Open Chords and Suspended Chords

The suspended chord is a type of chord where a specific note in the chord is replaced by another. This gives the chord a mysterious or unclear sound.

This chord is used often in popular music, and it very often resolves to the major chord of the same type. For instance, Csus4 would often resolve to C.

For the chords below, practice them by root: practice all of the C chords together, then all of the D chords, and so on. Notice the differences between the different chords of the same letter name. This will help you to remember them.

The "x" above a string indicates not to play that string. But if there's a little mini-note on the top of the diagram, that means you should let the string ring open, which is when you play a string without fretting any notes on it.

A note for the frustrated learner

Some of these, such as G-, are difficult even for advanced players and are presented mostly for comparison.

Key Tasks

1. Memorize all of the chords.
2. Practice the chords until you can play them cleanly. Each note should sound clear.
3. Compare the chords of the same letter-name to each other. How are they alike?
4. Compare the notes of the same type to each other. How are Asus4 and Gsus4 alike?