C7sus4

Q: What notes are in the C7sus4 chord?

The C7sus4 chord (C 7sus4) contains: C, F, G, Bb. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build C7sus4 on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is C7sus4 found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for C7sus4?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

C 7sus4

Octaves

Musical context

ChordC7sus4C 7sus4

ArpeggioC majorBroken triad

ScaleC major7 notes

KeyC majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: C 7sus4
Symbol: C7sus4
Root: C
Quality: 7sus4

Chord notes

1Croot

4Fperfect 4th

5Gperfect 5th

b7Bbminor 7th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: viRelative tonic (vi)Eb major
Stability / tension: High tension — requires resolution
Most common resolutions: FF Major DmD Minor
Unstable degrees: 3E
4F
resolves down to the 3rd
6A
b7A#
resolves down to the tonic 3rd
Main resolution: C7sus4source
FF Major
Dominant 7th C7 naturally resolves up a 4th to F. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.
Other resolutions: C7sus4source
Deceptive resolution
DmD Minor
Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.
C7sus4source
Modal resolution
A#A# Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
C7sus4source
Jazz reharmonization
F#7F# Dominant 7
Tritone substitution: C7 can be replaced by F#7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.
C7sus4source
Functional resolution
Csus4C Sus4
The dominant can resolve beyond the tonic: moving to IV (subdominant) or to a suspension (sus4) are common alternatives in pop and folk music.

Features

Character: Dominant, with no 3rd and a 4th
Characteristic interval: Fourth (4), Minor 7th (b7)
Description: The 4th replaces the 3rd, so major quality is withheld, while the minor 7th preserves dominant colour. The 4th often descends to the 3rd of a dominant seventh chord.
Application: 4–3 suspension over dominant
Modal harmony
Funk and jazz