What is a Suspended Chord?

A suspended chord is a type of chord in which the third of a chord is replaced by either the second or the fourth note of the scale. Because the third is missing, the chord does not sound clearly major or minor. This creates a sense of tension or openness that often resolves when the suspended note moves back to the third.

The two most common types of suspended chords are the suspended second (sus2) and suspended fourth (sus4). For example, a Csus4 chord contains the notes C, F, and G, where the fourth note replaces the third. A Csus2 chord contains the notes C, D, and G, where the second note replaces the third. These chords create a floating or unresolved sound that is often used to add movement in music.

Suspended chords are widely used in many musical styles including rock, pop, folk, and worship music. They often appear in guitar playing because their shapes are easy to move between while creating interesting harmonic textures. Musicians frequently use suspended chords to create anticipation before resolving back to a major or minor chord.