The sus4 chord replaces the third with a perfect fourth above the root, producing 1-4-5. It is the classic “open” chord quality used to delay resolution on dominant function: the fourth typically resolves down by step to the third of the target chord. Sus4 appears everywhere in rock, pop, folk, jazz, and classical voice leading.
Construction
Formula: 1-4-5. In Csus4, spell C-F-G.
Usage
V sus4 to V triad, pedal tones under moving triads, and static grooves that want sus tension.
Examples
- Rock guitar anthems with sus4 hits
- Pop pre-chorus lifts on sus4
- Jazz dominant voicings that omit the third temporarily
Play
Keep the fourth clear; resolve it deliberately for maximum classical/jazz clarity.
Ear-training cues
No third; a perfect fourth stacked with a perfect fifth above the root.
