F9sus4

General info

Full name

F 9sus4

Symbol

F9sus4

Root

F

Quality

9sus4

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

iiSubdominant (ii)Eb major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as major tonic

Most common resolutions

BbBb MajorCC MajorDmD Minor

Unstable degrees

4Bb

b7Eb

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

F9sus4source

CC Major

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

Other resolutions

F9sus4source

Deceptive resolution

DmD Minor

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

F9sus4source

Modal resolution

EbEb Major

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

F9sus4source

Jazz reharmonization

Fmaj7F 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).

F9sus4source

Functional resolution

CC 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

Compatible scales

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