Suspended 4th · beginner
A suspended 4th(Asus4)
An open A sus4 that resolves smoothly to A major by lifting one finger.
Notes
Intervals
Finger placement
- AIndex finger (1): fret 2 of the D string.
- BMiddle finger (2): fret 2 of the G string.
- CRing finger (3): fret 3 of the B string.
Your progress
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Sounding notes shown below · low E on the left
Choose a string to hear its note.
String & finger reference
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 · low E | Muted | — | — |
| 5 · A | Open | — | A · root |
| 4 · D | 2 | 1 | E |
| 3 · G | 2 | 2 | A · root |
| 2 · B | 3 | 3 | D |
| 1 · high E | Open | — | E |
Common mistakes
- Accidentally muting an open string.
- Strumming a bass string that should be left out.
Coaching tips
- Move your ring finger between the 2nd and 3rd frets of the B string to hear the resolution.
- Check the chord one string at a time before strumming across it.
Troubleshooting
An open string sounds muted
Arch the fretting fingers and check that no fingertip or finger pad is touching a neighboring open string.
The chord sounds muddy
Play each string on its own and leave out the muted low strings shown in the diagram.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the A suspended 4th chord?
A suspended 4th contains A, D, E — the intervals R, 4, 5 from the root A.
Is A suspended 4th a beginner chord?
A suspended 4th is rated beginner. An open A sus4 that resolves smoothly to A major by lifting one finger.
A suspended 4th: an open string sounds muted — what should I do?
Arch the fretting fingers and check that no fingertip or finger pad is touching a neighboring open string.
A suspended 4th: the chord sounds muddy — what should I do?
Play each string on its own and leave out the muted low strings shown in the diagram.