The Church Pianist: Using a Suspended Chord for a Peaceful Effect

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Suspended chords create such a peaceful sound in tranquil hymns.

Hymns such as: Wonderful Peace, It is Well, etc.

There are several different suspensions but I will share one in this article.

The 2 – 1 suspension. (I will use the Key of C for easy application.)

The numbers 2 and 1 refer to the first two notes in the Key of C: ( C and D )

How to apply the 2 – 1 suspension:


For: Right Hand

Use for a C chord when the melody is a G and the chord lasts for at

least two beats to allow time for the movement.

Hymn example: It is Well With My Soul

Where: second word of song (peace)

Play in right hand all together: D, E, G…….

( keep holding the E and G and resolve the lower note

( D ) to a C for second beat of chord ).

Try applying the same suspension movement in the following hymns:

Under His Wings (Key of C) Use on the word: "wings" in the first sentence

Like a River Glorious (Key of F) verse one: "…fuller every day" (on "day")

( The D and C on "day" will be in half note rhythm since "day" is a whole note ).

There are so many more applications using the 2 – 1 suspended chords!

Keep in mind…the suspended chord acts as a sweetener to music.

Use sparingly to prevent excess richness.