Chord type

Suspended 4th Chords on Piano

The sus4 chord replaces the third with a perfect fourth, creating tension that naturally wants to resolve down to the third. Sus4 chords are used in hymns, classical cadences, pop, and rock for their characteristic pull toward resolution.

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Featured key

C Suspended 4th Chord

Notes: C - F - G

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Open the full C Suspended 4th Chord reference ›

Formula: Root – Perfect 4th – Perfect 5th

Intervals: 5 + 2 semitones

Scale degrees: 1–4–5

Sound: Tense, suspended, wants to resolve

Symbol: sus4 or sus (Csus4, Dsus etc.)

The classic sus4 resolution: Play Csus4 (C–F–G) then let the F drop to E, forming C Major. This sus4→major resolution is one of the most satisfying harmonic movements. It appears everywhere from hymns to pop ballads. When you see just "sus" without a number, it almost always means sus4.

Suspended 4th Chord in All 18 Keys

All 18 spellings, ♯ and ♭ keys listed separately.