Hi, Everyone...
I was wondering what the "rule" is as far as when to call a chord a "suspended" chord or an "add X" chord. For example, a Gsus4 - meaning G in the root, then C, then D... I have seen this same chord sometimes labelled as a "GaddC" or "Gadd4". Is it only referred to as the "suspended 4th" (or 2nd or whatever the case may be) if the 4th is going to resolve to the 3rd? I personally have always called this chord a Gsus4... But now I'm notating for a client and want to make sure I have it right!
Don't know any rules, just common sense (which doesn't always apply to chord symbols!!).
In a Gsus4, the B does not sound. In a GaddC it would. You would REALLY have to want that clash to use that spelling! And there's nothing wrong with using Gsus4 or Gsus and not resolving it. That usage dates from at least the 1960s. If I want a Gsus2 with an A sounding but no B, that's what I'd ask for--used, especially in contemporary christian music, since the 1980s.
Another question is the "9th" chord vs. the "sus2" chord or "add2"... For example, G9 - would be G-B-D-F-A. If the F is left out, I'm assuming that's when you'd refer to is as a "Gsus2" instead? Or is Gadd2 or GaddA also proper terminology? I would always call this a Gsus2...??
Not if you wanted the B to sound. "add9" is awkward, but G9 requires the F.
Another similar example/question is the 6th chord. For example a C6 (C-E-G-A) - I've seen this called a C13 (since A is also the 13th!) - is this correct - or only in certain situations - i.e., if the 7th, 9th, or 11th is also present?
The 13th does imply the other odd numbered notes, while C6 does not.
John
-- John & Susie Howell Virginia Tech Department of Music Blacksburg, Virginia, U.S.A 24061-0240 Vox (540) 231-8411 Fax (540) 231-5034 (mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]) http://www.music.vt.edu/faculty/howell/howell.html _______________________________________________ Finale mailing list [email protected] http://lists.shsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/finale
