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C 13sus4

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C13sus4
C – F – G – B♭ – D – A
Formula:R-P4-P5-m7-M9-M13
Intervals:P1-P4-P5-m7-M9-M13
Scale Degrees:1-4-5-b7-9-13

Introduction

C 13sus4 piano chord, root position — C, F, G, Bb, D, A
The C 13sus4 chord in root position on a piano keyboard, notes C, F, G, Bb, D, A.

The C 13sus4 chord is a six-note chord made up of C, F, G, B♭, D, and A. It is built from a root, perfect fourth, perfect fifth, minor seventh, major ninth, and major thirteenth.

Notes

Notes:C – F – G – B♭ – D – A

Key Signature

The key of C 13sus4 has no sharps or flats. Every note is natural, which makes it the easiest key signature to read on the staff.

Chords in the Key of C Major

These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the C major scale:

C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I — C Major (major)
DegreeNumeralChordQuality
1IC MajorMajor
2iiD MinorMinor
3iiiE MinorMinor
4IVF MajorMajor
5VG MajorMajor
6viA MinorMinor
7vii°B DiminishedDiminished

Theory: Intervals

Formula: R-P4-P5-m7-M9-M13
Intervals: P1-P4-P5-m7-M9-M13

The C 13sus4 is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-P4-P5-m7-M9-M13 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-P4-P5-m7-M9-M13 show the distance between each note in the chord.

C 13sus4 — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the C 13sus4 chord?
The C 13sus4 chord (C13sus4) contains 6 notes: C, F, G, Bb, D, A. Formula: R-P4-P5-m7-M9-M13.
How is C13sus4 used in music?
C13sus4 is used in jazz, fusion, and contemporary music to add harmonic color. It appears as a dominant or tonic chord depending on context.
What is the scale degree formula for C13sus4?
C13sus4 uses scale degrees 1-4-5-b7-9-13, giving it its distinctive sound.

Practice Tips

  • Start by placing your thumb on C and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
  • Practice C13sus4 slowly with separate hands before combining.
  • Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
  • Try voicing C13sus4 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
  • Resolve C13sus4 to a nearby chord to hear its function in context.

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