Here are some examples of how to spell sus2 and sus4 chords.
Dsus2
In order to know how to spell a Dsus2 chord, you need to
use the D minor chord as your starting point.
Dm = D(1), F(3),
A(5)
The chord formula for a minor chord is 1
3
5. The chord formula for sus2 is 1 2 5. So you need to lower
the F(3)
of the Dm chord down a half step from F to E. It is also
important that the E is a 2. If you were to lower the F
to an F,
this would end up being a 1 3
5....and we don't want double flat 3, we want 2. Count on
your hand if you need to.
Dsus2 = D(1), E(2), A(5)
Esus4
In order to know how to spell an Esus4 chord, you need
to use an E minor as your starting point.
Em = E(1), G(3),
B(5)
The chord formula for a minor chord is 1
3
5. The chord formula for sus4 is 1 4 5. A 4 is going to
be up a whole step from 3.
So you are going to raise the G(3)
up to A(4).
Esus4 = E(1), A(4), B(5)
Gsus2
In order to know how to spell an Gsus2
chord, you need to use a G major chord as your starting
point.
G = G(1), B(3), D(5)
Lower all of the notes to get a major chord with same root
as the chord you are trying to spell....G.
G
= G(1),
B(3),
D(5)
The chord formula for a major chord is 1
3 5. The chord formula for sus2 is 1 2 5. A 2 is going to
be down a whole step lower than a 3. So you are going to
lower the B(3)
down to A(2).
Gsus2
= G(1),
A(2),
D(5)
Now that you have seen a few examples and understand the concept,
it is time to try and spell a few yourself. I would start with
the chords that have natural roots (A B C D E F G), then try the
sharp and flat roots. Click on the button below for how to spell
all of the sus2 and sus4 chords. Use this to check yourself.
Part
3
will cover how to further apply the theory learned in the previous
parts to the neck of the bass. You will learn how to alter basic
chord shapes that you already know to form other types of chords.
3),
A(5)
Page 6,