A suspended chord is a bit of a chameleon. By replacing the third with either the perfect fourth or the major second, we defer the gratification of the chord, which doesn’t really declare its intentions, which means it can be either major or minor. But the open sound of the chord is also a clue to something else.
The ambiguous nature of this chord is further revealed if we invert it and see that a suspended IV chord has exactly the same notes in it as a suspended II chord for the chord of fourth above. This is a clear and clear note. (gentle music)
