Chord Extension Progressions: Sus 4, Major, Add 9, and Major Chords

Chord extensions can be found in several common chord progressions. One of the most common chord progressions using open chord extensions starts on the Suspended 4 (Sus4) chord, and moves the extension down to the major chord, followed by the Add 9 chord and ending on the major chord. This creates a melodic movement in the chord from the 4th to the root, down to the 2nd (9th), and ending back on the root of the major scale.

Playing through these extensions allows the player to create melodic continuity through the chord progression and allows a single chord to be played over several measures and create movement throughout the progression despite the common major chord.