Absus4 Chord (Ab suspended 4th) on Guitar
Absus4 (Ab suspended 4th) is made of the notes Ab – Db – Eb. The easiest guitar fingering is 446644 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Main shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play Absus4
- Press the 6th string (low E) at fret 4 (Ab).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 4 (Db).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 6 (Ab).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 6 (Db).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 4 (Eb).
- Press the 1st string (high e) at fret 4 (Ab).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | 4 | Ab | R |
| 5th string (A) | 4 | Db | 4 |
| 4th string (D) | 6 | Ab | R |
| 3rd string (G) | 6 | Db | 4 |
| 2nd string (B) | 4 | Eb | 5 |
| 1st string (high e) | 4 | Ab | R |
What is a Ab suspended 4th chord?
A suspended 4th chord replaces the third with the fourth note of the scale.
Notes and formula. Absus4 contains Ab, Db, Eb. Counted from the root Ab, that is R (root), 4 (perfect 4th), 5 (perfect 5th). It is also written G#sus4; the two names sound identical and the name used depends on the key of the song.
Sound. Tense and expectant. The fourth wants to fall back to the third, so the chord begs to resolve.
Where it is used. A staple of rock and pop, from classic riffs to open-chord decorations. It is often played right before the major chord of the same name.
Tips for playing Absus4
Play the major chord, then add or move one finger to turn it into sus4 and back. This mini-movement is one of the most useful tricks on guitar.
Common mistake: Holding sus4 forever. It works best as a passing colour, resolving to major or minor.
Scales to play over Absus4
Related chords
Absus4 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Absus4 chord?
Absus4 (Ab suspended 4th) contains the notes Ab, Db, Eb. The formula is R–4–5 relative to the root Ab.
How do you play Absus4 on guitar?
The most common shape for Absus4 is 446644, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Is Absus4 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Is Absus4 the same as G#sus4?
Yes. Ab and G# are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so Absus4 and G#sus4 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
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