The Esus4 guitar chord (E suspended fourth) is a dynamic and powerful chord that adds tension to a chord progression. It’s commonly used in rock, pop, and folk music, giving songs a bright, open feel. The “sus” in Esus4 stands for “suspended,” meaning the third note is replaced with a fourth note, which creates a feeling of unresolved tension that usually resolves to a standard major chord.
1. What is an Esus4 Guitar Chord?
The Esus4 chord is a suspended chord that replaces the major third (G#) in the E major chord with the fourth (A). This substitution gives the chord its unique sound, creating tension and anticipation for a resolution back to E major.
Esus4 Chord Formula:
- Root (E)
- Perfect fourth (A)
- Perfect fifth (B)
Since this chord lacks the third note (G#), it doesn’t sound major or minor, making it feel more open and unresolved.
2. How to Play the Esus4 Guitar Chord
Here’s the most common way to play the Esus4 chord on the guitar:
Esus4 Open Position (Beginner-Friendly):
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string (5th string).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th string).
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Strum all six strings, allowing the open low E, B, and high E strings to ring out.
This open position is the easiest way to play the Esus4 chord and gives it a full, bright sound.
Esus4 Power Chord Shape:
For a more focused and punchy version of Esus4, use this shape, typically higher up the fretboard:
- Barre your index finger across the 7th fret of the A string (5th string) to the high E string (1st string).
- Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the D string (4th string).
- Strum from the A string down, focusing on the middle strings for a tighter sound.
Strumming Tips:
- The open position of Esus4 sounds great with full strums, emphasizing its wide, resonant sound.
- Use dynamic strumming patterns to bring out the tension and release between Esus4 and other chords.
3. Video Tutorial
For a visual guide on how to play the Esus4 chord, check out this Video Tutorial on the Esus4 Chord. It covers different versions and transitions from Esus4 to other chords.
4. Common Mistakes and Tips for Playing the Esus4 Guitar Chord
Common Mistakes:
- Muted strings: Ensure that you’re pressing firmly on the strings to avoid muted notes, especially the open B and high E strings.
- Strumming too hard: Esus4 has a bright and open sound, so strumming too aggressively can make it sound harsh.
- Wrong finger positioning: Avoid mixing up the 2nd and 3rd frets, as this will change the chord shape entirely.
Tips for Playing the Esus4 Chord:
- Check each string: Make sure each string is ringing out clearly by playing each note individually before strumming.
- Lighten your touch: Use lighter strumming or fingerpicking to emphasize the chord’s open and airy quality.
- Practice transitioning to E major: The Esus4 chord often resolves to E major, so practicing smooth transitions between these two chords will enhance your progressions.
5. Esus4 Chord Variations
Here are some variations of the Esus4 chord:
- Esus4 (Barre Chord):
- You can play a barre version of Esus4 starting on the 7th fret for a more punchy sound, often used in rock music.
- Esus2:
- This variation replaces the fourth note with a second (F#), creating a lighter, more ethereal sound.
6. Chord Progressions and Songs Featuring the Esus4 Guitar Chord
Common Chord Progressions:
- Esus4 – E – A: A classic progression that resolves the tension from Esus4 to E major.
- Esus4 – D – A: A progression that uses Esus4 to build tension before moving to other open chords.
- Esus4 – C – G – D: A versatile progression in pop and rock that uses Esus4 to create energy and drive.
Songs Featuring the Esus4 Chord:
- “Wonderwall” by Oasis: Features Esus4 in the iconic chord progression throughout the song.
- “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty: Uses Esus4 to add a suspended feel to the progression.
- “The Scientist” by Coldplay: Incorporates Esus4 in its melancholy and reflective chord progression.
7. Tips for Practicing the Esus4 Guitar Chord
- Practice transitions: Work on moving smoothly between Esus4 and E major, as this is a common resolution in many songs.
- Use a metronome: Play Esus4 in time with a metronome to develop a sense of rhythm, especially when resolving it in a progression.
- Explore fingerpicking: Experiment with fingerpicking the Esus4 chord to create different textures and sounds.
8. Related Chords to Esus4 Guitar Chord
Here are some related chords that pair well with the Esus4 chord:
- E major: The natural resolution for Esus4, creating a satisfying sense of release.
- Asus4: Another suspended chord that pairs well with Esus4 for smooth progressions.
- A major: Often used after Esus4 in progressions for a bright, open sound.
The Esus4 guitar chord is a versatile and expressive chord that’s easy to learn but offers a lot of dynamic possibilities. It’s frequently used to build tension before resolving to an E major chord, making it a favorite in rock, pop, and folk music. Practice the Esus4 chord with different strumming patterns, transitions, and variations to unlock its full potential in your playing. Happy strumming!