C♯ suspended 4th chord on bass (C♯sus4)

Why it sounds like that

C♯ suspended 4th is built from the formula 1, 4, 5 — the root C♯, the perfect fourth F♯, and the perfect fifth G♯. The fourth replaces the third, which removes the major or minor quality and leaves an open, unresolved sound. Compare it with C♯ major, where the third is E♯.

What goes wrong with C♯ suspended 4th?

• Letting the pinky collapse and mute the 1st string.
• Pressing the middle finger too flat and deadening the 2nd string.
• Rushing the shift so the index lands short of the 9th fret.

When to use it

C♯ suspended 4th works as a suspended colour in C♯ major progressions like C♯–F♯–G♯–C♯, the I–IV–V–I, where it delays the resolution of C♯ major. It also fits rock, pop, and gospel when a chord needs to hover before landing.

Changing to and from C♯ suspended 4th

• Move to C♯ major by lifting the middle finger and placing it on the 3rd string, 10th fret while keeping the index and ring in place.
• Slide the shape down two frets to the 7th fret to reach B suspended 4th.

Which voicing to use

The 9th-fret shape puts C♯ in the bass for a rooted, stable sound. The C♯sus4/G♯ inversion places G♯ in the bass, which softens the chord and works well when the bass line is descending toward F♯.