C9sus4

General info

Full name

C 9sus4

Symbol

C9sus4

Root

C

Quality

9sus4

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

viRelative tonic (vi)Eb major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as major tonic

Most common resolutions

FF MajorGG MajorAmA Minor

Unstable degrees

4F

b7A#

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

C9sus4source

GG Major

Major chord C is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.

Other resolutions

C9sus4source

Deceptive resolution

AmA Minor

As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).

C9sus4source

Modal resolution

A#A# Major

In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.

C9sus4source

Jazz reharmonization

Cmaj7C Major 7

In jazz, a major chord is enriched to maj7, 6/9, or add9 and can smoothly transition into a ii-V of another key (modulation).

C9sus4source

Functional resolution

GG Major

As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character

Dominant, with 4th and 9th but no 3rd

Characteristic interval

4th instead of 3rd (4), Minor 7th (b7), Major 9th (9)

Description

The 4th replaces the 3rd, the minor 7th preserves dominant colour, and the 9th extends the sonority. With no 3rd, chord quality remains undefined until resolution.

Application

• Dominant suspensions
• Modal jazz
• Funk and soul

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Typical progressions

I-V-vi-IV

C—G—Am—F

Pop

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.