How to play A Dominant 7 sus 4 on guitar
These shapes are for standard tuning (E A D G B E). The first is the easiest, and the others sit in different positions on the neck. Playing in another tuning? Pick it above the diagrams and the shapes are redrawn for it.
Shape 1: x00030
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 3.
- Let the 5th, 4th, 3rd, 1st strings ring open.
- Don't play the 6th string.
Shape 2: 500050
- Press the 6th string (E) at fret 5.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 5.
- Let the 5th, 4th, 3rd, 1st strings ring open.
Shape 3: 502030
- Press the 6th string (E) at fret 5.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 3.
- Let the 5th, 3rd, 1st strings ring open.
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the lowest (thickest) to the highest, with x meaning that string is not played and 0 meaning it rings open.
Notes in A Dominant 7 sus 4
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| A | 1 (root) |
| D | 4 |
| E | 5 |
| G | ♭7 |
The formula for A Dominant 7 sus 4 (7sus4) is 1 4 5 ♭7: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use A7sus4
The 7sus4 chord swaps the third of a dominant chord for the fourth, so it is suspended and bluesy. It is common in funk, soul and gospel, often moving to the plain dominant chord.
Other A chords
A, Am, A7, Amaj7, Am7, Asus2, Asus4, A°, A+, Aadd9, A6, Aø7
Other dominant 7 sus 4 chords on guitar
C7sus4, D♭7sus4, D7sus4, E♭7sus4, E7sus4, F7sus4, F♯7sus4, G7sus4, A♭7sus4, B♭7sus4, B7sus4
Frequently asked questions
How do you play A Dominant 7 sus 4 on guitar?
The easiest A7sus4 shape on guitar is x00030 (Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 3. Let the 5th, 4th, 3rd, 1st strings ring open. Don't play the 6th string.)
What notes are in A Dominant 7 sus 4?
A Dominant 7 sus 4 (A7sus4) contains the notes A D E G. The formula is 1 4 5 ♭7.
How many guitar shapes are there for A7sus4?
There are many. This page shows 3 common ones at different positions, easiest first. Moving a barre shape up the neck gives the same chord type on other roots.
See A Dominant 7 sus 4 on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.