Csus4 Chord (C suspended 4th) on Guitar
Csus4 (C suspended 4th) is made of the notes C – F – G. The easiest guitar fingering is x3306x (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.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
How to play Csus4
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3 (C).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 3 (F).
- Play the 3rd string (G) open (G).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 6 (F).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
- Do not play the 1st string (high e).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | 3 | C | R |
| 4th string (D) | 3 | F | 4 |
| 3rd string (G) | 0 (open) | G | 5 |
| 2nd string (B) | 6 | F | 4 |
| 1st string (high e) | x (mute) | - |
What is a C suspended 4th chord?
A suspended 4th chord replaces the third with the fourth note of the scale.
Notes and formula. Csus4 contains C, F, G. Counted from the root C, that is R (root), 4 (perfect 4th), 5 (perfect 5th).
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 Csus4
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 Csus4
Related chords
Csus4 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Csus4 chord?
Csus4 (C suspended 4th) contains the notes C, F, G. The formula is R–4–5 relative to the root C.
How do you play Csus4 on guitar?
The most common shape for Csus4 is x3306x, 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 Csus4 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.
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