Question 1

What notes are in C#sus4?

Accepted Answer

C#sus4 is C# – F# – G#. The third is replaced by a fourth, so the chord is neither major nor minor until it resolves.

Question 2

Which keys does C#sus4 belong to?

Accepted Answer

Every note of C#sus4 fits the scale of A (iii), E (vi), B (ii), F# (V), Db (I). The numeral says which degree the chord sits on, so the same chord does a different job in each of those keys — a I feels like home, a V pulls back towards it.

Question 3

How is C#sus4 used in a song?

Accepted Answer

One common place is E, in the progression I – V – vi – IV — E – B – C#sus4 – A. Play those four in a loop and the role of C#sus4 becomes obvious: you can hear where it wants to go next.

Question 4

How many inversions does C#sus4 have?

Accepted Answer

2, plus root position. An inversion moves the lowest note up an octave, which keeps the chord the same but changes which note is in the bass — the usual reason is to get from one chord to the next without moving your hand far.

C#sus4 piano chord — the keys, the inversions, the theory

C#sus4

Inversions of C#sus4

Keys that contain C#sus4

Questions