So “ Preparation ” is the first step . The second step is the actual “ Suspension .”
( EX 1 )
This is where things are in a temporary state of suspense that is typically not restful . The suspenseful scene happens in the movie , putting us on the edge of our seats . Our account is suspended , so we can ’ t have access to it . Our license is suspended so it ’ s temporarily taken away .
So , with this suspension , there ’ s a bit of tension . There ’ s tension , but in this musical scenario , this is a good sort of tension . But as I mentioned , we aren ’ t going to stay in suspense indefinitely . Eventually , we get to the third step , “ Resolution ,” where the Suspension ends .
The suspense in the movie plot winds down , if only temporarily , as it comes to a resting point in the story . The account is restored . The license is reinstated .
So , again , think through those three words as we continue - “ Preparation ,” “ Suspension ,” and “ Resolution .”
So here we are in the key of G Major . The I chord in G Major is … G Major , right ? The IV chord is C Major , and the V chord is D Major .
Now , to bring this right to your fingers in an easy manner , I ’ ll actually use some “ color ” chords , so the chords will actually be easier to play , and they also won ’ t be pure Major chords , but they ’ ll still totally work for this exercise . ( EX 1 )
The most important note in this suspension exercise is the high G note on the 3 rd fret of the 1 st string . I want you to watch this note carefully , because it ’ s going to remain for three chords , but it will have a different identity in each .
I ’ ll analyze the first chord as a G5 chord with no 3 rd . So , in the G chord , this high G is the root , right ? But then , when we move to a C2 chord for the IV chord , we still keep that G up on the 3 rd fret of the 1 st string , and now it ’ s the
5 th of that chord . It ’ s at this stage that we start to feel the “ Preparation .” In other words , we ’ re ramping up to the Suspension .
Next up is the V chord , D , but we ’ re going to keep the high G note on that 3 rd string , thereby rendering this chord a Dsus4 . Why is it a Dsus4 ? Because the high G is now the 4 th degree of the D chord .
Now , typically a D Major Chord won ’ t have a G in it , but rather an F #, right ? But here , with this chord , the Vsus4 is providing the Suspension we ’ re after . Right now , it ’ s not a Major chord .
So now we ’ ve been put in suspense . It ’ s not a restful chord . It ’ s a chord where we ’ re temporarily “ on edge ” just a bit .
But what follows a Suspension , ideally ? You know it – Resolution .
All we need to do is take that high G note that we ’ ve had with us all along , and let it resolve down to the F #, thereby establishing the D Major chord , on its way back to … the G chord . See how the Vsus4 chord moves to a Major V chord , and finally back to the I chord ?
It ’ s actually quite pleasing to the ear . ( Catch the video for the demonstration of this .)
Is there more ? Always . Can we create a Sus2 chord ? Yep .
Can we create suspensions with 7 chords ? Yeah buddy .
Can we play suspensions as bar chords ? Of course .
Can we play a suspension without preparing or resolving it ? We ’ re technically not playing them functionally as suspensions , but … sure .
Can suspensions resolve to minor chords ? Yes , but that tends to sound a little more “ Foreign ” in some cases ( catch the video for my music reference .)
As you can see , we can go much further . But it all starts here with this simple process of KNOWING what a suspension is , and then experimenting with the intentional approach of Preparing , Suspending and Resolving .
Keep showing up , and I ’ ll see you next time .
© GuitarSuccess4U . All rights reserved .
David Harsh David is a nationally touring worship leader , songwriter and performing artist . He is passionate about equipping guitarists to discover their potential . Learn more and join now at www . GuitarSuccess4U . com
April 2024 Subscribe for Free ... 73