The sus2 add9 and sus9 Chords Explained

Let’s break down the difference between sus2 add9 and sus9 chords.

1. Sus2 Chord: A sus2 chord is a suspended chord that replaces the third of a major or minor triad with the second scale degree. In other words, it removes the third and adds the second note of the scale. For example, in the key of C, a C major triad consists of the notes C, E, and G. To create a Csus2 chord, you replace the E (the third) with the D (the second), resulting in the notes C, D, and G.
2. Add9 Chord: An add9 chord is an extended chord that adds the ninth scale degree to a basic triad. It retains the third of the chord and adds the ninth. For instance, using the example of a C major triad, you would include the ninth scale degree, which is the note D, to create a Cadd9 chord. So the notes of a Cadd9 chord are C, E, G, and D.
3. Sus9 Chord: A sus9 chord combines elements of both sus2 and add9 chords. It replaces the third of a major or minor triad with the second scale degree and adds the ninth. So, in the key of C, a Csus9 chord would consist of the notes C, D, and G as in a sus2 chord, but it also adds the ninth scale degree, which is the note E. Therefore, the Csus9 chord includes the notes C, D, E, and G.

To summarize:

• Sus2 chord replaces the third with the second, omitting the ninth.
• Add9 chord retains the third and adds the ninth.
• Sus9 chord replaces the third with the second and adds the ninth.

It’s worth noting that the actual voicing and inversion of these chords can vary, and different musicians might interpret them differently. However, the general principles mentioned above describe their basic construction.