Sus Chords and Slash Chords are easier to identify by hearing than some other chords due to their unique qualities. We begin the lesson with a quick test on whether you can hear the sus chord in a progression.
This lesson is much more than just providing you with a definition of a sus and slash chord. In fact, I can achieve that right here – a sus chord (or sus4) is a major triad with its 3rd replaced with the 4th. So Csus is C F G as compared to the plain C triad of C E G.
A slash chord is a chord whose bass note is not the root of the chord. For example a chord like C/E is a slash chord and it requires you to play a C chord in the RH with an E note in the LH.
What this lesson covers is when to use a sus chord even if it doesn’t appear on the chord chart. Can you substitute a sus for any major chord in a song? What are the considerations? When do you use a sus as compared to a 2? And why use a slash chord when they often sound weaker than a chord with its root in the bass?
We’ll answer all the above questions plus much more. The end of the video includes 10 mins of me “free playing” and putting everything we’ve learnt so far into a progression. It’s time to get a pen and notepad and start jotting down tips as I explain a few of the ideas of getting the right mix.
With almost 40 minutes of video footage, these lessons are getting longer but the price is still only $5.00!
Lesson 8: Sus and Slash Chords - $5.00 AUD
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I’ve bought all your other lessons and watched all your YouTube videos and they are phenomenal! I wasn’t sure whether I’d learn much with this lesson because I already knew what a sus chord and slash chord are. But just the way you present stuff and apply it in ways I never considered before is amazing. You’re a really gifted teacher and I’ve learnt so much from this lesson. btw.. i love the free playing and explanations at the end, i learnt much more than just sus and slash chords from the video. I wish you lived in Oklahoma – i would definitely get lessons from you!
Thanks for your comment Beth. Yes I’m hoping that each lesson teaches more than what the title says. After all, improv is an artform that can only be taught so far with rules. The rest of it – the finer details and subtleties, you have to pick up through constant listening and watching of other players. I’m therefore hoping the free play sections at the end helps provide this.