GuitarChords.net

A suspended 4 guitar chord

A suspended 4 is A, D, and E. D replaces C sharp. Start with the first picture on this page.

x means muted. 0 means open.

A suspended 4

Short code x02230, thickest string first.

  1. Low E string: muted, do not play.
  2. A string: open, note A, 1st.
  3. D string: fret 2, index finger, note E, 5th.
  4. G string: fret 2, middle finger, note A, 1st.
  5. B string: fret 3, ring finger, note D, 4th.
  6. High E string: open, note E, 5th.

A suspended 4 uses the notes A, E and D.

More A guitar chords.

Also A major, A minor, A dominant 7, A major 7, A minor 7, A suspended 2, A power chord, A diminished, A augmented.

A suspended 4, another shape

Short code x00x30, thickest string first.

  1. Low E string: muted, do not play.
  2. A string: open, note A, 1st.
  3. D string: open, note D, 4th.
  4. G string: muted, do not play.
  5. B string: fret 3, index finger, note D, 4th.
  6. High E string: open, note E, 5th.

A suspended 4 uses the notes A, D and E.

Why does this A suspended 4 not sound major or minor?

Both pictures are A, D, and E. There is no C sharp and no C, so this is not A major and not A minor. D is the extra note (a 4th). Neither picture uses a barre. The first picture mutes the thick string. The second picture mutes the G string too. Same three notes.

If the A suspended 4 in a song sounds smaller than the first picture, try the second picture lower on this page.

On the first picture the D is on the B string, fret 3, ring finger. Play A major after this and you will hear C sharp instead of D. Play A minor and you will hear C instead of D.