11/25/2010 Basic Chord Theory IV | Lessons @ Ultim…

Stumble! I like it! Share All topics 5929 favorites

guitar tabs / all updates / news / reviews / interviews / columns / lessons / forums / contests / ug.TV / slash my profile

Basic Chord Theory IV, date: august 17, 2010

search for: in Lessons Search! advanced + submit your tab

+ submit your review
fresh tabs / 0-9 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z / top 100 tabs + submit your article

Basic Chord Theory IV

author: CPDmusic date: 08/17/2010 category: chords

Intro: rating: 9.6 / votes: 27

Hello, and welcome to the fourth and final instalment of the “Basic Chord Theory” series. In Vote Rate
part four, we will wrap up by looking at suspended chords, as well as learning the basics of
chord inversions. Enjoy!

Suspended Chords:

The first thing we will look at today is suspended chords. To start, there are two main types of suspended chords, a
suspended second chord, and a suspended fourth chord. Both these types of chords alter the base chord slightly.
To get more insight on suspended chords, it’s probably best to look at some example, which is what we will do!

The Suspended Second Chord:

Lets start off with the suspended second chord. Like all the other chords we have learned, this chord can be
expressed in a numerical sequence:
125

So, lets use this sequence to construct a Csus2 chord, starting on C:

E||-------||
B||-------||
G||-------||
D||-------||
A||--3----||
E||-------||

Next, we would add the second note of the C major scale, being D:

E||-------||
B||-------||
G||-------||
D||--0----||
A||--3----||
E||-------||

And then finally, we would add the fifth note of the C major, G:

E||-------||
B||-------||
G||--0----||
D||--0----||
A||--3----||
E||-------||

ultimate-guitar.com/…/basic_chord_the… 1/6
11/25/2010 Basic Chord Theory IV | Lessons @ Ultim…

And that’s a Csus2! Now as you know, you can change around the order of the notes and get the same chord, so
why don’t you experiment with that. For example, I play my Csus2 many ways, one being C D C D G, which is played
like this:

E||--3----||
B||--3----||
G||--5----||
D||--0----||
A||--3----||
E||-------||

Play it however you feel comfortable. We will discuss this chord more later. I think it would be helpful if we also new
the suspended fourth chord, so we can reflect on suspended chords in their entirety.

The Suspended Fourth:

The suspended fourth is very similar to the suspended second. It follows this pattern:
145

So, lets now construct a Csus4, starting with C:

E||-------||
B||-------||
G||-------||
D||-------||
A||--3----||
E||-------||

Next, we would add the fourth note of the C major scale, F:

E||-------||
B||-------||
G||-------||
D||--3----||
A||--3----||
E||-------||

And finally, the fifth note of the C major, G:

E||-------||
B||-------||
G||--0----||
D||--3----||
A||--3----||
E||-------||

So, there is your basic Csus4! Once again, try experimenting with different ordering. Luckily, the Csus4 is a pretty
versatile chord, so you could simply just play it C F G C F, and get this:

E||--1----||
B||--1----||
G||--0----||
D||--3----||
A||--3----||
E||-------||

Suspended Chords pt. 2:

ultimate-guitar.com/…/basic_chord_the… 2/6
11/25/2010 Basic Chord Theory IV | Lessons @ Ultim…
Now that we understand how to play the two main types of suspended chords, lets discuss them. What you should
notice is that a suspended chord is just a major chord, with a replaced third. In the suspended SECOND chord, the
third is replaced by a SECOND, while in the suspended FOURTH chord, the third is replaced by a FOURTH. Do you see
the pattern? Now, suspension can be added to any chord. For example, a C7sus2 would be 1 2 5 b7, while a C7sus4
would be 1 4 5 b7. One exception is that there is technically no such thing as a minor chord with a suspension.
Why? Well, lets try and figure out what a minor suspended chord will be. We know a minor chord is:
1 b3 5

And we know that suspended chords replace the third with another note. So, to get a suspended second, we would
replace the third in this chord with a second, to get:
125

Which is exactly the same as the major with a suspended second. So, just for simplicity, we stick with Csus2.

Chord Inversions:

The final thing we need to look at is chord inversions. Don’t worry, we don’t need to learn any new numerical
sequences. Chord inversions are just altering the chords we already know. Remember how I said when rearranging
the order of notes in a chord, you must keep the root the same. Well, I lied. I said that so I don’t confuse you early
on. But know, with your knowledge of chords, you are ready to learn about the chord inversion. Chord inversions are
actually really easy. Lets say we had a C major chord:
CEG

So, there it is, as standard C major triad. But, how do you invert it? Well this chord has two inversions. The first
inversion of this chord is this:
EGC

Notice how now the first note is E, while the other two are G and C (you can change the order if you wish to E C G,
just like you would change the order of any other chord). This is a C chord, first inversion. You might see it written
multiple ways, such as Calt, or C/E. How do you determine this is first inversion? Well, lets look back at the standard
C major:
CEG

Notice how the E is the first note from the C? Well, if we make that E the root:
EGC

Than we would have what we already know is C/E. In the original chord, the E was the FIRST note from the C,
making this chord C major, FIRST inversion.

Now, the second inversion is very similar. It goes like this:

GCE

Notice how now the root note is G. In the standard C major chord, G was the SECOND note from C, making this note
C major SECOND inversion.

Also, chords can have more than two inversions, depending on how many different notes are in the chord. For
example, lets look at a C7 chord:
C E G Bb

Now, we know that first inversion would be this:

E G Bb C

And second inversion would be this:

G Bb C E

But, this chord has four notes, meaning we could make a third inversion. Bb is the third note from the root, C,
meaning if we made Bb the root, we would have C7 third inversion, or C7/Bb.
Bb C E G

Using this knowledge, we can determine that a thirteenth chord has six different inversions! So, there you have it,
you now know chord inversions! But, one final question remains…

Why Use Inversions?

You are probably asking yourself “what’s the point? Why not just play the chord normally”. Well, this is a lesson in
itself, which I will be sure to write later. The reason people use inversions is because of the “voicing’s” of the
chords. With inversions, one can hold a melody, while following the standard chords of that key. Confused? Don’t
worry, I’ll write about voicing’s later.

ultimate-guitar.com/…/basic_chord_the… 3/6
11/25/2010 Basic Chord Theory IV | Lessons @ Ultim…
The Table Of Chords!

Well, it’s time to add the final chords to our table of chords.
M =1 3 5
m = 1 b3 5
Aug = 1 3 #5
Dim = 1 b3 b5
7 = 1 3 5 b7
7M = 1 3 5 7
m7 = 1 b3 5 b7
m7M = 1 b3 5 7
Add9 = 1 3 5 9
9 = 1 3 5 b7 9
Add11 = 1 3 5 11
11 = 1 3 5 b7 9 11
Add13 = 1 3 5 13
Sus2 = 1 2 5
Sus4 = 1 4 5
7sus2 = 1 2 5 b7
7sus4 = 1 4 5 b7
7Msus2 = 1 2 5 7
7Msus4 = 1 4 5 7

I only added a couple suspended chords to this list, but feel free to add suspensions to any chord you want. Now, if
you look at this table, you see 19 chords. But don’t be intimidated! Remember, all these chords can be traced back
to the Major chord somehow, so really, it’s the only one you need to memorize. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it
again, most of these chord names are self-explanatory. Look for the patterns, it will immensely help you. Don’t think
of it as memorization, think of it almost as reading. When you read “suspended second”, don’t say “1 2 5”, say
“major chord with a second instead of a third”. It will make it easier when you have 19 chords to deal with.

Outro:

So, that’s it for both this lesson, and the entire series on “Basic Chord Theory”. But, don’t forget this! We will look
back on it in future lessons! So, I guess my job here is done. Remember your table of chords (print it out if you want
to!), and remember chord inversions, because all those things will expand your general knowledge of music. Goodbye!

Did You Like This Lesson? Check Out All My Lessons Here
More Lessons Coming Soon!

PO STED: 08/17/2010 - 06:36 am print share subscribe to

More CPDmusic's lessons:

+ Scale Degrees & Chord Harmonization the basics 11/05/2010
+ Time Signatures (2) the basics 09/28/2010
+ Triplet Feel the basics 09/27/2010
+ Starting Speed Playing IV for beginners 09/24/2010
+ Starting Speed Playing III for beginners 09/23/2010
+ view all

18 comments posted comments policy

shadowmaster036 :
Another great chord theory lesson. You're doing a great job. I've already learned this from other lessons but I did catch a few tidbits i
didn't the first time around. 10/10
PO STED: 08/17/2010 - 03:43 pm / quo te |

cgolden :
This is definitely a very applicable lesson to guitar, but some sections, especially on suspensions, don't reflect a standard view on chord
structure. The lesson is excellent for guitarists, but from a technical theory perspective, it's a tad off.
PO STED: 08/17/2010 - 10:54 pm / quo te |

SatanPriest :
Sweet, I've learned alot from these, very well put lessons, I hope to see more in the future!
PO STED: 08/18/2010 - 02:23 a m / quo te |

ajreciever14 :

ultimate-guitar.com/…/basic_chord_the… 4/6
11/25/2010 Basic Chord Theory IV | Lessons @ Ultim…
cgolden wrote:

This is definitely a very applicable lesson to guitar, but some sections, especially on suspensions, don't reflect a standard view on
chord structure. The lesson is excellent for guitarists, but from a technical theory perspective, it's a tad off.

well this is ultimate-guitar

PO STED: 08/18/2010 - 10:30 a m / quo te |

VMNTXdave100 :
i only looked at this lesson, now everything seems so much easier to me when looking at chords i will definitely look at this more often
PO STED: 08/19/2010 - 09:36 a m / quo te |

Zeppelin Addict :
and here lies the final product.. great job C PD! you got these out quick and you did a fantastic job with your explanations and how you
showed each chord.. awesome lessons for anyone looking to grasp a better understanding of how chords are made. \M/
PO STED: 08/19/2010 - 02:10 pm / quo te |

trypsin :
Thanks C PD! This helps us newbies immensely.
PO STED: 08/19/2010 - 05:33 pm / quo te |

thebjorno :
Very Nice! As a teacher, I'm always looking for others who are good at teaching n00bs and seeing what they do. However I'd add the
m7b5 (1 m3 b5 b7), the dim7 (1 m3 TT/b5 dim7/bb7), the aug7 (1 M3 #5 b7), the dom7 add13 (1 M3 5 b7 13). This amount of chord
theory is totally enough for non-jazz musicians.
PO STED: 08/20/2010 - 04:18 pm / quo te |

CPDmusic :

thebjorno wrote:

Very Nice! As a teacher, I'm always looking for others who are good at teaching n00bs and seeing what they do. However I'd add the
m7b5 (1 m3 b5 b7), the dim7 (1 m3 TT/b5 dim7/bb7), the aug7 (1 M3 #5 b7), the dom7 add13 (1 M3 5 b7 13). This amount of chord
theory is totally enough for non-jazz musicians.

Well, what I'm hoping for is that with the theory I've taught, when someone sees something like C m7b5, they would be able to say
"okay, that's just a minor seventh chord with a flattened fifth. Easy!" instead of teaching EVERY chord known to mankind. But I see what
your saying, thanks for the feedback.
PO STED: 08/20/2010 - 08:58 pm / quo te |

crazysam23_Atax :

ajreciever14 wrote:

cgolden wrote:

This is definitely a very applicable lesson to guitar, but some sections, especially on suspensions, don't reflect a standard view on
chord structure. The lesson is excellent for guitarists, but from a technical theory perspective, it's a tad off.

well this is ultimate-guitar

Just cuz this is UG doesn't mean making it theory tight is unneeded.

PO STED: 08/23/2010 - 02:49 a m / quo te |

flava14 :
Bravo and congrats. Great explanations and a great lesson overall. This is just the lesson ive been looking for. C heers
PO STED: 08/29/2010 - 07:50 a m / quo te |

rafaelinux :
I had investigated a li'l bit already, but it's a great series you've got there , nice and simple.
PO STED: 09/01/2010 - 06:40 pm / quo te |

gordie_domik :
These are the best chord lessons I have managed to find on the internet.
PO STED: 09/06/2010 - 02:30 pm / quo te |

Ibanezbelyeu :
Nice lesson! Just be careful how you use the word "alter". Some cats might get confused by that
PO STED: 09/09/2010 - 03:28 pm / quo te |

HealthyNormal :

One exception is that there is technically no such thing as a minor chord with a suspension.

ultimate-guitar.com/…/basic_chord_the… 5/6
11/25/2010 Basic Chord Theory IV | Lessons @ Ultim…

Well, then there is technically no such thing as a major chord with a suspension.

When you read “suspended second”, don’t say “1 2 5”, say “major chord with a second instead of a third”.

Not to be a dick, but that's wrong. A sus2 and sus4 can act as a minor, major or dominant chord. It is not just a major with a suspended
second. A suspended chord is in no way tied to minor or major tonality, it just depends on the situation in which it is used to determine
which of the three it "feels" more like.

I know everyone makes mistakes, but I just don't want people getting the wrong notion about suspended chords.
PO STED: 09/18/2010 - 10:57 pm / quo te |

MWriff :
Brilliant series of lessons, Ive learned alot from them but I do still have a request.

You seem to know alot about chords so could you maybe do another lesson with some examples of where to use them etc I mean, I
dont have a clue where to throw in such complicated chords. Maybe some examples of them in use? i know it probably takes the piss to
do and I appreciate it man, keep up the good work!
PO STED: 09/23/2010 - 05:48 a m / quo te |

Sadokun :
Wow these lessons have left me mind blown!
Made lots of sense and has made some chords like add9, 9, add11 and 11 etc look less daunting.
C heers man. A 10 out of 10!
PO STED: 10/01/2010 - 09:47 a m / quo te |

redhavok :
sorry to burst ur bubble but u missed min9, 6th chords and non diatonic chords
PO STED: 10/07/2010 - 05:28 a m / quo te |

Comment tools: Post your comment (please login or register and read c omments polic y first):

b i u
quote
smilies =)

Post a comment!

A bout RSS Feeds A dvertising Info Ultimate-Guitar.Com © 2010

Help/FA Q Site Map Job Opportunities
Terms of Use Link To Us Contact Us
Privacy Policy Tell A Friend

ultimate-guitar.com/…/basic_chord_the… 6/6