What are Sus Chords?

Sus Chords turn up all over the place in piano music and yet many people have no idea what they are. In this post (and video!) You will learn what are Sus Chords and you'll learn how to practice them!

What are Sus Chords

"Sus" is short for suspended, which means that there is an unresolved note taking the place for a resolved one. The most commonly seen SUS Chords are:

Sus 4

Sus 2

Dominant 7 sus

Sus 4 Chord

The Sus 4 chord replaces the 3rd of the chord with the 4th. As you can see below, instead of C-E-G (1-3-5), you play C-F-G (1-4-5) instead. The C sus 4 is an unresolved chord, which functions similarly as a IV (4) chord does. You see this type of chord in lots of pop songs.

Sus 2 Chord

The Sus 2 chord replaces the 3rd of the chord with the 2nd. As you can see below, instead of C-E-G (1-3-5), you play C-D-G (1-2-5) instead. The sus 2 chord shows up a ton in pop songs by Elton John and Billy Joel and really gives you that "soft pop piano" sound.

Dominant 7 Sus Chord

The dominant 7 sus chord is similar to the Sus 4 chord, but in a 4 note context. Once again, the 3rd is replaced by the 4th. As you can see below, instead of C-E-G-Bb (1-3-5-b7), you play C-F-G-Bb(1-4-5-b7) instead. The C sus 4 is an unresolved chord, which functions similarly as a IV (4) chord does. You see this type of chord in lots of pop songs, including Mercy Mercy Me by Marvin Gaye.

Here is a cool voicing you can try for a Dominant 7 sus chord:

Play a major triad a WHOLE STEP DOWN from the root of the chord. For C7sus, that means you'll play a Bb triad in your right hand and a C in your left hand. It sounds great!

How to practice Sus Chords on the piano

To master each of these new Sus Chords, I suggest that you use my usual Practice Matrix.

Step #1: Practice Clockwise via the Circle of 5ths

C, G, D, A, E, B, Gb, Db, Ab, Eb, Bb, F, C

Step #2: Practice counterclockwise via the Circle of 5ths

C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, B, E, A, D, G

Step #3: Practice UP by half steps

C, C#, D, Eb, E, F, Gb, G, Ab, A, Bb, B

Step #4: Practice DOWN by half steps

C, B, Bb, A, Ab, G, Gb, F, E, Eb, D, Db

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