Overview of the Dominant Seventh Sus Four Chord
Continuing from last time, let's learn sus chords and create new chord progression flows.
This time, we introduce the "dominant seventh sus four" chord.
It is often used together with regular sus4 and dominant seventh chords.
Like the dominant seventh chord, the dominant seventh sus four chord is also called "seventh sus four" for short.
The Sound of the Dominant Seventh Sus Four
First, let's check the sound of the dominant seventh sus four.
The chord tones are played one by one, followed by the chord.
It has a floating feel with a clear, transparent impression.
It's also striking that although its name includes "dominant seventh," it lacks the tension of the tritone.
Now let's follow it with a C7 chord.
- C7sus4 → C7
It moves from a floating feel to something that sounds a little resolved, but is still an unstable seventh chord.
Notation of the Dominant Seventh Sus Four
The dominant seventh sus four is often written as follows.
This is probably the most common notation.
- E dominant seventh sus four = E7sus4
- F dominant seventh sus four = F7sus4
How the Dominant Seventh Sus Four Is Formed
As an example, let's check the root position of the C7sus4 chord on the score and the piano roll.
If you know the structure of sus4 and the dominant seventh, it's easy to remember.
Let's actually compare them.
It's easy to understand if you think of it as a sus4 with an m7th (♭7) added, or as a dominant seventh whose lower three notes (major triad) have become sus4 (the M3rd changed to a P4th).
And as mentioned above, the dominant seventh sus four chord has no tritone.
Here is a summary of the structure of the dominant seventh sus four in root position.
- As intervals from the root: R/P4th/P5th/m7th
- As scale degrees with the root as 1: 1/4/5/♭7
Using the Dominant Seventh Sus Four
Let's experience the changes while also using the sus4 chord from last time.
First, we start with a regular two-five-one.
- Key = C major: IIm7 → V7 → I (Dm7 → G7 → C)
Next, let's first add Csus4 to this.
*Pay particular attention to the "suspended note" (the part outlined in yellow).
- Dm7 → G7 → Csus4 → C
Then, if we also add Gsus4 before G7sus4...
- Dm7 → G7sus4 → G7 → Csus4 → C
The resolution is delayed more and more, creating a more dramatic effect.
Specifically, the C (m7) note of the preceding Dm7 is sustained and carries over into G7sus4.
With sus4, you can bring about the same effect not only when resolving to the tonic but also on the dominant seventh chord before it.
Moving toward resolution like this is typical of sus4 chords, but if you analyze various songs, you'll also find sus4 left unresolved, and sus chords other than Isus4/Vsus4/V7sus4.
We will touch on these points later, so be sure to analyze songs in parallel.
Next time, we will learn the "add9 chord."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the difference between a 7sus4 chord and a regular seventh chord (C7)?
A 7sus4 chord replaces the major third (M3rd) with a perfect fourth (P4th), so it lacks the tension of the tritone and has a more floating sound. A regular seventh chord has instability and a strong tendency toward resolution.
Q2. In what situations is the 7sus4 chord effective?
Used in chord progressions such as two-five-one, it intentionally delays resolution to the tonic and enables a dramatic effect. It is especially effective in progressions with a dominant function.
Q3. What are the notes of C7sus4?
It consists of "R/P4th/P5th/m7th" as intervals from the root, and "1/4/5/♭7" as scale degrees. For example, C7sus4 consists of the four notes C, F, G and B♭.
Q4. Are the 7sus4 chord and the "sus4 chord" the same?
No. The sus4 chord doesn't contain the minor seventh (♭7), while the 7sus4 chord adds ♭7. In other words, 7sus4 is a sus4 chord with the character of a dominant seventh added.
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