C Sus4 Chord

Csus4 Level 4: The Studio

C Sus4 (Csus4) is built from the notes C, F, G. Its intervals are Root — Perfect 4th — Perfect 5th. Tense, anticipatory, and leaning forward. Sus4 replaces the third with a fourth that sits just one semitone above where the major third would be, creating a pull toward resolution.

Hear C Sus4 Chord

Piano sample · tap to play

Notes and intervals

Interval Semitones Note
Root 0 C
Perfect 4th 5 F
Perfect 5th 7 G

What does c sus4 chord sound like?

Tense, anticipatory, and leaning forward. Sus4 replaces the third with a fourth that sits just one semitone above where the major third would be, creating a pull toward resolution.

C Sus4 Chord in music

A classic suspension heard in hymns and rock. The Csus4-to-C resolution is one of the first chord movements many pianists learn.

How to recognise c sus4 chord by ear

Sus4 sounds like it's about to resolve — there's a tension that leans downward. Compare it to sus2: sus4 pushes, sus2 floats. If the chord feels like it's waiting for something, that's sus4.

Practice identifying this chord in ChordFrog's Level 4: The Studio .

Practice tip

Play C major, then raise the E to F. The chord immediately wants to resolve back down. Practise the Csus4-to-C-major resolution until the tension-release cycle becomes automatic in your ear. This is the most basic suspension exercise in music.

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in a C Sus4 chord?
C Sus4 (Csus4) contains three notes: C, F, G. The intervals are Root, Perfect 4th, Perfect 5th.
How do I recognise C Sus4 by ear?
Sus4 sounds like it's about to resolve — there's a tension that leans downward. Compare it to sus2: sus4 pushes, sus2 floats. If the chord feels like it's waiting for something, that's sus4. Practice identifying C Sus4 in ChordFrog's Level 4 (The Studio).
What level is C Sus4 in ChordFrog?
C Sus4 is introduced at Level 4: The Studio. This level adds suspended chords alongside major and minor triads.

Other C chords

All Sus4 Chords chords

Hear c sus4 chord for yourself

Train your ear to recognise this chord instantly with ChordFrog's progressive levels.

Coming soon

Requires iOS 16 or later.