How to play C Suspended 4th 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: x33011
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 2nd strings at fret 1 (a barre).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 3.
- Let the 3rd string ring open.
- Don't play the 6th string.
Shape 2: 88(10)(10)88 (from fret 8)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 6th strings at fret 8 (a barre).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 10.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 10.
Shape 3: xx(10)(10)88 (from fret 8)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 2nd strings at fret 8 (a barre).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 10.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 10.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
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 C Suspended 4th
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| C | 1 (root) |
| F | 4 |
| G | 5 |
The formula for C Suspended 4th (sus4) is 1 4 5: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use Csus4
Suspended 4th chords replace the third with the fourth for a tense, hanging sound that usually wants to resolve to the major chord on the same root.
Other C chords
C, Cm, C7, Cmaj7, Cm7, Csus2, C°, C+, Cadd9, C6, Cø7
Other suspended 4th chords on guitar
D♭sus4, Dsus4, E♭sus4, Esus4, Fsus4, F♯sus4, Gsus4, A♭sus4, Asus4, B♭sus4, Bsus4
Frequently asked questions
How do you play C Suspended 4th on guitar?
The easiest Csus4 shape on guitar is x33011 (Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 2nd strings at fret 1 (a barre). Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3. Press the 4th string (D) at fret 3. Let the 3rd string ring open. Don't play the 6th string.)
What notes are in C Suspended 4th?
C Suspended 4th (Csus4) contains the notes C F G. The formula is 1 4 5.
How many guitar shapes are there for Csus4?
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 C Suspended 4th on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.