Add2 + Sus4

“Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours.”

— Elton John

Noodle Info

Playing in a band for years has made me hyper-aware of alternatives to playing the “traditional” 3rd of a triad.

Many times, it’s best to leave the third out, and I pulse or rock my right hand using Add2, Sus2 and Sus4 chords.

The “add” and “sus” chord symbols can get confusing.

Add2 = Play the root, 2nd, 3rd and 5th, above the root. A triad + the 2nd.
Sus2 = Play the root, the 2nd above the root, the 5th. Omit the 3rd.
Sus4 = Play the root, the 4th above the root, the 5th. Omit the 3rd.

Ballads from the 70s to current hits often use these chords to create a soothing flow, so I borrowed a chord progression from Elton John’s “Yellow Brick Road.”

Someone shared a cover of “Yellow Brick Road” by Sarah Bareilles with me, and I fell in love! Listen for the power of a pulsing right hand on an open 5th—no 2nd, 3rd, or 4th!

Psst…get our your recording app!

Your Challenge

Familiarize yourself with each chord variation (shown below) on the F chord in the right hand.

Choose a favorite right-hand pattern and play the left-hand chord changes.

Keep looping and bask in the simple yet compelling pattern. Remember, sometimes less is more.

EXTRAS:

Create a melody in the left hand while the right hand plays one of the patterns below.
Transpose to new keys.

Always ask yourself: What if I?

Did you stumble upon something amazing today?
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Use hashtag #30daynoodlechallenge.

Want to know more about how to play piano in a band or help students do the same?
Check out my digital course I co-wrote with longtime band leader, Drew Collins.

How to PLay Piano in a Band