Chord · Suspended 4th Key of E

Esus4 Chord on guitar · voicings, notes & diagram

The Esus4 chord contains the notes E, A, B. Tension that wants to resolve — the 3rd is replaced with the 4th, which usually drops back to a 3.

Voicings

How to play Esus4.

Esus4 12fr 1 2 3 4 1 1 E A D G B E

E-shape

Esus4 7fr × 1 2 3 4 1 E A D G B E

A-shape

Every chord tone on the neck

EADGBE 35791215 Root Scale note

Notes & intervals.

# Degree Note
1 1 E root
2 4 A
3 5 B

Sound & use

Tension that wants to resolve — the 3rd is replaced with the 4th, which usually drops back to a 3.

Classic rock tension before resolving to a major (the "Pinball Wizard" sound). Adds drama to a held chord.

Common in: rock, pop, country, folk

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Same key

Other chords in the key of E.

All keys

Suspended 4th chord in every key.

FAQ

About the Esus4 chord
on guitar.

What notes are in the Esus4 chord?

The Esus4 chord contains the notes E, A, B — that's a 1, 4, 5 from the root.

How do I play Esus4 on guitar?

The most common voicings for Esus4 are shown above as fretboard diagrams. Start with the e-shape — finger position numbers are inside the dots. Mute any string marked X; play open strings shown with O.

Where is Esus4 used in music?

Tension that wants to resolve — the 3rd is replaced with the 4th, which usually drops back to a 3. Classic rock tension before resolving to a major (the "Pinball Wizard" sound). Adds drama to a held chord.

What's a movable shape for Esus4?

Both E-shape (root on the 6th string) and A-shape (root on the 5th string) barre versions are common. Once you can play those two shapes, you can play Suspended 4th in any key just by sliding up or down the neck.

Can I print the Esus4 chord diagram?

Yes. Use your browser's print function (Cmd/Ctrl + P) — the SVG diagrams print crisply at any size. For a custom voicing or a printable handout with multiple chords, use the chord chart generator.