In this part we will be looking at the less common open sus voicings, with interesting fingerings, interesting sounds and slightly harder than those earlier ones..

 

So what is a sus chord and how do I use them?

Please read the notes on CH-003 • Suspended Open Chords (Part 1)

I would not say that these chords are essential repertiore but they are useful and sound pretty cool.

 

Csus4 Chord

Csus4 - Open Chord Voicing

Now this is where we get a bit technical... Now to play a 'true' Csus4 you need to play the chord as shown and be careful not to play the high E string. If you play it you are not playing a true sus chord.

Now to be honest, it doesn't sound bad if you do so if you are just playing for fun and embelishing your C chord then let the E ring, it sounds fine most of the time - remember it is your ears that decide if something is good or not - not a theory!!

The other option is to lay your 1st finger over as well so you play the note F (first string, first fret) and then you are playing a 'true' sus chord again.
Csus2 Chord

Csus2 - Open Chord Voicing

Like the chord above you need to be careful not to play the high E string. If you play it you are not playing a true sus chord.

Again, it doesn't sound bad if you do so if you are just playing for fun and embelishing your C chord then let the E ring, it sounds fine most of the time - remember it is your ears that decide if something is good or not - not a theory!!

Another alternative is to play the good old Cadd9 chord (TAB: x 3 2 0 3 3) but lift off your second finger. But this one doesn't sound so cool imho.
Esus2 Chord

Esus2 - Open Chord Voicing

This doesn't look too much like an open chord, it is because it uses open strings, but it's played more like a B5 Power Chord!

Sounds pretty cool but it not too common.
Fsus4 Chord

Fsus4 - Open Chord Voicing

This is a very nice little chord.

Often played with the thumb reaching over to play the low F note (sixth string, first fret) which sounds really nice.

Just be careful not to play the X strings...
Fsus2 Chord

Fsus2 - Open Chord Voicing

This is one of my personal faves of all time. I like the space in this chord - especially if you get the bass note with the thumb as described above.

Really nice just changing from F to this Fsus2 - used a lot by my fave writers, Neil Young and Neil Finn, it just sounds sweet.

Love it.

B Sus4 Chord

Bsus4 - Open Chord Voicing

This chord sounds a bit strange. I don't really play it too often, but it does have it's place.

Notice that it's the same as Esus4 wbut with B as the bass note...

Gsus4 Chord

Gsus4 - Open Chord Voicing

This is another beautiful one. Really like the sound of this.

The big trick here is to mute the fifth string with the inside of your 3rd finger. You have to go for the 'folk G' fingering, but now that you have your first and second fingers free you can use them for all sorts of nice variations, add9, add6, 69, oh I could go on forever :)

Das ist goot yaa!

 

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