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Csus4 Chord

Chord Diagram

C suspended 4th chord fingering diagram for guitar. Place your index finger on the first fret of the B string, middle finger on the third fret of the D string, and ring finger on the third fret of the A string. The low E string is not played, while the G and high E strings are played open.✕○3311EADGBE

X = Don't play this string

O = Play open string

Numbers = Finger placement

Finger Positions

1st Finger (Index)

1st fret of B and high E strings (barre)

3rd Finger (Ring)

3rd fret of A and D strings

Open String

G string plays open

Pro Tip: The suspended 4th creates strong tension that wants to resolve down to the 3rd. Practice the Csus4 to C transition slowly.

Understanding Suspended 4th Chords

The Csus4 chord replaces the 3rd (E) of a C major chord with the 4th (F). This creates strong harmonic tension as the 4th naturally wants to resolve down to the 3rd, making it one of the most effective tension-building chords in music.

Chord Tones

C (root) - F (4th) - G (5th)

Resolution

F (4th) resolves down to E (3rd) in C major

Csus4 Chord Variations

Csus4 (Open)

Standard fingering

x33011

Csus4 (Barre)

8th fret position

8-8-10-10-11-8

Csus4add9

Add 9th for color

x33033

Common Progressions with Csus4

Csus4 - C - G - Am

Classic tension and release progression

Csus4CGAm

F - Csus4 - C - G

Builds anticipation before resolution

FCsus4CG

Am - Csus4 - F - G

Emotional progression with suspended tension

AmCsus4FG

Practice Tips for Csus4

Common Mistakes

  • • Not barring the 1st fret properly on B and E strings
  • • Muting the open G string
  • • Playing the low E string (should be muted)
  • • Not holding the tension long enough before resolving

Practice Exercises

  • • Practice Csus4 to C resolution repeatedly
  • • Work on clean barre technique at 1st fret
  • • Try suspension in different rhythmic contexts
  • • Practice with a metronome at 80 BPM

Popular Songs Using Csus4

Here Comes the Sun

The Beatles

Intermediate

Pinball Wizard

The Who

Advanced

Tom Petty - Free Fallin'

Tom Petty

Beginner

Lenny

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Advanced

The Wall

Pink Floyd

Intermediate

Building a Mystery

Sarah McLachlan

Intermediate
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