How to play E 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: 002200
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 2.
- Let the 6th, 5th, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.
Shape 2: xx2200
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 2.
- Let the 2nd, 1st strings ring open.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
Shape 3: x779(10)7 (from fret 7)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 5th strings at fret 7 (a barre).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 9.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 10.
- Don't play the 6th string.
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 E Suspended 4th
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| E | 1 (root) |
| A | 4 |
| B | 5 |
The formula for E Suspended 4th (sus4) is 1 4 5: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use Esus4
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 E chords
E, Em, E7, Emaj7, Em7, Esus2, E°, E+, Eadd9, E6, Eø7
Other suspended 4th chords on guitar
Csus4, D♭sus4, Dsus4, E♭sus4, Fsus4, F♯sus4, Gsus4, A♭sus4, Asus4, B♭sus4, Bsus4
Frequently asked questions
How do you play E Suspended 4th on guitar?
The easiest Esus4 shape on guitar is 002200 (Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2. Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 2. Let the 6th, 5th, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.)
What notes are in E Suspended 4th?
E Suspended 4th (Esus4) contains the notes E A B. The formula is 1 4 5.
How many guitar shapes are there for Esus4?
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 E 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.