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Csus4 Piano Chord

    Piano Diagram of Csus4 in Root Position

    C sus4 Chord - Root Position - Piano Diagram

    The C-suspended fourth (Csus4) 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 Csus4 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.

     

    Structure of Csus4

    Notes
    C, F, G

    Intervals
    R, 4, 5

     

    Fingers Position

     

    Left Hand
    4, 2, 1

    5, 2, 1

    Right Hand
    1, 3, 4

    1, 4, 5

     

    Csus4 Chord Inversions

     

    The Csus4 chord has a total of 2 inversions:

    Root Position: C F G
    1st Inversion: F G C
    2nd Inversion: G C F

     Piano Keyboard Diagrams

    Csus4 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 Csus4 = Fsus2

    For instance, if we take the Csus4 chord with the notes C, F, and G and rearrange them so that F becomes the root note, we end up with an Fsus2 chord with the notes F, G, and C. Therefore, the 1st inversion of Csus4 is equivalent to Fsus2.

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    Music Theory and Harmony of Csus4

     

    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.

     

    Building the Csus4 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.

     

    C Major Diatonic Scale up to 13th - Keyless Notation

    C Major scale.

     

    To create a Csus4 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.

     

    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 Csus4 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.

     

    How to Use Csus4 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.

     

    Csus4 as Substitute of C Maj Chords

    In the keys of G Major and E minor, the 4th note F may clash with the E and the F# note that is present in those keys. While this doesn’t prevent you from using the Csus4 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

    Major Scales I ii iii IV V vi vii
    C C Maj7 ⇒ Csus4 D min7 E min7 F Maj7 G Maj7 A min7 Bm7b5
    G G Maj7 A min7 B min7 C Maj7 ⇒ Csus4 D Maj7 E min7 F#m7b5
    F F Maj7 G min7 A min7 Bb Maj7 C7 ⇒ Csus4 D min7 Em7b5
    • Tonic chord in C Major
    • Non Diatonic Subdominant chord in G Major
    • Dominant chord in F Major

     

    on Natural minor Scales

    Minor Scales i ii III iv v VI VII
    A A min7 Bm7b5 C Maj7 ⇒ Csus4 D min7 E min7 F Maj7 G7
    E E min7 F#m7b5 G Maj7 A min7 B min7 C Maj7 ⇒ Csus4 D7
    D D min7 Em7b5 F Maj7 G min7 A min7 Bb Maj7 C7 ⇒ Csus4
    • Mediant chord in A minor
    • Non Diatonic Submediant chord in E minor
    • Leading tone chord in D minor

     

    Csus4 as Substitute of C min Chords

    While the Csus4 chord can be used as a substitute or variation for C minor 7th chords, it’s important to note that a C7sus4 chord would be a better fit due to the presence of the minor 7th.

    on Major Scales

    Major Scales I ii iii IV V vi vii
    Bb Bb Maj7 C min7 ⇒ Csus4 D min7 Eb Maj7 F7 G min7 Am7b5
    Ab Ab Maj7 Bb min7 C min7 ⇒ Csus4 Db Maj7 Eb7 F min7 Gm7b5
    Eb Eb Maj7 F min7 G min7 Ab Maj7 Bb7 C min7 ⇒ Csus4 Dm7b5
    • Supertonic chord in Bb Major
    • Mediant chord in Ab Major
    • Submediant chord in Eb Major

     

    on Natural minor Scales

    Minor Scales i ii III iv v VI VII
    C C min7 ⇒ Csus4 Dm7b5 Eb Maj7 F min7 G min7 Ab Maj7 Bb7
    G G min7 Am7b5 Bb Maj7 C min7 ⇒ Csus4 D min7 Eb Maj7 F7
    F F min7 Gm7b5 Ab Maj7 Bb min7 C min7 ⇒ Csus4 Db Maj7 Eb7
    • Tonic chord in C minor
    • Subdominant chord in G minor
    • Dominant chord in F minor

     

    Csus4 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.

     

    Csus4 in C Major

    The Csus4 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 Csus4 chord can suspend the C Major chord or the subsequent chord.

    I ii iii IV V vi vii
    C Maj7 D min7 E min7 F Maj7 G7 A min7 Bm7b5

     

    Csus4 Chord Progressions as I degree
    ii V I
    ii V I
    D min7 G7 Csus4 | C Maj7
    I IV V
    I IV V
    Csus4 | C Maj7 F Maj7 G7

     

     I V vi IV
    I V vi IV
    Csus4 | C Maj7 G7 A min7 F Maj7

     

    I IV vi V
    I IV vi V
    Csus4 | C Maj7 F Maj7 A min7 G7

     

    Csus4 in G Major (Non Diatonic)

    Let’s explore the sound of the Csus4 chord in the key of G major, which can be used as a substitute or variation of the C Maj7 chord on the IV degree. However, it’s important to note that the Csus4 contains a natural F which clashes with the E and the F# present in this key. So, since the Csus4 is not diatonic in this key, it may sound unusual or foreign to the overall tonality.

    I ii iii IV V vi vii
    G Maj7 Am7b5 B min7 C Maj7 D7 E min7 F#m7b5

     

    Csus4 Chord Progressions as IV degree
    I IV V
    I IV V
    G Maj7 Csus4 | C Maj7 D7

     

     I V vi IV
    I V vi IV
    G Maj7 D7 E min7 Csus4 | C Maj7

     

    I IV vi V
    I IV vi V
    G Maj7 Csus4 | C Maj7 E min7 D7

     

    Csus4 in F Major

    In the key of F Major, the fifth degree it features a C7 chord. Adding a Csus4 chord can create tension and expectation, leading to a resolution on the dominant chord. Note that using a C7sus4 chord instead of a Csus4 would be a better option in this case.

    I ii iii IV V vi vii
    F Maj7 G min7 A min7 Bb Maj7 C7 D min7 Em7b5

     

    Csus4 as V degree – Chord Progressions
    ii V I
    ii V I
    G min7 Csus4 | C7 F Maj7
    I IV V
    I IV V
    F Maj7 Bb Maj7 Csus4 | C7

     

     I V vi IV
    I V vi IV
    F Maj7 Csus4 | C7 D min7 Bb Maj7

     

    I IV vi V
    I IV vi V
    F Maj7 Bb Maj7 D min7 Csus4 | C7

     

     I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    F Maj7 Bb Maj7 G min7 Csus4 | C7 A min7 D min7 G min7 Csus4 | C7

     

    Csus4 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 Csus4 before or after the C Maj7 to see how it sounds.

    i ii III iv v VI VII
    A min7 Bm7b5 C Maj7 D min7 E min7 F Maj7 G7

     

    Csus4 Chord Progressions as III degree
    i III
    i III
    A min7 Csus4 | C Maj7

     

    i III VII VI
    i III VII VI
    A min7 Csus4 | C Maj7 G7 F Maj7

     

    i III iv v
    i III iv v
    A min7 Csus4 | C Maj7 D min7 E min7

     

    i III ii v
    i III ii v
    A min7 Csus4 | C Maj7 Bm7b5 E min7

     

    I iii vi V
    i III VI iv
    A min7 Csus4 | C Maj7 F Maj7 D min7

     

    Circle Progression
    i iv VII III VI ii V7 i
    A min7 D min7 G7 Csus4 | C Maj7 F Maj7 Bm7b5 E7 A min7

     

    Csus4 in E Minor (Non Diatonic)

    In the key of E minor, the VI degree chord is a C major chord. To add some color, you can use a Csus4 chord as a substitution or variation of this chord. However, keep in mind that the Csus4 chord is non-diatonic in this key because it contains a natural F while the E minor scale contains an E and an F#. Therefore, it’s generally recommended to avoid using the Csus4 chord in this key but feel free to experiment and see how it sounds to your ears.

    i ii III iv v VI VII
    E min7 F#m7b5 G Maj7 A min7 B min7 C Maj7 D7

     

    Csus4 Chord Progressions as VI degree
    i VI VII
    i VI VII
    E min7 Csus4 | C Maj7 D7

     

    i v VI VII
    i v VI VII
    E min7 B min7 Csus4 | C Maj7 D7

     

    i III VII VI
    i III VII VI
    E min7 G Maj7 D7 Csus4 | C Maj7

     

    Circle Progression
    i iv VII III VI ii V7 i
    E min7 A min7 D7 G Maj7 Csus4 | C Maj7 F#m7b5 B7 E min7

     

    Csus4 in D Minor

    Let’s explore the use of Csus4 as a leading tone chord in the key of D minor. As the leading tone chord, Csus4 can create tension and lead the listener’s ear to the tonic chord, which is D minor in this case.

    i ii III iv v VI VII
    D min7 Em7b5 F Maj7 G min7 A min7 Bb Maj7 C7

     

    Csus4 as VII degree – Chord Progressions
    i VI VII
    i V VII
    D min7 A min7 Csus4 | C7

     

    i v VI VII
    i v VI VII
    D min7 A min7 Bb Maj7 C7 | Csus4

     

    i III VII VI
    i III VII VI
    D min7 F Maj7 Csus4 | C7 Bb Maj7

     

    Circle Progression
    i iv VII III VI ii V7 i
    D min7 G min7 Csus4 | C7 F Maj7 Bb Maj7 Em7b5 A7 D min7

     

    Csus4 in A# Major

    In the key of Bb Major, the supertonic chord is a C minor. However, we can use a Csus4 chord as a variation or substitution for the Cm chord to add some tonal color and interest to a chord progression.

    I ii iii IV V vi vii
    Bb Maj7 C min7 D min7 Eb Maj7 F7 G min7 Am7b5

     

    Csus4 Chord Progressions as ii degree
    ii V I
    ii V I
    Csus4 | C min7 F7 Bb Maj7

     

    I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    Bb Maj7 Eb Maj7 Csus4 | C min7 F7 D min7 G min7 Cmin7 | Csus4 F7

     

    Csus4 in G# Major

    In the key of Ab Major, the Csus4 chord can be used on the III degree.

    I ii iii IV V vi vii
    Ab Maj7 Bb min7 C min7 Db Maj7 Eb7 F min7 Gm7b5

     

    Csus4 Chord Progressions as iii degree
    I iii IV V
    I iii IV V
    Ab Maj7 Csus4 | C min7 Db Maj7 Eb7

     

    I iii ii V
    I iii ii V
    Ab Maj7 Csus4 | C min7 Bb min7 Eb7

     

    I iii vi IV
    I iii vi IV
    Ab Maj7 Csus4 | C min7 F min7 Db Maj7

     

    Csus4 in Eb Major

    Let’s explore how the Csus4 chord can function as a submediant chord in the key of Eb major. You can try incorporating it into chord progressions that feature a Cm chord on the VI degree.

    I ii iii IV V vi vii
    Eb Maj7 F min7 G min7 Ab Maj7 Bb7 C min7 Dm7b5

     

    Csus4 as vi degree – Chord Progressions
    I iii vi V
    I iii vi V
    Eb Maj7 G min7 Csus4 | C min7 Bb7

     

    I vi ii V
    I vi ii V
    Eb Maj7 Csus4 | C min7 F min7 Bb7

     

    I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    Eb Maj7 Ab Maj7 F min7 Bb7 G min7 Csus4 | C min7 F min7 Bb7

     

    Csus4 in C Minor

    When using the Csus4 chord in the key of C minor, it can be a great variation for the traditional Cm 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.

    i ii III iv v VI VII
    C min7 Dm7b5 Eb Maj7 F min7 G min7 Ab Maj7 Bb7

     

    Csus4 Chord Progressions as i degree
    i VI VII
    i VI VII
    Csus4 | C min7 Ab Maj7 Bb7

     

    Modulation
    isus4 i isus2 i
    Csus4

    C (G, C, F)

    		 C min

    C (G, C, D#)

    		 Csus2

    C (G, C, D)

    		 C min

    C (G, C, D#)

    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
    i iv VI VII
    Csus4 F min7 Ab Maj7 Bb7

     

    Csus4 in G Minor

    In G minor, the IV degree is C major, which can be replaced or varied with a Csus4 chord.

    i ii III iv v VI VII
    G min7 Am7b5 Bb Maj7 C min7 D min7 Eb Maj7 F7

     

    Csus4 Chord Progressions as iv degree
    iv III VI VII
    iv III VI VII
    Csus4 | C min7 Bb Maj7 Eb Maj7 F7

     

    i iv VI v
    i iv VI v
    G min7 Csus4 | C min7 Eb Maj7 D min7

     

    Csus4 in F Minor

    In the key of F minor, the Csus4 chord can be used on the v (fifth) degree.

    i ii III iv v VI VII
    F min7 Gm7b5 Ab Maj7 Bb min7 C min7 Db Maj7 Eb7

     

    Csus4 as v degree – Chord Progressions
    i iv VI v
    i iv VI v
    F min7 Bb min7 Db Maj7 Csus4 | C min7

     

    i v VI VII
    i v VI VII
    F min7 Csus4 | C min7 Db Maj7 Eb7

     

    i VI v iv
    i VI v iv
    F min7 Db Maj7 Csus4 | C min7 Bb min7

     

    Alternative Names for Csus4

    • Csus4
    • Csus(4)
    • C add4(no3)
    • C add4(omit3)
    • C Suspended 4th

     

    Conclusion

    While the chord progressions and examples in this post offer a comprehensive overview of common uses for the Csus4 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!

     

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