Chord Information
Learn how to play F#sus4 on piano
Notes in Chord
Intervals
Inversion
Notes (bottom to top): F#4 - B4 - C#5
Right Hand Fingering
3=middle, 4=ring, 5=pinky
Interactive Piano
Click the highlighted keys to play the F#sus4 chord
About the F#sus4 Chord
The F#sus4 chord brings bright, assertive tension to sharp-key progressions. Built from F#-B-C#, this suspended chord creates a pull toward F# major that feels decisive and energetic. In B major contexts, F#sus4 serves as a suspended dominant with crystalline clarity.
What makes F#sus4 distinctive is its brightness. The chord sits in the sharp-key realm where sounds tend toward clarity and definition. F#sus4-F# resolutions have a precise, almost bell-like quality.
On piano, F#sus4 places F# and C# on black keys with B on white. This pattern creates a distinctive feel under the fingers.
Music Theory & Usage
F#sus4 functions as tension before F# major, appearing in B major and E major contexts. As V suspended in B major, F#sus4 creates bright, energetic anticipation before dominant resolution.
The chord appears in progressive rock and contemporary music that ventures into sharp keys, where its clarity adds definition to transitions.
Famous Songs Using F#sus4
Hear how professional musicians use the F#sus4 chord in these well-known songs:
“Learning to Fly”
by Tom Petty
Uses sus4 voicings in its rock progression
“Free Bird”
by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Contains sus4 chords in its epic arrangement
“Comfortably Numb”
by Pink Floyd
Features suspended harmonies
“Time”
by Pink Floyd
Uses sus4 resolutions for emotional effect
How to Play F#sus4 on Piano
- Place your thumb on F#.
- Place your middle finger on B.
- Place your pinky finger on C#.
- Press all keys simultaneously to hear the F#sus4 chord.
Recommended fingering: 1-3-5 (right hand)
F#sus4 Chord Inversions
The F#sus4 chord can be played in different inversions:
Root Position
F# - B - C# (bass note: F#)
First Inversion
B - C# - F# (bass note: B)
Second Inversion
C# - F# - B (bass note: C#)
Common Chord Progressions Using F#sus4
Suspended Resolution
Common chord progression
Practice Tips for F#sus4
- Start slowly and focus on pressing all keys simultaneously for a clean sound.
- Practice transitioning between F#sus4 and other common chords to build muscle memory.
- Feel the tension in the suspended note and practice resolving it.
- Use suspended chords to create anticipation before resolving to major or minor chords.
Frequently Asked Questions about F#sus4
What notes are in F#sus4?
F#sus4 contains F# (root), B (perfect 4th), and C# (perfect 5th). F# and C# are black keys; B is white.
Is F#sus4 the same as Gbsus4?
Yes, enharmonically equivalent. F#sus4 appears in sharp keys; Gbsus4 in flat keys. Both are relatively rare; choose based on context.
How does F#sus4 resolve?
F#sus4 resolves to F# major by moving B down to A# (the third of F# major). It can also resolve to F# minor by moving B to A.
When would I use F#sus4?
Use F#sus4 before F# major for tension-release in B major progressions. It works as a suspended dominant (V) or passing chord. Good for transitions and cadences.