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Jazz music is renowned for its complex harmony and expressive possibilities. Among the many elements that musicians use to create tension and release are suspended and altered chords. Understanding these chords is essential for anyone interested in jazz theory and improvisation.
What Are Suspended Chords?
Suspended chords, often called “sus chords,” replace the third of a chord with either a second or a fourth. This creates a sense of anticipation that is typically resolved when the third is reintroduced.
Types of Suspended Chords
- Sus2: Replaces the third with the second degree of the scale. Example: Csus2 (C – D – G).
- Sus4: Replaces the third with the fourth degree of the scale. Example: Csus4 (C – F – G).
Suspended chords are often used in progressions to create a feeling of suspension that resolves back to a major or minor chord.
What Are Altered Chords?
Altered chords incorporate notes outside the standard chord tones, typically the fifth or ninth, which are raised or lowered. These alterations add dissonance and color, making them a staple in jazz harmony.
Common Alterations
- #5 or b5: Raised or lowered fifth.
- #9 or b9: Raised or lowered ninth.
- #11 or b11: Raised or lowered eleventh.
- #13 or b13: Raised or lowered thirteenth.
Altered chords are often notated with a “7” to indicate a dominant seventh, followed by the alterations, such as G7#5 or G7b9.
Notation in Jazz Charts
Jazz charts use specific symbols and abbreviations to denote suspended and altered chords. Recognizing these notations helps musicians interpret chord changes accurately during performances.
Common Symbols
- sus2, sus4: Indicate suspended chords.
- 7#5, 7b9, 7#11: Indicate altered chords with specific alterations.
- alt: A shorthand for an altered dominant chord, usually containing multiple alterations.
Understanding these symbols allows jazz musicians to navigate complex harmonic landscapes with confidence.
Practical Applications
Suspended and altered chords are integral to jazz improvisation and composition. They create tension that begs for resolution, adding emotional depth to performances.
In Improvisation
Jazz soloists often target the altered tones for melodic emphasis or use suspensions to build anticipation before resolving to a stable harmony.
In Composition
Composers incorporate suspended and altered chords to evoke specific moods, such as tension, surprise, or longing, enriching the harmonic language of their pieces.
Conclusion
Mastering suspended and altered chords is fundamental for anyone aiming to understand jazz harmony deeply. These chords add color, tension, and emotional impact, making jazz a dynamic and expressive musical form.