Esus4 Chord on Guitar (E suspended fourth)
Esus4 is a suspended fourth chord with a tense, it wants to resolve to the major chord sound. It contains the notes E – A – B (root + perfect fourth + perfect fifth). Below you will find 3 ways to play it on guitar.
How to play Esus4
Position 1: x 7 9 9 10 7
- low E: don't play
- A: fret 7
- D: fret 9
- G: fret 9
- B: fret 10
- high E: fret 7
Position 2: 0 2 2 2 0 0
- low E: open
- A: fret 2
- D: fret 2
- G: fret 2
- B: open
- high E: open
Position 3: x x 2 4 5 5
- low E: don't play
- A: don't play
- D: fret 2
- G: fret 4
- B: fret 5
- high E: fret 5
This chord has no easy open shape, so it is usually played as a barre chord. Press the barre with the side of your index finger, keep your thumb behind the neck, and check each string one by one until all of them ring clearly.
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 = E, 4 = A, 5 = B
Using Esus4 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.