C#7sus4

General info

Full name

C# 7sus4

Symbol

C#7sus4

Root

C#

Quality

7sus4

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

viRelative tonic (vi)E major

Stability / tension

High tension — requires resolution

Most common resolutions

F#F# MajorD#mD# Minor

Unstable degrees

3F

4F#

resolves down to the 3rd

6A#

b7B

resolves down to the tonic 3rd

Main resolution

C#7sus4source

F#F# Major

Dominant 7th C#7 naturally resolves up a 4th to F#. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.

Other resolutions

C#7sus4source

Deceptive resolution

D#mD# Minor

Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.

C#7sus4source

Modal resolution

BB Major

In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.

C#7sus4source

Jazz reharmonization

G7G Dominant 7

Tritone substitution: C#7 can be replaced by G7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.

C#7sus4source

Functional resolution

C#sus4C# 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

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

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