C suspended 4th chord on piano
Csus4 is a suspended 4th chord built on C. It uses the notes C - F - G and sounds unresolved; it usually settles back to the major chord.
- Notes
- C F G
- Formula
- 1 - 4 - 5
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 1
- Chord symbol
- Csus4
How to play Csus4 step by step
- Find C. C is the white key just left of each group of two black keys.
- Add F, 5 half steps above C.
- Add G, 7 half steps above C.
- Press all 3 keys together with fingers 1 - 3 - 5 of your right hand. Keep your wrist level and let the weight of your arm do the work.
Csus4 inversions
An inversion uses the same notes in a different order. Inversions let your hand move less between chords, which is how pianists make chord changes sound smooth.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the C suspended 4th chord?
The C suspended 4th chord (Csus4) contains 3 notes: C, F, G. Its formula is 1 - 4 - 5.
How do you play Csus4 on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on C and play C, F, G together using fingers 1 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 1.