The A♯ Suspended 4th chord is a three-note chord made up of A♯, D♯, and E♯. It is built from a root, perfect fourth, and perfect fifth.
Construction
A♯ Suspended 4th = Root + Perfect 4th + Perfect 5th = A♯ · D♯ · E♯
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| A♯ | Root | 1 |
| D♯ | Perfect 4th | 4 |
| E♯ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
A♯ Suspended 4th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | A♯ – D♯ – E♯ |
| 1st Inversion | D♯ – E♯ – A♯ |
| 2nd Inversion | E♯ – A♯ – D♯ |
Key Signature
A Suspended 4th chord is built from symmetrical or ambiguous intervals, so it doesn’t belong to a single key and has no key signature of its own.
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes A♯ – D♯ – E♯ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
A♯ Suspended 4th — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the A♯ Suspended 4th chord on piano?
The A♯ Suspended 4th chord contains the notes A♯ – D♯ – E♯. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the A# Suspended 4th chord?
The A# Suspended 4th chord (A#sus4) contains: A# (root), D# (perfect fourth), and E# (perfect fifth). The perfect fourth replaces the third, creating a strong upward pull toward resolution — the 4th degree (D#) strongly wants to resolve down to the major third.
How does A# Suspended 4th differ from A#sus2?
Both replace the third, but A#sus2 uses the 2nd degree (giving an airy, neutral feel) while A# Suspended 4th uses the 4th degree (D#), which creates stronger tension. The sus4 chord has a more urgent, directional pull toward resolution than sus2.
What does "sus4" resolve to?
The 4th degree (D#) in a sus4 chord typically resolves down by one semitone to the major 3rd of the chord — this is the classical "suspension resolution." The movement D# → (major 3rd) is one of the most satisfying motions in Western harmony and drives the resolution from A#sus4 → A# Major.
How is A# Suspended 4th used in music?
Sus4 chords appear in nearly every genre. They create anticipation before resolution to a major chord, work as dramatic openings (Pinball Wizard, Hard Day's Night), and add harmonic colour in pop and classical music. The A# Suspended 4th is especially common as a pre-dominant chord that builds tension before the final chord of a phrase.
What songs use suspended 4th chords?
A Hard Day's Night (Beatles) opens with a sus4 chord. Pinball Wizard (The Who) uses sus4 throughout. Feelin' Alright (Traffic), Behind Blue Eyes (The Who), and many hymns use sus4 chords for their characteristic build-and-release quality.
Can I use A# Suspended 4th before A# Major?
Yes — A#sus4 → A# Major is one of the most satisfying resolutions in music. The fourth degree (D#) resolves down to the major third, while the root and fifth stay constant. This V–I style resolution works in any tempo and style, from gospel to pop to classical.