Sus2, sus4 and add9

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Intervals and chords

Common sus4 and sus2 symbols replace a triad’s third with its fourth or second. Csus4 can be C–F–G, and Csus2 C–D–G. Without the third, the usual major/minor distinction is not directly specified.

Cadd9 retains the third: C–E–G–D. It is therefore not the same collection as Csus2. Also distinguish a modern chord symbol from a prepared suspension in historical voice leading. A sus chord need not always resolve immediately to a major triad on the same root.

Example

Csus2 omits E; Cadd9 includes it.

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Which three notes can form Dsus4?

Related topics

References

Music Theory for the 21st-Century Classroom

Subject-expert review pending.