Chord Enrichment part 3

2nd Inversion Major Triad Derivatives

The 1st set of strings 1, 2, and 3:

We can enrich chords by simply lowering the root, which is on the 2nd string, by a half step (1 fret) as shown below:

We can also enrich chords by raising the 5th interval by half steps on the 3rd string:

By raising the 3rd interval on the 1st string up 1/2 step to the 4th interval we get the suspended 4 chord (Csus4). By lowering the 1st string a whole step to the 2nd interval we get the suspended 2 chord (Csus2). These chords are called suspended because our ears want the 4 or 2 intervals to resolve to the 3rd interval. We are accustomed to hearing the major triad which has the 1, 3, and 5 intervals.  Ending a song or a phrase on a sus chord sounds unresolved. The sus wants to resolve or end on a major 3rd interval:

The 2nd set of strings 2, 3, and 4.

The 3rd set of strings 3, 4, and 5.

The 4th set of strings 4, 5, and 6.

If you are not familiar with any of these terms or concepts visit guitar goodies.