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We've learned a variety of chords in previous lessons, and today, we're
going to have a look at a new type - the "sus4" (or suspended fourth)
chord.
Sus4 chords (pronounced "suss four") are often (but NOT always) used
in combination with a major or minor chord of the same letter name. For
example, it's very common to see the chord progression Dmaj to Dsus4
to Dmaj. Or, alternately something like this: Asus4 to Amin. As you learn
these chords, try playing them, then following each with a major or minor
chord of the same letter name.
 Asus4
Chord
This is a chord which you can fret several ways, depending on which chord
you're coming from/moving to. If you are planning to follow this chord
with an Aminor, you can fret the Aminor chord, then add your fourth (pinky)
finger to the third fret of the second string. Or, if coming from/going
to an Amajor chord, you can fret the notes on the fourth and third strings
with your first finger, while playing the second string note with your
second finger. Lastly, you could try playing the fourth string with your
first finger, third string with your second, and second string with your
third.
Practice:
- Amaj to Asus4 to Amaj
- Dmaj to Asus4
to Dmaj
- Amin to Asus4 to Amin
 Csus4
Chord
You have to be careful not to strum the sixth or first strings when playing
this chord. Use your third finger to play the note on the fifth string,
your fourth finger to play the note on the fourth string, and your first
finger to play the note on the second string.
Practice:
- Cmaj to Csus4 to Cmaj
- Dmin to Csus4 to Cmaj
 Dsus4
Chord
This is an incredibly common chord you'll see all the time. If going
from Dsus4 to Dmaj, use your first finger on the third string, your third
finger on the second string, and your pinky finger on the first string.
If going from Dsus4 to Dmin, try your second finger on the third string,
your third finger on the second string, and your fourth finger on the
first string.
Practice:
- Dsus4 to Dmin
- Dmaj to Dsus4 to Dmaj
- Dmaj to Dmin to Dsus4
 Esus4
Chord
Try playing this with your second finger on the fifth string, your third
finger on the fourth string, and your fourth finger on the third string
(some people switch second and third fingers). You could also try first
finger on fifth string, second finger on fourth, and third finger on
third, in an "A major chord" shape.
Practice:
- Esus4 to Emaj
- Emin to Esus4 to Emin
- Amaj to Esus4 to Amaj
 Fsus4
Chord
Play this chord by placing your third finger on the fourth string, your
fourth finger on the third string, and your first finger on the remaining
two strings. Be careful to only play the bottom four strings.
Practice:
- Fmaj to Fsus4 to Fmaj
- Cmaj to Fsus4 to Fmaj
 Gsus4
Chord
Pay attention to the fifth string on this chord - it should NOT be played.
Use your third finger (playing the note on the sixth string) to lightly
touch the fifth string, so it doesn't ring. Your first finger should play
the note on the second string, while your fourth finger plays the note
on the first string.
Practice:
- Gsus4 to Gmaj
- Amin to Gsus4 to Gmaj
- Gsus4 to Gmaj to Csus4 to Cmaj
Sus4
Barre Chords  6th
String Sus4 Chord
Like all barre chords, we can learn one chord shape and move it around,
to create many more sus4 chords. The diagram to the left illustrates
the basic shape of the sus4 chord with the root on
the sixth string. When playing the chord, be aware that the notes on
the second and first strings are *optional*, and don't need to be played.
You can try playing this chord shape by barring with your first finger,
then playing the note on the fifth string with your second finger, fourth
string with the third finger, and third string with fourth finger. Alternately,
you could try playing the sixth string with your first finger, barring
the fifth, fourth, and third strings with your third finger, and avoid
playing the second and first strings.
Practice:
- Bsus4 to Bmaj
- F#sus4 to F#min
- Dsus4 to Dmaj to Gsus4 to Gmaj
 5th
String Sus4 Chord
The diagram to the left illustrates the basic shape of the sus4 chord with
the root on the fifth string. When playing
this voicing, be aware that the note on the first string is *optional*,
and is often left off. You can finger this chord shape by putting your
first finger on the fifth string (and optionally the first string as well),
your second finger on the fourth string, your third finger on the third
string, and your fourth finger on the second string. Alternately, you could
try playing the fifth string with your first finger, barring the fourth
and third strings with your third finger, and playing the second string
with your fourth finger.
Practice:
- Esus4 to Emaj
- C#sus4 to C#min
- Gsus4 to Gmaj to Fsus4 to Fmaj
You
Should Know:
- Sus4 chords are also commonly referred to as simply "sus" or "suspended" chords.
- Sus4 chords tend to feel "unresolved" if left hanging - you probably
wouldn't want to end a song on a sus4 chord.
- Many guitarists insert sus4 chords into music with simple major and
minor chords, to spice up a guitar part.
Got it? Now, let's talk about sight reading and other topics essential
for guitarists to learn.
Next page > Essential
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