6.2 Non-Chord Tones II: Suspensions

The suspension

A suspension holds a chord tone into the next chord where it becomes dissonant, then resolves down by step. It has three parts: preparation, suspension, resolution.

Types by interval

Suspensions are named by intervals above the bass: 4–3, 7–6, and 9–8 are common (the dissonance number, then the resolution). A 2–3 suspension occurs in the bass.

Other NCTs

Related tones: the appoggiatura (leapt to, resolved by step), the anticipation (arrives early on the next chord tone), the retardation (like a suspension but resolves up), and the pedal point (a sustained bass note).

Key terms

Suspension

held tone becomes dissonant, resolves down by step

Three parts

preparation, suspension, resolution

Common suspensions

4–3, 7–6, 9–8 (and 2–3 in the bass)

Appoggiatura

leapt to, resolved by step

Pedal point

a sustained note (usually bass) under changing harmony

Try an AP-style question

The three parts of a suspension are…

1. preparation, suspension, resolution
2. approach, leap, return
3. attack, sustain, release
4. tonic, dominant, tonic