C Suspended 4th Guitar Chord (Csus4)
C suspended 4th is a three-note chord built from C (the root), F (the perfect fourth), and G (the perfect fifth). It replaces the third with a perfect fourth, so it is neither major nor minor — just suspended, hanging in the air until it resolves, usually back to C major. Below are 4 ways to play it in standard tuning, easiest shape first.
Csus4 chord shapes — standard tuning
How to play it
Place your index finger on the B (2nd) string at fret 1, your middle finger on the high E (1st) string at fret 1, your ring finger on the A (5th) string at fret 3, and your pinky finger on the D (4th) string at fret 3. Let the G (3rd) string ring open. Keep the low E (6th) string out of the strum — start your downstroke from the A (5th) string.
Once that shape is comfortable, try the other 3 voicings above — same notes, different neck positions and textures.
Notes in this chord
| Symbol | Interval | Note |
|---|---|---|
| R | root | C |
| 4 | perfect fourth | F |
| 5 | perfect fifth | G |
Keep exploring
Other tunings
Open the interactive chord charts to see Csus4 in open G, drop D, DADGAD, and more tunings.
More C chords
Nearby suspended 4th chords
Csus4 FAQ
What notes are in Csus4?
Csus4 contains C, F, and G — the root (C), the perfect fourth, and the perfect fifth.
Is Csus4 a barre chord?
Not necessarily. The easiest Csus4 shape (x-3-3-0-1-1) needs no barre — it uses 4 fingers plus open strings. Barre versions exist too, starting at fret 3, and are handy when you want to move the same grip to other keys.
What is the easiest way to play Csus4 on guitar?
Start with the open position shape x-3-3-0-1-1. Place your index finger on the B (2nd) string at fret 1, your middle finger on the high E (1st) string at fret 1, your ring finger on the A (5th) string at fret 3, and your pinky finger on the D (4th) string at fret 3. Let the G (3rd) string ring open. Keep the low E (6th) string out of the strum — start your downstroke from the A (5th) string.