C#sus4 Piano Chord

Piano Diagram of C#sus4 in Root Position

The C# suspended fourth (C#sus4) chord consists of three notes: C#, F#, and G#. It’s called a “suspended 4” chord because the third note of the chord is replaced with a perfect fourth. To play the C#sus4 chord on a piano, you would start with a C# major chord and replace the third note E#, with the fourth note F#. Further reading will give you a better understanding of the music theory principles behind this chord.

 

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Fingers Position

 

C#sus4 Chord Inversions

 

The C#sus4 chord has a total of 2 inversions:

 Piano Keyboard Diagrams

C#sus4 Chord Equivalencies

An interesting detail about sus4 chords is that their 1st inversion results in a sus2 chord. To clarify, when the 4th note of a sus4 chord becomes the root note, it transforms into a sus2 chord.

1st Inversion of C#sus4 = F#sus2

For instance, if we take the C#sus4 chord with the notes C#, F#, and G# and rearrange them so that F# becomes the root note, we end up with an F#sus2 chord with the notes F#, G#, and C#. Therefore, the 1st inversion of C#sus4 is equivalent to F#sus2.

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Music Theory and Harmony of C#sus4

 

What are Suspended  Chords?

Suspended chords are a type of chord in which the third note is replaced by either a major second or a perfect fourth. These resulting chords are called suspended second (sus2) or suspended fourth (sus4) chords, respectively. These chords create a unique and sometimes unresolved sound that can add tension and interest to a musical composition.

Suspended chords have a distinct sound that sets them apart from major and minor chords. They are called suspended chords because they temporarily suspend the listener’s expectation of hearing a major or minor stable chord. Instead, they feature a perfect fourth or major second interval in place of the third. Due to their “neutral nature,” suspended chords can sometimes be used as substitutes for both major and minor chords.

 

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Building the C#sus4 Chord: Different Approaches

Starting from the C# major Scale

To build a sus4 chord, you can use the major scale as a guide and combine a root note, a perfect 4th interval, and a perfect 5th interval.

 

 

 

To create a C#sus4 chord, apply the formula R, 4, 5 in the following manner:

1. Begin with the Root note, which is C#.
2. Select the 4th interval, which is F#, and add it to the chord.
3. Finally, add the 5th interval, which is G#.

By following this simple formula, you can create a sus4 chord from any major scale.

 

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by Combining Intervals

One method to create a suspended 4th chord is by combining two specific intervals – a perfect 4th, and a major 2nd.

4 + 2 = sus4 Chords

To illustrate, let’s use the C#sus4 chord as an example. By examining the intervals between the notes, we can see that C#-F# forms a perfect 4th interval, and F#-G# creates a major second interval (a whole tone).

 

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How to Use C#sus4 in a Chord Progression

 

Suspended chords have a unique quality that sets them apart from major and minor chords. They are considered neither major nor minor, which makes them a great tool for creating tension and suspense in a musical composition before resolving to a stable major or minor chord.

In the following tables, you will find the harmonization of the major and relative natural minor scales for keys that include C# major and C# minor chords in various positions and different harmonic roles.

 

C#sus4 as Substitute of C# Maj Chords

In the key of G# Major and E# minor, the 4th note F# can clash with the E# and the G note that is present in those keys. While this doesn’t prevent you from using the C#sus4 chord in those positions, it’s important to be aware that it can create a strong dissonance with the melody or other elements of the composition.

on Major Scales

• Tonic chord in C# Major
• Non Diatonic Subdominant chord in Ab Major as Dbsus4
• Dominant chord in F# Major

 

on Natural minor Scales

• Mediant chord in A# minor
• Non Diatonic Submediant chord in F minor as Dbsus4
• Leading tone chord in D# minor

 

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C#sus4 as Substitute of C# min Chords

While the C#sus4 chord can be used as a substitute or variation for C# minor 7th chords, it’s important to note that a C#7sus4 chord would be a better fit due to the presence of the minor 7th.

on Major Scales

• Supertonic chord in B Major
• Mediant chord in A Major
• Submediant chord in E Major

 

on Natural minor Scales

• Tonic chord in C# minor
• Subdominant chord in G# minor
• Dominant chord in F# minor

 

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C#sus4 Function in Major and Minor Keys

Understanding Scale Degrees

Scale degrees are essential for understanding the relationship between the notes in a scale and how they function within chords. The diatonic major scale consists of seven degrees, each with its unique role in creating the overall harmony of the scale.

1. The first degree of the scale is known as the Tonic, which serves as the anchor for the music. It establishes a stable tonal center that acts as the foundation for the scale.
2. The second degree is called the Supertonic, often used as a transitional note between the Tonic and other notes in the scale. It creates a sense of motion within the melody or harmony.
3. The third degree of the scale is the Mediant, which sits halfway between the Tonic and Dominant notes. It helps establish whether the scale is major or minor.
4. The fourth degree is called the Subdominant, used to complement the Dominant and add tension and resolution to the music.
5. The fifth degree is the Dominant, which creates tension and anticipation within the melody or harmony, typically resolved by returning to the Tonic.
6. The sixth degree is the Submediant, often employed as a transitional note between the Dominant and Tonic, adding a sense of stability and restfulness to the music.
7. The seventh degree is the Leading tone, located one half-step below the Tonic. It creates a strong sense of tension and a desire to resolve to the Tonic, frequently used to create a sense of resolution and finality in the melody or harmony.

 

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C#sus4 in C# Major

The C#sus4 chord can be used along with the C# Maj7 chord (or any other kind of C# major chord) to add color on the first degree. The C#sus4 chord can suspend the C# Major chord or the subsequent chord.

 

C#sus4 Chord Progressions as I degree

ii V I

I IV V

 

 I V vi IV

 

I IV vi V

 

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C#sus4 in G# Major (Non Diatonic)

Check Dbsus4 in Ab major

 

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C#sus4 in F# Major

In the key of F# Major, the fifth degree it features a C#7 chord. Adding a C#sus4 chord can create tension and expectation, leading to a resolution on the dominant chord. Note that using a C#7sus4 chord instead of a C#sus4 would be a better option in this case.

 

C#sus4 as V degree – Chord Progressions

ii V I

I IV V

 

 I V vi IV

 

I IV vi V

 

 I IV ii V iii vi ii V

 

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C#sus4 in A# Minor

Try experimenting with chord progressions featuring a C# Maj7 on the III degree of the A# minor scale, and try playing a C#sus4 before or after the C# Maj7 to see how it sounds.

 

C#sus4 Chord Progressions as III degree

i III

 

i III VII VI

 

i III iv v

 

i III ii v

 

I iii vi V

 

Circle Progression

 

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C#sus4 in E# Minor (Non Diatonic)

Check Dbsus4 in F minor

 

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C#sus4 in D# Minor

Let’s explore the use of C#sus4 as a leading tone chord in the key of D# minor. As the leading tone chord, C#sus4 can create tension and lead the listener’s ear to the tonic chord, which is D# minor in this case.

 

C#sus4 as VII degree – Chord Progressions

i VI VII

 

i v VI VII

 

i III VII VI

 

Circle Progression

 

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C#sus4 in B Major

In the key of B Major, the supertonic chord is a C# minor. However, we can use a C#sus4 chord as a variation or substitution for the C#m chord to add some tonal color and interest to a chord progression.

 

C#sus4 Chord Progressions as ii degree

ii V I

 

I IV ii V iii vi ii V

 

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C#sus4 in A Major

In the key of A Major, the C#sus4 chord can be used on the III degree.

 

C#sus4 Chord Progressions as iii degree

I iii IV V

 

I iii ii V

 

I iii vi IV

 

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C#sus4 in E Major

Let’s explore how the C#sus4 chord can function as a submediant chord in the key of E major. You can try incorporating it into chord progressions that feature a C#m chord on the VI degree.

 

C#sus4 as vi degree – Chord Progressions

I iii vi V

 

I vi ii V

 

I IV ii V iii vi ii V

 

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C#sus4 in C# Minor

When using the C#sus4 chord in the key of C# minor, it can be a great variation for the traditional C#m chord. It creates a more ambiguous sound due to its suspended nature, but it can be used to add tension or to create a unique texture in a chord progression.

 

C#sus4 Chord Progressions as i degree

i VI VII

 

Modulation

Use your left hand to play the C# root note, and your right hand to play the remaining notes of the chord.

 

i iv VI VII

 

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C#sus4 in G# Minor

In G# minor, the IV degree is C# major, which can be replaced or varied with a C#sus4 chord.

 

C#sus4 Chord Progressions as iv degree

iv III VI VII

 

i iv VI v

 

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C#sus4 in F# Minor

In the key of F# minor, the C#sus4 chord can be used on the v (fifth) degree.

 

C#sus4 as v degree – Chord Progressions

i iv VI v

 

i v VI VII

 

i VI v iv

 

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Alternative Names for C#sus4

• C#sus4
• C#sus⁽⁴⁾
• C# add4(no3)
• C# add4(omit3)
• C# Suspended 4th

 

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Conclusion

While the chord progressions and examples in this post offer a comprehensive overview of common uses for the C#sus4 chord, space constraints prevent a full exploration of advanced harmony topics. These include chord progressions based on scales, modal interchange, and jazz harmony. However, I encourage readers to continue studying and exploring to gain a deeper understanding of the harmonic possibilities beyond the basic concepts presented here. You can unlock a wide range of musical expressions and expand your creativity.

I hope this post has been informative and helpful in your music theory journey. Keep exploring and creating music, and don’t forget to have some fun along the way!