The G♯ Suspended 4th chord is a three-note chord made up of G♯, C♯, and D♯. It is built from a root, perfect fourth, and perfect fifth.
Construction
G♯ Suspended 4th = Root + Perfect 4th + Perfect 5th = G♯ · C♯ · D♯
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| G♯ | Root | 1 |
| C♯ | Perfect 4th | 4 |
| D♯ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
G♯ Suspended 4th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | G♯ – C♯ – D♯ |
| 1st Inversion | C♯ – D♯ – G♯ |
| 2nd Inversion | D♯ – G♯ – C♯ |
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 G♯ – C♯ – D♯ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
G♯ Suspended 4th — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the G♯ Suspended 4th chord on piano?
The G♯ Suspended 4th chord contains the notes G♯ – C♯ – D♯. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the G# Suspended 4th chord?
The G# Suspended 4th chord (G#sus4) contains: G# (root), C# (perfect fourth), and D# (perfect fifth). The perfect fourth replaces the third, creating a strong upward pull toward resolution — the 4th degree (C#) strongly wants to resolve down to the major third.
How does G# Suspended 4th differ from G#sus2?
Both replace the third, but G#sus2 uses the 2nd degree (giving an airy, neutral feel) while G# Suspended 4th uses the 4th degree (C#), 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 (C#) 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 C# → (major 3rd) is one of the most satisfying motions in Western harmony and drives the resolution from G#sus4 → G# Major.
How is G# 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 G# 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 G# Suspended 4th before G# Major?
Yes — G#sus4 → G# Major is one of the most satisfying resolutions in music. The fourth degree (C#) 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.