F7sus4

Q: What notes are in the F7sus4 chord?

The F7sus4 chord (F 7sus4) contains: F, Bb, C, Eb. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build F7sus4 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 F7sus4 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 F7sus4?

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.

F 7sus4

Octaves

Musical context

ChordF7sus4F 7sus4

ArpeggioF majorBroken triad

ScaleF major7 notes

KeyF majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: F 7sus4
Symbol: F7sus4
Root: F
Quality: 7sus4

Chord notes

1Froot

4Bbperfect 4th

5Cperfect 5th

b7Ebminor 7th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: iiiMediant (iii)C# major
Stability / tension: High tension — requires resolution
Most common resolutions: BbBb Major GmG Minor
Unstable degrees: 3A
4Bb
resolves down to the 3rd
6D
b7Eb
resolves down to the tonic 3rd
Main resolution: F7sus4source
BbBb Major
Dominant 7th F7 naturally resolves up a 4th to Bb. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.
Other resolutions: F7sus4source
Deceptive resolution
GmG Minor
Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.
F7sus4source
Modal resolution
EbEb Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
F7sus4source
Jazz reharmonization
B7B Dominant 7
Tritone substitution: F7 can be replaced by B7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.
F7sus4source
Functional resolution
Fsus4F 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

Root position

v1F(F4)Bass

root

v2Bb(Bb4)P4from F

v3C(C5)M2from Bb

v4Eb(Eb5)m3from C

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC Minor pentatonic ScaleD# Major pentatonic ScaleD# Yo (Japanese)ScaleD# Akebono (Japanese)ScaleF Minor pentatonic ScaleA# Yo (Japanese)ScaleG# Major pentatonic ScaleC Blues scale ScaleF Blues scale ScaleC Dorian

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how F7sus4 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: DmD minor
Dominant: CC major
Subdominant: BbBb major
Key signature: 1 flat (Bb)

What to learn next

ScaleF DorianScale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

F DorianA scale related to this chord

F PhrygianA scale related to this chord

F MixolydianA scale related to this chord

F Aeolian (natural minor)A scale related to this chord

F Blues scaleA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

Open Trainer

Test yourself

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What notes are in the F7sus4 chord?

How do I build F7sus4 on the keyboard?

Which keys is F7sus4 found in?

What can I substitute for F7sus4?