Who this is for
Learners who can build major, minor and seventh chords. Comfortable with sus, add9 and ninth chords already? Test out on Day 6.
Best done after: Triads & Inversions. It is advice, not a rule: every lesson has short "rusty on…?" boxes for anything you skipped.
Why learn this
Beyond major and minor there are chords that don't change a song's harmony but change its colour. A sus chord hangs in the air, an add9 shimmers, a ninth chord smooths out a groove.
This program teaches what each one is built from, how it sounds, and when it earns its place, so you use colour on purpose rather than by accident.
What you will be able to do
- Sus2 and sus4, and why they are called suspended
- Resolving a sus chord, and when not to
- Add9 and sixth chords
- Dominant 9, major 9 and minor 9
- Choosing between sevenths, ninths and sus chords
The 6-day plan
- Sus2 and sus4. Build and recognise sus2 and sus4 chords.
- Using sus chords. Know when and how to use a suspension.
- Add9 and sixth chords. Build add9, 6th and minor 6th chords.
- Ninth chords. Build dominant 9, major 9 and minor 9 chords.
- Choosing the colour. Tell sevenths, ninths and sus chords apart and pick one on purpose.
- Test day. Prove you can build and recognise colour chords.
How each session works
Every day follows the shape of a workout. It starts with a warm-up that reviews earlier days, then technique: a short, plain explanation with a small interactive tool to try it on. Then come the working sets, drills with instant feedback, and a finisher, a short test with a pass mark so you only build on things you can do. A cool-down recaps the day and previews the next.
Choose your split
The daily split is a session a day: done in a week. The easy split is a session every other day, with rest days between: two weeks, and a gentler pace. On your own pace there is no schedule. Nothing is ever locked, and you can change split at any time.
What comes next
ii–V–I and Jazz Harmony: The 7-Day Program or Extensions and Altered Dominants: The 6-Day Program. See the whole training plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is a suspended chord?
A chord where the third is replaced by the 2nd (sus2) or the 4th (sus4). With no third it is neither major nor minor, so it sounds open or tense.
What is the difference between add9 and sus2?
Both contain the 9th/2nd. Sus2 removes the third (C D G); add9 keeps it (C E G D), so it still sounds major.
What is the difference between a 9th chord and an add9 chord?
A 9th chord (C9) has a seventh as well (C E G B♭ D). An add9 chord has no seventh (C E G D).
Do I need to know seventh chords first?
It helps for the ninth chords, which build on sevenths. The seventh chords program is the best preparation.