Using Sus Chords Without Sounding Random
Use sus chords as short lifts that point back to the main chord instead of dropping them in at random.
By Clayton Ready - Last updated April 19, 2026
Best for
Key terms in this lesson
Helpful terms for this lesson. Hover or tap a term if you want a quick definition.
Sus chords work when they make the main chord feel stronger. If they do not land back on the main chord, they sound random.
Try this
D → Dsus4 → D
Strum each shape once and let it ring. Hear how D feels stronger when it comes back.
Hold the sus chord, then land on D.
Use one sus chord at a time
One suspended shape is enough in a short loop. Too many and the ear loses the landing.
Apply it
G → Dsus4 → D → Em
Play this loop slowly. Let Dsus4 ring for one beat, then land on D.
The sus chord should point to the next D.
Variation
A → Asus2 → A
Strum A, Asus2, then A again. Keep the move small and listen for the same lift and landing.
Use the same move with a different sus shape.
A sus chord is a short lift, not a new home.
Analyzer
Listen to whether the sus chord makes the next D feel stronger.
Open in analyzer