Asus4 Chord on Guitar (A suspended fourth)
Asus4 is a suspended fourth chord with a tense, it wants to resolve to the major chord sound. It contains the notes A – D – E (root + perfect fourth + perfect fifth). Below you will find 3 ways to play it on guitar.
How to play Asus4
Position 1: x 0 2 2 3 0
- low E: don't play
- A: open
- D: fret 2
- G: fret 2
- B: fret 3
- high E: open
Position 2: 5 7 7 7 5 5
- low E: fret 5
- A: fret 7
- D: fret 7
- G: fret 7
- B: fret 5
- high E: fret 5
Position 3: x x 7 9 10 10
- low E: don't play
- A: don't play
- D: fret 7
- G: fret 9
- B: fret 10
- high E: fret 10
The first shape is an open chord: it uses open strings, so it is the easiest way to play Asus4 and rings out the most. Strum only the strings that are not marked with an x.
Chord theory
In a suspended fourth chord, the third is replaced by the fourth. The fourth creates tension that is usually released by moving back to the major chord with the same root.
Degrees: 1 = A, 4 = D, 5 = E
Using Asus4 in songs
The classic move is sus4 to major (for example Dsus4 to D). It adds movement to a strumming pattern without changing the harmony of the song.