The Asus4 guitar chord is a commonly used chord that adds a suspended, open sound to your playing. It’s frequently used in rock, pop, and folk music due to its distinctive, unresolved tone. The “sus4” in the chord name stands for “suspended 4th”, meaning that the 4th note (D) is used in place of the 3rd (C#) in the chord structure.
In this guide, we’ll go over how to play the Asus4 chord, its variations, and how to incorporate it into your guitar playing.
What is the Asus4 Guitar Chord?
The Asus4 chord is a suspended fourth chord that consists of three notes:
- A (the root note)
- D (the suspended fourth)
- E (the perfect fifth)
Since the third note (C#) is replaced by the fourth (D), the chord has a more open and unresolved sound, often creating a sense of tension that needs to resolve back to a major or minor chord.
How to Play the Asus4 Guitar Chord
Open Position Asus4
The most common way to play Asus4 is in the open position:
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D string).
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string (G string).
- Leave the A string (5th string) open.
- Do not press the low E string (6th string), as it is not part of the chord.
- Strum from the 5th string (A string) down to the high E string.
Asus4 Variations and Alternate Shapes
Asus4 (Barre Chord Shape)
Once you’re comfortable with the open position, try playing Asus4 as a barre chord:
- Barre all six strings at the 5th fret with your index finger.
- Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string (D string).
- Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd string (G string).
- Strum all six strings for a full sound.
Asus4 (High Position)
You can also play Asus4 in a higher position on the neck:
- Barre the top five strings at the 12th fret with your index finger.
- Place your middle finger on the 14th fret of the 4th string (D string).
- Strum from the 5th string to the high E string for a higher-pitched version of the Asus4 chord.
Video Tutorial Asus4 Guitar Chord
For visual learners, a step-by-step video tutorial can make mastering the Asus4 Guitar Chord much easier. Here’s a helpful guide for you:
Common Chord Progressions Using Asus4
The Asus4 chord is often used in progressions where it creates tension and then resolves to a major or minor chord. Some common progressions that use Asus4 are:
- Asus4 – A (Suspension to resolution)
- Asus4 – D – A (Folk and pop progression)
- Asus4 – G – D – A (Rock or acoustic progression)
Popular Songs Featuring the Asus4 Chord
The Asus4 chord is frequently used in popular music. Some songs that feature this chord are:
- “The Scientist” by Coldplay
- “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison
- “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan
Tips for Practicing the Asus4 Chord
Beginner Tips:
- Focus on clarity: Make sure that all the strings ring clearly, especially the open A string.
- Strumming technique: Avoid strumming the low E string when playing the open Asus4 chord. Practice strumming only from the A string down.
- Chord transitions: Practice switching between Asus4 and other common chords, like A major, D, and E, to make the transitions smoother.
Advanced Tips:
- Explore different voicings: Try playing Asus4 in different positions to expand your range.
- Add fingerpicking: To add texture, try fingerpicking the individual notes of the Asus4 chord rather than strumming.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Muted Strings: Ensure your fingers are arched correctly to avoid muting strings that should be ringing out.
- Strumming the Low E String: When playing the open Asus4 chord, be mindful not to strum the low E string, as it’s not part of the chord.
- Incorrect Barre Technique: When playing barre chords, make sure that your index finger is pressing down evenly across all strings to avoid buzzing.
Related Chords to Asus4
- A: The basic A major chord, which resolves nicely after the Asus4.
- D: Often used in progressions with Asus4 for a fuller sound.
- Esus4: A suspended fourth chord based on E, similar in structure to Asus4.
Conclusion
The Asus4 guitar chord is an essential chord for any guitarist, offering a unique, suspended sound that adds character to your playing. Whether you’re strumming in open position or using barre chord shapes, the Asus4 chord can elevate your music and create tension that resolves beautifully.
Practice regularly, experiment with different voicings, and enjoy the versatility of the Asus4 chord!