C Add4 chord on piano

C Add4 chord on piano

Chord composition

I III IV V
Root Major third Perfect fourth Perfect fifth
C E F G

ALL ABOUT THE C ADD4 CHORD

Chord Composition

The C Add4 chord is composed of 4 notes :

  • C (Root)
  • E (Major third)
  • F (Perfect fourth)
  • G (Perfect fifth)

These notes form a major chord with added fourth, creating rich tension without suspension.

How to play C Add4 on piano

The add4 chord C Add4 combines the major triad with the added perfect fourth, without seventh.

  • Difference from sus4: unlike sus4, add4 keeps the major third while adding the 4th
  • Harmonic cluster: third and fourth together create dense sonority
  • Modal color: evokes lydian and mixolydian modes
  • Less common: rarer than add2 or add9, but very effective

The simultaneous presence of third and fourth creates a particular cluster, offering an alternative to sus4 with a more complete character.

Common uses of C Add4

The add4 chord has specific uses:

  • Progressive rock: enriches complex progressions
  • Modal jazz: sophisticated modal colors
  • Contemporary music: dense harmonic textures

Styles

Progressive rock: complex and rich harmonies.

Modal jazz: exploits lydian mode colors.