Csus4 Guitar Chord Diagrams | C Suspended Fourth
Welcome to our tutorial on the C sus4 chord. This chord is part of the suspended chords family, which are unique because they don't contain the third. Instead, the C sus4 chord is composed of the notes C, F, and G, and is built using the intervals 1, 4, and 5. To put it in simpler terms, these intervals are known as the Root, Perfect Fourth, and Perfect Fifth.
If you're new to understanding intervals and how they build chords, you might want to visit our tutorial on building chords by stacking intervals. This will provide you with a solid foundation in music theory and make learning chords like the C sus4 much easier.
For those who are already familiar with intervals, you'll know that the Perfect Fourth and Perfect Fifth are key to creating the unique sound of the C sus4 chord. You can learn more about these and other intervals in our fretboard intervals tutorial.
Learning the C sus4 chord is a great step for those looking to advance beyond beginner chords. It's a common chord used in a variety of music genres, and understanding how to play it can open up a new world of song possibilities. If you're interested in diving deeper into the world of suspended chords, check out our suspended chords tutorial.
Finally, once you've mastered the C sus4 chord, you can use our interactive tool to analyze chord shapes shown on the fretboard. This is a great way to test your knowledge and ensure you're playing the chord correctly.
We hope this introduction has given you a good understanding of the C sus4 chord. Now, let's dive into the tutorial and learn how to play this beautiful chord!
Notes in the C sus4 chord:
Chord formula for the Suspended Fourth chord:
Fingerings for the Csus4 guitar chord
Chord boxes are sorted from the easiest to the hardest. Learn how to read chord diagrams.
If you have difficulties with bar chord shapes, check the Bar Chords Tips tutorial.
You can also use this accessible chords page with written diagrams instruction.
Position 1
Open
Position 2
Barre
Movable
Position 3
Barre
Movable
You can find more shapes in our all guitar chords online library. If you
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FAQ
What is a C sus4 chord?
A C sus4 chord is a type of suspended chord where the usual major or minor third is replaced by a perfect fourth. It is built using the root, perfect fourth, and perfect fifth intervals, and consists of the notes C, F, and G.
What notes and intervals make up the C sus4 chord?
The C sus4 chord is made up of three notes: C (the Root), F (the Perfect Fourth), and G (the Perfect Fifth). These correspond to the 1st, 4th, and 5th intervals from the root note C.
How is a C sus4 chord different from a C major or C minor chord?
The key difference is the absence of a third interval. A C major chord contains a major third, and a C minor chord contains a minor third. The C sus4 chord replaces this third with a perfect fourth, which gives it a distinct, often open or unresolved sound compared to major or minor chords.
Why does the C sus4 chord have a unique sound?
The unique sound of the C sus4 chord comes from the specific combination of its intervals: the root, perfect fourth, and perfect fifth. Without a major or minor third, the chord lacks a definitive major or minor quality, resulting in a sound that can feel open, spacious, or create a sense of gentle tension.
When might I use a C sus4 chord in my guitar playing?
The C sus4 chord is a versatile chord used in many music genres. Guitarists often use it to add color, create a feeling of anticipation or tension that resolves into another chord, or to achieve an open and ethereal sound. It can function as a transitional chord or stand alone for its distinctive sonic quality.