Ab7sus4 Guitar Chord Chart and Fingering
Welcome to our tutorial on the Ab 7sus4 chord, a member of the suspended chords family. This chord is built with the notes Ab, Db, Eb, and Gb, and the intervals 1, 4, 5, and b7. The Ab 7sus4 chord, like other suspended chords, is unique because it omits the third interval, which is a defining feature in many other chords. For more on suspended chords, check out our suspended (sus) guitar chords tutorial.
Understanding the intervals that make up this chord is key to mastering its sound and structure. The intervals are: 1 (Root), 4 (Perfect Fourth), 5 (Perfect Fifth), and b7 (Minor Seventh). To learn more about how these intervals interact to form chords, check out our guitar music theory tutorial and our fretboard intervals tutorial.
The Ab 7sus4 chord is not only a suspended chord but also a dominant chord, due to the presence of the minor seventh (b7). Dominant chords are fundamental in many music genres for their tension and resolution effect. If you're interested in exploring more about this, take a look at our dominant (7) guitar chords tutorial.
In this tutorial, we will provide chord diagrams and fretboard patterns to help you visualize and understand the tones that make up the Ab 7sus4 chord. If you're unsure about how to read these diagrams, our guitar chords notation tutorial will be a helpful resource.
Get ready to delve deep into the fascinating world of the Ab 7sus4 chord, and add a new dimension to your guitar playing!
Ab 7sus4 chord Notes:
Chord formula for the Dominant Seventh Suspended Fourth chord:
Ab7sus4 Guitar Chord Fingers Positions
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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
Movable
Position 2
Movable
Position 3
Barre
Movable
Position 4
Barre
Movable
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FAQ
What distinguishes the Ab 7sus4 chord from a regular Ab7 chord or an Absus4 chord?
The Ab 7sus4 chord uniquely combines characteristics of both suspended and dominant chords. Unlike a regular Ab7 chord, it replaces the major or minor third interval with a perfect fourth. Unlike a simple Absus4 chord, it specifically includes the minor seventh (b7), which gives it a dominant quality and a strong tendency to resolve.
Why is the third interval omitted in the Ab 7sus4 chord?
The third interval is intentionally omitted in the Ab 7sus4 chord because it is replaced by a perfect fourth. This replacement is the defining characteristic of 'suspended' chords, creating a distinct, open sound that temporarily delays the harmonic stability typically provided by a third.
How does the presence of the minor seventh (b7) interval affect the Ab 7sus4 chord's function?
The presence of the minor seventh (b7) interval is what classifies the Ab 7sus4 chord as a dominant chord. This interval creates a strong harmonic tension, giving the chord a tendency to resolve, usually to a tonic chord, which is a fundamental characteristic of dominant harmonies in music.
What specific notes should I play to form an Ab 7sus4 chord on the guitar?
To form an Ab 7sus4 chord, you would play the notes Ab (the Root, or 1st interval), Db (the Perfect Fourth, or 4th interval), Eb (the Perfect Fifth, or 5th interval), and Gb (the Minor Seventh, or b7 interval). These four notes define the chord's unique sound and structure.