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Suspended Fourth Chord (Sus4) – Definition
A suspended fourth chord (Sus4) is a chord in which the third is replaced by a perfect fourth. This creates harmonic tension because the suspended note often resolves to the third.
What is a Suspended Fourth Chord?
A Sus4 chord consists of the root, perfect fourth, and perfect fifth. For example, a Csus4 chord contains the notes C–F–G. The abbreviation Sus stands for suspended, referring to the fourth temporarily replacing the third.
Although Sus4 chords traditionally resolve to major or minor chords, they are also widely used as independent chord colours in contemporary pop, rock, gospel, and worship music.
How is a Suspended Fourth Chord used in piano playing?
Pianists use Sus4 chords to create harmonic tension, smooth chord transitions, and greater variety in accompaniment. They commonly appear before major or minor chords but may also be sustained for an open, unresolved sound.
Learning Sus4 chords expands a pianist’s harmonic vocabulary and provides a simple way to add movement and expression to chord progressions.