E Suspended 4th Guitar Chord (Esus4)
E suspended 4th is a three-note chord built from E (the root), A (the perfect fourth), and B (the perfect fifth). It creates gentle tension without darkness. The suspended fourth hovers a half step above the major third it usually falls back to. Below are 4 ways to play it in standard tuning, easiest shape first.
Esus4 chord shapes ā standard tuning
How to play it
Place your index finger on the D (4th) string at fret 2 and your middle finger on the G (3rd) string at fret 2. Let the low E (6th), A (5th), B (2nd), and high E (1st) strings ring open. Strum all six strings.
Once that shape is comfortable, try the other 3 voicings above ā same notes, different neck positions and textures.
Notes in this chord
| Symbol | Interval | Note |
|---|---|---|
| R | root | E |
| 4 | perfect fourth | A |
| 5 | perfect fifth | B |
Keep exploring
Other tunings
Open the interactive chord charts to see Esus4 in open G, drop D, DADGAD, and more tunings.
More E chords
Nearby suspended 4th chords
Esus4 FAQ
What notes are in Esus4?
Esus4 contains E, A, and B ā the root (E), the perfect fourth, and the perfect fifth.
Is Esus4 a barre chord?
Not necessarily. The easiest Esus4 shape (0-0-2-2-0-0) needs no barre ā it uses 2 fingers plus open strings. Barre versions exist too, starting at fret 7, and are handy when you want to move the same grip to other keys.
What is the easiest way to play Esus4 on guitar?
Start with the open position shape 0-0-2-2-0-0. Place your index finger on the D (4th) string at fret 2 and your middle finger on the G (3rd) string at fret 2. Let the low E (6th), A (5th), B (2nd), and high E (1st) strings ring open. Strum all six strings.