E♭ sus4 (E♭sus4) chord on piano

Looking for the E♭sus4 chord on piano? It is a sus4 chord (a perfect fourth instead of the third), made of three notes: E♭ – A♭ – B♭. The same chord with a different spelling: D♯ sus4 (D♯sus4).

Root position: E♭4 – A♭4 – B♭4

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What the E♭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 E♭sus4 chord

Degree	Note	Interval from the root
1	E♭	root
4	A♭	perfect fourth (5 semitones)
5	B♭	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

E♭4 – A♭4 – B♭4

1st inversion

A♭4 – B♭4 – E♭5

2nd inversion

B♭4 – E♭5 – A♭5

Which keys is it in?

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

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

Similar chords and substitutes

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

Substitutes (by function)

E♭ – resolves the suspension to major
E♭m – or to minor

Same notes

A♭sus2 – the same notes with a different root

Richer versions

E♭7sus4 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
E♭11 – the same chord plus 3 colour notes

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the E♭sus4 chord?

E♭, A♭, B♭. The root is E♭; the intervals of the other notes from the root: perfect fourth, perfect fifth.

How do I play the E♭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 E♭sus4 chord written?

The chord symbol is E♭sus4 (also written Ebsus4), and its full name is E♭ sus4.