IntermediateSuspended 4th

Asus4 Chord

The Asus4 is a suspended 4th chord that sounds tense, suspended, and dramatic. Sus4 chords replace the third with a fourth, creating a classic suspension effect. They naturally want to resolve to the major chord, making them perfect for dynamic chord progressions.

Notes:ARoot (1)DPerfect 4th (4)EPerfect 5th (5)

Open Position

Asus45fr134211

Chord Diagrams

Position — Fret 5

Uses a barre chord technique

Asus45fr134211

Open Position (Alt)

Uses a barre chord technique

Asus4234

How to Play Asus4

Follow these steps for the open position fingering:

Barre technique: Press your index finger flat across all strings at fret 5 to form the barre, then add the remaining fingers on top.
#StringInstructionNote
1Low E (6th string)Fret 5 with your index fingerA
2A (5th string)Fret 7 with your ring fingerD
3D (4th string)Fret 7 with your pinky fingerE
4G (3rd string)Fret 6 with your middle fingerA
5B (2nd string)Fret 5 with your index fingerD
6High E (1st string)Fret 5 with your index fingerE

= Open string (no fingers needed)

= Muted string (don't play)

= Press your finger down firmly just behind the fret

Notes in Asus4

The Asus4 chord is built from 3 distinct notes, each serving a harmonic role:

A
Root (1)
The root — gives the chord its name
D
Perfect 4th (4)
The perfect 4th — creates the suspended feeling
E
Perfect 5th (5)
The fifth — adds power and stability

Other A Chords

Explore other chord types built on the same root note:

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