70 LearnMusicTheory.net High-Yield Music Theory, Vol.

1: Music Theory Fundamentals

Section 5.6
NONCHORD TONES 2: SUSPENSIONS
Suspensions A suspension is a delayed step down. Suspensions may occur on any part
(S or sus) of the chord (root, third, fifth, or seventh), but they always resolve down by
step. Ties are optional. A suspension always has three parts:
Preparation 1. The preparation (P) note before the suspension, which is consonant and
metrically weak (see stress patterns in Section 1.5);
Suspension 2. The suspension (S) itself, which is dissonant and metrically strong;
Resolution 3. The resolution (R) note, which is always metrically weak.

& &
P S

R

? ...becomes
?
C: V I C: V I

Suspension types Suspensions are labeled based on intervals above the bass. The four
common suspension types are 9-8, 7-6, 4-3, and 2-3. Many other types are
possible, especially if the bass moves before the resolution occurs.

9-8 sus 2-3 sus (always

P S R 7-6 sus 4-3 sus

& P S R in BASS)


P S

?
R

2 3


P S R
C: V I C: I IV6 C: IV I C: I V6

Chain of A chain of suspensions (or suspension chain) uses the resolution of one
suspensions suspension as the preparation for another.

chain of 4-3 suspensions (top of bass clef staff)

b
& b 44

w
w
R
R

? bb 44 S
P P S R
w
P S

w
B: iii6 IV I6 vii6 I