Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

To play the E Suspended 4th chord on piano, press the keys E, A, B simultaneously. In root position, E is the lowest note. First inversion places A in the bass; second inversion uses B as the lowest note.

Piano Chord

Esus4 Piano Chord

Replaces the third with a perfect fourth. Classic rock tension before resolution. Learn the E Suspended 4th chord on piano with interactive keyboard, inversions, and audio playback.

Notes
E – A – B
Intervals
0 – 5 – 7
Type
triad chord
E A B
E
A
D
G
B
e
3
5
7
9
12
3 notes · Standard (E A D G B E)

Playing the Esus4 Piano Chord

The Esus4 chord is a suspended 4th chord built on the root E. It contains 3 notes: E, A, B. On piano, this chord is played by pressing these keys simultaneously or as an arpeggio.

Replaces the third with a perfect fourth. Classic rock tension before resolution. Mastering the Esus4 chord opens up countless songs and progressions in the key of E.

Piano Finger Positions for Esus4

For the Esus4 triad chord, use these finger positions:

  • Right hand (root position): Thumb (1) on E, middle finger (3) on A, pinky (5) on B.
  • Left hand (root position): Pinky (5) on E, middle finger (3) on A, thumb (1) on B.
  • Arpeggiated: Play the notes sequentially from lowest to highest for a broken triad effect.

Esus4 Chord Inversions

Inversions change the bass note while keeping the same harmonic quality:

Inversion Bass Note Notes (bottom to top) Sound
Root E E – A – B Most stable
1st A A – B – E Lighter, less stable

Interval Structure of Esus4

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

Common Progressions with Esus4 on Piano

  • I–IV–V–I: Esus4 – Asus4 – Bsus4 – Esus4 (classic cadence)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Esus4 – B – C#m – A (pop progression)
  • ii–V–I: F#m – B – Esus4 (jazz turnaround)

Other E Piano Chords

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

Suspensa 4ª Chord in All 12 Keys

Csus4 C#sus4 Dsus4 D#sus4 Esus4 Fsus4 F#sus4 Gsus4 G#sus4 Asus4 A#sus4 Bsus4
Virtual Piano
Interactive keyboard
Esus4 Guitar
Guitar chord shapes
E Scale
Notes that fit this chord
Songs
Find songs using Esus4

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Esus4 Piano Chord — FAQ

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

How do I play the Esus4 chord on piano?

To play the E Suspended 4th chord on piano, press the keys E, A, B simultaneously.

In root position, E is the lowest note. First inversion places A in the bass; second inversion uses B as the lowest note.

What are the notes in the Esus4 piano chord?

The E Suspended 4th piano chord contains 3 notes: E, A, B.

These are derived from the suspended 4th interval formula applied to the root note E.

What is the best fingering for Esus4 on piano?

For the Esus4 triad in root position, use fingers 1 (thumb), 3, and 5 for a triad, or 1, 2, 3, and 5 for a triad chord.

Inversions may use 1, 2, 4 (first inversion) or 1, 3, 5 (second inversion).

What does the Esus4 chord sound like?

The Esus4 chord has a replaces the third with a perfect fourth.

classic rock tension before resolution. It provides rich harmonic tension and expressive color within songwriting and jazz arrangements.

What keys does the Esus4 chord belong to?

Esus4 appears frequently across modal, jazz, blues, and contemporary progressions as an essential tension or resolution voicing.

What are the inversions of Esus4 on piano?

Esus4 has 2 inversions.

Root position: E–A–B. First inversion: A–B–E.

What chords go well with Esus4 on piano?

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

The I–IV–V–I progression is a classic way to practice these.

Is Esus4 a good chord for beginners on piano?

Yes, Esus4 is a triad with 3 notes, making it accessible for beginners.

Practice playing all 3 keys simultaneously with proper finger positioning.

How do I use Esus4 in a chord progression?

Esus4 functions as the tonic (I) in E major.

A classic progression is I–IV–V–I: Esus4–A–B–Esus4. Practice this in both hands separately before combining.

What is the difference between E major and E minor on piano?

The E major chord (E–G#–B) uses a major third (4 semitones from root) for a bright sound.

The Em chord uses a minor third (3 semitones) for a darker, more emotional sound.