that create a sense of anticipation and excitement:

e|-----3-----3-----3-----3-----|
B|-----3-----3-----3-----3-----|
G|-----0-----0-----0-----0-----|
D|-----0-----0-----0-----0-----|
A|-----2-----2-----2-----2-----|
E|-----3-----3-----3-----3-----|

This progression uses Dsus4 and Asus4 chords, which resolve to D and A major chords, respectively. The sus chords add a layer of tension that is released when the chords resolve, creating a dynamic and engaging sound.

Example 2: The Jazz Ballad

In jazz, sus chords are often used to create a lush and sophisticated sound. Consider the following chord progression from the jazz standard “Misty”:

e|-----3-----3-----3-----3-----|
B|-----3-----3-----3-----3-----|
G|-----4-----4-----4-----4-----|
D|-----5-----5-----5-----5-----|
A|-----5-----5-----5-----5-----|
E|-----3-----3-----3-----3-----|

This progression uses Esus4 and Asus4 chords, which resolve to E and A major chords. The sus chords add a sense of longing and beauty to the progression, enhancing the emotional impact of the song.

Example 3: The Fingerstyle Melody

In fingerstyle guitar playing, sus chords can be used to create intricate and beautiful melodies. Consider the following example:

e|-----0-----0-----0-----0-----|
B|-----1-----1-----1-----1-----|
G|-----0-----0-----0-----0-----|
D|-----2-----2-----2-----2-----|
A|-----3-----3-----3-----3-----|
E|-----0-----0-----0-----0-----|

This progression uses Csus2 and Gsus2 chords, which resolve to C and G major chords. The sus chords add a layer of complexity to the melody, creating a rich and textured sound.

Conclusion

The sus chord guitar is a versatile and powerful tool in the hands of a skilled musician. Whether used to create tension, add color, or evoke surrealistic imagery, sus chords offer a unique and compelling sound that can enhance any musical composition. By understanding the structure and application of sus chords, guitarists can unlock new creative possibilities and take their playing to new heights.

Related Q&A

Q: What is the difference between a sus2 and a sus4 chord?

A: A sus2 chord replaces the third of a major or minor chord with a second, while a sus4 chord replaces the third with a fourth. This creates a different tonal quality and sense of tension in each chord.

Q: Can sus chords be used in any genre of music?

A: Yes, sus chords are versatile and can be used in a wide range of genres, from rock and pop to jazz and classical. They are particularly effective in creating tension and adding color to a progression.

Q: How do I resolve a sus chord?

A: A sus chord is typically resolved by moving to a major or minor chord. For example, a Dsus4 chord might resolve to a D major chord, releasing the tension created by the suspended fourth.

Q: Are sus chords difficult to play on the guitar?

A: Sus chords are generally not difficult to play, especially for intermediate and advanced guitarists. They often involve simple fingerings and can be easily incorporated into chord progressions.

Q: Can sus chords be used in fingerstyle guitar playing?

A: Absolutely! Sus chords can add a layer of complexity and beauty to fingerstyle guitar playing, enhancing both the melody and harmony of a piece.