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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.

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