Sus, Add and Power Chords
Sus chords replace the third, add chords keep the third and add another note, and power chords omit the third. Build each family from C and compare the notes, symbols and harmonic effect.
- sus replaces
- add keeps and adds
- power omits the third
which styles use them
- Pop
- Rock
- Folk
- Metal
- Worship
- Film music
What does a sus chord do?
A suspended chord replaces the third with the second or fourth.
C major is C-E-G. Replace E with D to make Csus2: C-D-G. Replace E with F to make Csus4: C-F-G.
Without E or E flat, neither chord states major or minor quality. The surrounding progression may still establish a major or minor key.
Does sus4 have to resolve?
In traditional tonal voice leading, the suspended fourth often falls by step to the third: Csus4, C-F-G, becomes C major, C-E-G.
Modern pop, rock and modal music also use sus chords as stable sonorities. A repeated Csus2 does not need to be treated as unfinished.
The symbol names the notes. Whether listeners expect resolution depends on rhythm, emphasis and context.
What is an add chord?
An add chord keeps the triad and adds a named scale degree without implying a seventh.
Cadd9: C-E-G-D
The third E remains, so the chord is clearly major. D is called a ninth because chord extensions are named above the octave, although it may be voiced close to C.
Cmadd9: C-E flat-G-D keeps a minor triad and adds the same ninth.
What is the difference between Cadd9 and C9?
Cadd9 contains C-E-G-D. It does not require a seventh.
C9 normally means a dominant ninth chord: C-E-G-B flat-D. The plain 9 symbol includes the minor seventh B flat.
Cmaj9 uses B natural: C-E-G-B-D. Cm9 uses a minor triad and minor seventh: C-E flat-G-B flat-D.
Read the complete symbol before choosing the notes.
What is a power chord?
A power chord contains a root and perfect fifth, often with the root doubled at the octave.
C5: C-G, or C-G-C.
It has no third, so the notes alone do not distinguish C major from C minor. Its symbol uses 5 because the fifth is the defining interval.
Power chords are especially effective on distorted guitar. Removing the third simplifies the sonority while distortion adds upper partials to the sustained root and fifth.
Are sus and power chords major or minor?
Their basic forms do not contain a third, so they do not independently state major or minor quality.
A Csus4 inside C major can still belong to a major-key progression. C5 under an E-flat melody can support a minor context, while the same C5 under E natural can support major.
Name chord quality from the sounding notes and interpret the broader key separately.
Can sus chords contain sevenths?
Yes. C7sus4 usually contains C-F-G-B flat.
The fourth replaces the third, while the minor seventh remains. When F resolves to E, the result is C7.
Symbols such as Cmaj7sus4 also exist. Build the seventh chord first, then apply the suspension specified by the symbol.
How do these chords affect voice leading?
Each family gives you a small, audible note change.
- Csus4 to C moves F down to E.
- Csus2 to C moves D up to E.
- Cadd9 to C can move D down to C or leave D as shared color.
- C5 to Cm adds E flat; C5 to C adds E.
Follow the moving voice while holding C and G. That isolates the interval responsible for the change.
Where are they used?
Acoustic guitar parts use open-string add9 and sus shapes to keep common tones ringing through chord changes.
Pop and worship music often alternates sus4 and major. Rock and metal use power chords for riffs, low-register clarity and movable shapes.
Film and game music use chords without thirds when the harmony should remain open to a later major or minor choice.
How should you practice them?
Play C-E-G, then keep C and G held while replacing E with D and F.
Return E and add D above the chord for Cadd9. Remove E completely for C5.
Repeat from D and G so the concept is tied to scale degrees rather than one keyboard shape. Say replace, add or omit before each chord.