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Suspended

Dominant seventh, suspended fourth chords

Dominant 7th with 4th instead of 3rd: C-F-G-Bb. Formula: 1-4-5-b7. Creates unresolved, floating sound.

In every key

The same shape, moved. The symbols below are spelled the way the app spells them, which is the spelling the chord's own scale asks for rather than whichever accidental is easier to type.

  • C7sus4
  • Db7sus4
  • D7sus4
  • Eb7sus4
  • E7sus4
  • F7sus4
  • F#7sus4
  • G7sus4
  • Ab7sus4
  • A7sus4
  • Bb7sus4
  • B7sus4

Voicings

Written in C, because that is the key the encyclopedia authors them in; every one transposes unchanged.

Root Position

C · F · G · Bb

beginner

Octaves shown are the app's default ascending voicing.

Drop-2

F · G · Bb · C

intermediate

Octaves shown are the app's default ascending voicing.

Rootless (with 9th)

F · Bb · D · G

intermediate

Octaves shown are the app's default ascending voicing.

Quartal Stack (5-1-4-b7)

G · C · F · Bb

intermediate

LH G-C, RH F-Bb — one open fourth per hand; relax the wrists and let them ring.

Where it turns up

Delays resolution, creates anticipation. Often resolves to C7. Common in modal jazz and funk.

Commonly swapped with

  • C7
  • Gm7/C
  • Bb/C