Esus4 Sus4 Akkord

Replaces the third with a perfect fourth. Classic rock tension before resolution.

Esus4 Akkord — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

The Esus4 (Suspended 4th) chord consists of the notes E, A, B. It is constructed from the root note E using the suspended 4th interval formula (0–5–7 semitones).

Formula: 0 – 5 – 7
Notes
E – A – B
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 5 – 7
Type
Triad

Esus4 on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the Esus4 chord.

R
E (Root (R))
2
A (Perfect 4th / 11th)
3
B (Perfect 5th)

Esus4 on Guitar

Fret numbers (low E → high e string): 022200 (x=mute, 0=open)

0
E
2
A
2
D
2
G
0
B
0
e

Interval Analysis

Degree Interval Name Semitones Note in E
Root Root (R) 0 E
3rd Perfect 4th / 11th 5 A
5th Perfect 5th 7 B

About the E Sus4 Chord

The Esus4 chord (E Sus4) consists of 3 notes: E, A, B. Replaces the third with a perfect fourth. Classic rock tension before resolution.

To build any suspended 4th chord, apply intervals of 0, 5, 7 semitones above the root. Starting from E: the notes land on E, A, B.

Playing Esus4 on Piano

Press E, A, B simultaneously. In root position, E is lowest. First inversion places A in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses B as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using Esus4

  • I–IV–V: Esus4 – Asus4 – Bsus4 (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Esus4 – B – C#m – A (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: Esus4 – C#m – A – B (50s progression)

The Esus4 Chord in Context

The Esus4 (Sus4) chord features a distinctive replaces the third with a perfect fourth. classic rock tension before resolution. built from the intervals 0–5–7. It provides rich harmonic color and tension across pop, jazz, classical, and contemporary compositions.

Other E Chords

E
Major
Em
Minor
E7
Dominant 7th
Emaj7
Major 7th
Em7
Minor 7th
Edim
Diminished

Sus4 Chord in All 12 Keys

Csus4 C#sus4 Dsus4 D#sus4 Esus4 Fsus4 F#sus4 Gsus4 G#sus4 Asus4 A#sus4 Bsus4
Virtual Piano
Play Esus4 on piano
Virtual Guitar
See on the fretboard
E Scale
Notes that fit Esus4
Songs
Find songs using Esus4

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Esus4 Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our browser-based Web Audio engine, instruments, and music theory workspace.

What notes are in the Esus4 chord?

The E Sus4 chord contains: E, A, B.

These notes are derived by applying the suspended 4th interval formula (0–5–7 semitones) to the root note E.

What is the Esus4 chord used for?

Replaces the third with a perfect fourth.

Classic rock tension before resolution. The Esus4 chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of E major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.

How do you play Esus4 on piano?

On piano, play E, A, B simultaneously.

In root position, E is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has A lowest, second inversion has B lowest.

How many notes are in a suspended 4th chord?

A suspended 4th chord has 3 notes: E, A, B (in E).

It is a triad — the most fundamental chord type.

What is the difference between E major and E minor?

The E major chord (E–G#–B) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound.

The E minor chord (E–G–B) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.

What key does Esus4 belong to?

Esus4 naturally serves as the I chord in the key of E major.

It also appears as IV in the key of B major, and as V in the key of A major.

Can I play Esus4 on ukulele?

Yes.

The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The Esus4 chord notes (E, A, B) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.

What chords go well with Esus4?

In the key of E major, Esus4 pairs naturally with A major (IV), B major (V), and C#m (vi).

The classic I–IV–V (Esus4–A–B) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.

What is a chord inversion of Esus4?

An inversion places a non-root note in the bass.

Esus4 root position: E in bass. First inversion: A in bass. Second inversion: B in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.

How do I memorize the notes in a suspended 4th chord?

Remember the formula: 0–5–7 semitones from root.

For Esus4: start on E, add 5 semitones, then 7 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any suspended 4th chord.