Construction
F 9sus4 = Root + Perfect 4th + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th + Major 2nd = F, B♭, C, E♭, G
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| F | Root | 1 |
| B♭ | Perfect 4th | 11 |
| C | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| E♭ | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
| G | Major 2nd | 9 |
Fingering
| Note | Key color | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| F | white | thumb (1) | little finger (5) |
| B♭ | black | index finger (2) | ring finger (4) |
| C | white | middle finger (3) | middle finger (3) |
| E♭ | black | ring finger (4) | index finger (2) |
| G | white | little finger (5) | thumb (1) |
Right hand: thumb (1) on F, index finger (2) on B♭, middle finger (3) on C, ring finger (4) on E♭, little finger (5) on G.
Left hand: little finger (5) on F, ring finger (4) on B♭, middle finger (3) on C, index finger (2) on E♭, thumb (1) on G.
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the F 9sus4 is the tonic (I) chord of F Major, whose key signature has 1 flat (B♭).
B♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
Chords in the Key of F Major
These are the triads built on each degree of F Major:
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes F – B♭ – C – E♭ – G aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
F 9sus4 : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the F 9sus4 chord on piano?
The F 9sus4 chord contains the notes F – B♭ – C – E♭ – G. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the F 9sus4 chord?
The F 9sus4 chord (F9sus4) contains 5 notes: F, Bb, C, Eb, G. Formula: R-P4-P5-m7-M9.
How is F9sus4 used in music?
F9sus4 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 F9sus4?
F9sus4 uses scale degrees 1-4-5-b7-9, giving it its distinctive sound.