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.

~ 2 min read

Best for

Beginner - Intermediate

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.

2Dsus4

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.

2Dsus4

4Em

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.

2Asus2

Use the same move with a different sus shape.

A sus chord is a short lift, not a new home.

Listen to whether the sus chord makes the next D feel stronger.