AdvancedSuspended 4th

C#sus4 Chord

The C#sus4 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:C#Root (1)F#Perfect 4th (4)G#Perfect 5th (5)

Open Position

C#sus49fr134211

Chord Diagrams

Position — Fret 9

Uses a barre chord technique

C#sus49fr134211

Barre Shape — Fret 4

Uses a barre chord technique

C#sus44fr12341

How to Play C#sus4

Follow these steps for the open position fingering:

Barre technique: Press your index finger flat across all strings at fret 9 to form the barre, then add the remaining fingers on top.
#StringInstructionNote
1Low E (6th string)Fret 9 with your index fingerC#
2A (5th string)Fret 11 with your ring fingerF#
3D (4th string)Fret 11 with your pinky fingerG#
4G (3rd string)Fret 10 with your middle fingerC#
5B (2nd string)Fret 9 with your index fingerF#
6High E (1st string)Fret 9 with your index fingerG#

= Open string (no fingers needed)

= Muted string (don't play)

= Press your finger down firmly just behind the fret

Notes in C#sus4

The C#sus4 chord is built from 3 distinct notes, each serving a harmonic role:

C#
Root (1)
The root — gives the chord its name
F#
Perfect 4th (4)
The perfect 4th — creates the suspended feeling
G#
Perfect 5th (5)
The fifth — adds power and stability

Other C# Chords

Explore other chord types built on the same root note:

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