G Add4 chord on piano

Chord Composition

The G Add4 chord is composed of 4 notes :

• G (Root)
• B (Major third)
• C (Perfect fourth)
• D (Perfect fifth)

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

How to play G Add4 on piano

The add4 chord G 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 G 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.