Suspended chords are intriguing because they keep you in suspense. Is the next chord a major chord or a minor one? Which major chord? Each suspended chord has two names. Where does it go next. If you suspect that harmony will go one way, you may be surprised. Suss the suspended chord is a short piece using the same “Calypso” strum in this journey of suspended chords.
What is a suspended chord
A suspended chord is one in which the middle note (of the triad) is replaced by its adjacent neighbor (degree). Replacing the 3rd degree with the 4th (of that major scale), the chord becomes a suspended 4th. Replacing the 3rd degree with the 2nd degree (of that major scale), the chord becomes a suspended 2nd.
Recall that a major chord is comprised of the root (first degree), third (3rd degree), and fifth (5th degree) of the major scale it comes from. That’s why it’s important to learn scales, because the notes are the alphabet of harmony!
A G7sus4 is simply the G7 chord with the 3rd degree replaced by the 4th degree. Thus, the G7 chord with the four notes G-B -D-F, becaomes G-C-D-F for G7sus4.
Check out my workshop on suspended chords.
Strum pattern
The right hand does the same thing throughout the piece, as it executes a version of the infamous calypso or islandstrum with the accent on the second upstroke because of the syncopation:
d u d U – u d u
This frees the left hand to focus on fingering and switching chords.
In the same manner that I wrote “Fingerstyle for Fun,” I choose chords that are easy to play and easy to switch to and from as well as sound good.
I could continue to a second page but I’m reminded to keep it simple for beginners.
Pick! Pluck! Play!
“Suss the Suss” is targeted at the first level of the book “Pick! Pluck! Play!” book.
The last page “Ukulele Chords” of the new book contains a table of ukulele chord diagrams ordered alphabetically for the chords used in the book.
I’m thrilled about releasing these books as a precursors (prerequisite) to the 12 Chinese Zodiac Suite, which contains three skill levels.
I am recording all my new compositions in the 100 Days of Ukulele 2025 project. To me, this challenge means uploading a new video recording of a new piece each consecutive day from 1st March to 8th June 2025.
For other recent compositions and arrangements by Anne Ku, please visit the Daily Music Writing Project or scroll through the consecutive blog posts.
