C♯ sus4 (C♯sus4) chord on piano

Sus4 chord (a perfect fourth instead of the third) on C♯: the notes of the C♯sus4 chord are C♯ – F♯ – G♯. The same chord with a different spelling: D♭ sus4 (D♭sus4).

Root position: C♯4 – F♯4 – G♯4

Chord finder Transposer

What the C♯sus4 chord sounds like

In a sus4 chord a perfect fourth replaces the third. The fourth is 'suspended' and usually resolves down to the third (sus4 → major), a classic move at cadences.

Notes of the C♯sus4 chord

Degree	Note	Interval from the root
1	C♯	root
4	F♯	perfect fourth (5 semitones)
5	G♯	perfect fifth (7 semitones)

Root position and inversions

An inversion uses the same notes, with a different note at the bottom. When you change chords, choosing the nearest inversion keeps your hand almost still.

Root position

C♯4 – F♯4 – G♯4

1st inversion

F♯4 – G♯4 – C♯5

2nd inversion

G♯4 – C♯5 – F♯5

Which keys is it in?

The C♯sus4 chord is built from the notes of these keys (for minor keys, both the natural and the harmonic minor are considered):

C♯ minor: Isus4 (tonic)
F♯ major: Vsus4 (dominant)
F♯ minor: Vsus4 (dominant)
G♯ minor: IVsus4 (subdominant)
A major: IIIsus4
E major: VIsus4
B major: IIsus4
D♯ minor: VIIsus4

Similar chords and substitutes

If C♯sus4 is too hard, or you want a different colour in the same spot, these chords are worth a try.

Substitutes (by function)

C♯ – resolves the suspension to major
C♯m – or to minor

Same notes

F♯sus2 – the same notes with a different root

Richer versions

C♯7sus4 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
C♯11 – the same chord plus 3 colour notes

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the C♯sus4 chord?

C♯, F♯, G♯. The root is C♯; the intervals of the other notes from the root: perfect fourth, perfect fifth.

How do I play the C♯sus4 chord on piano?

In root position, the right hand usually plays with fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb, middle finger, little finger); four-note chords with fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5. The left hand mirrors this: 5, 3, 1. In an inversion the top or bottom note moves to the other side, so your hand moves less when you change chords.

How is the C♯sus4 chord written?

The chord symbol is C♯sus4 (also written C#sus4), and its full name is C♯ sus4.