What Is a Dominant Sus4 Chord?
A dominant sus4 chord is a suspended 4th triad with a minor 7th added above the root. It replaces the third of a dominant 7th chord with a perfect fourth — removing the major/minor character while keeping the dominant 7th tension.
Written as C7sus4, this chord has no third at all — it's neither major nor minor. This ambiguity, combined with the minor 7th tension, creates a powerful, open sound that's become a staple of rock, funk, and jazz fusion.
How to Build a Dominant Sus4 Chord
Formula
Root + Perfect 4th + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th
Semitones: 0 — 5 — 7 — 10
Example: C Dominant Sus4
- C (root)
- F (5 semitones = perfect fourth)
- G (7 semitones = perfect fifth)
- B♭ (10 semitones = minor seventh)
Resolution: C7sus4 typically resolves to C7 (the 4th drops to a 3rd: F → E), which then resolves to F major. Sus4-7-I is a classic two-step resolution.
All 12 Dominant Sus4 Chords
| Chord | Root | Perfect 4th | Perfect 5th | Minor 7th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C7sus4 | C | F | G | B♭ |
| G7sus4 | G | C | D | F |
| D7sus4 | D | G | A | C |
| A7sus4 | A | D | E | G |
| E7sus4 | E | A | B | D |
| B7sus4 | B | E | F# | A |
| F#7sus4 | F# | B | C# | E |
| F7sus4 | F | B♭ | C | E♭ |
| B♭7sus4 | B♭ | E♭ | F | A♭ |
| E♭7sus4 | E♭ | A♭ | B♭ | D♭ |
| A♭7sus4 | A♭ | D♭ | E♭ | G♭ |
| D♭7sus4 | D♭ | G♭ | A♭ | C♭ |
The Sound of a Dominant Sus4 Chord
Open, powerful, muscular, unresolved, spacious.
The dominant sus4 has the tension of a dominant 7th but with an open, unbiased quality — no third means no major or minor flavour. It sounds powerful and forward-moving without being harsh. This is why it works so well in rock and funk: it has drive without the tonal commitment of a major or minor chord.
Famous Uses
"A Hard Day's Night" opening chord (The Beatles) — a sus4 variant
"Scarborough Fair" — sus chords throughout
Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage" — built on 7sus4 chords
How to Use Dominant Sus4 Chords
1. Before a dominant 7th: G7sus4 → G7 → C is a classic two-step resolution. The sus4 prolongs the tension before full dominant resolution.
2. In rock and pop: Use 7sus4 chords for an open, anthemic sound. They work at any tempo and any dynamic level.
3. In jazz fusion: Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage" famously uses 7sus4 chords as static, floating harmonies — no resolution needed.
4. As a tonal alternative: Substitute 7sus4 for a dominant 7th anywhere you want the tension without the major quality of the third.
Free: Chord Ear Training Cheat Sheet
Train your ear to hear the open, suspended quality of dominant sus4 chords.