C#sus4 Chord on Guitar: How To Play the C# Suspended Fourth chord
Welcome to our tutorial on the C# sus4 chord. This chord belongs to the family of suspended chords, which are unique in that they do not include the third interval. Instead, the C# sus4 chord is composed of the notes C#, F#, and G#. The intervals that build this chord are the 1 (Root), 4 (Perfect Fourth), and 5 (Perfect Fifth).
Understanding the construction of the C# sus4 chord is easier when you have a grasp of how to build chords by stacking intervals. This concept is fundamental to music theory and is crucial for understanding how to play this and other chords.
For a broader understanding of suspended chords, you may want to visit our tutorial about suspended (sus) guitar chords. This will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the nature and function of these chords in music.
In this tutorial, we will provide you with detailed chord diagrams and fretboard patterns that illustrate the tones composing the C# sus4 chord. We will also guide you on how to play it correctly. For those who may have a chord shape and are unsure of how to name it, our interactive tool to analyze chord shapes can be a valuable resource.
Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate player, mastering the C# sus4 chord will add a new dimension to your guitar playing skills. So, let's dive in and explore this intriguing chord together.
Notes that compose the C# sus4 chord:
Tones in the Suspended Fourth chord:
How To Play The C# Suspended Fourth chord on guitar
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Position 1
Barre
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Position 2
Barre
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Position 3
Barre
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FAQ
What notes make up the C# sus4 chord?
The C# sus4 chord is composed of three specific notes: C# (the root), F# (the perfect fourth), and G# (the perfect fifth).
What does 'sus4' mean in the C# sus4 chord name?
The 'sus4' in C# sus4 stands for 'suspended fourth.' It signifies that the chord replaces the typical third interval (which determines if a chord is major or minor) with a perfect fourth interval. This gives the chord a distinct, open, and unresolved sound.
What are the intervals used to build a C# sus4 chord?
The C# sus4 chord is constructed using three specific intervals relative to its root: the 1 (Root), the 4 (Perfect Fourth), and the 5 (Perfect Fifth).
How does a C# sus4 chord differ from a standard C# major or minor chord?
The primary difference is that the C# sus4 chord deliberately omits the third interval. Regular C# major or minor chords include either a major third or a minor third, respectively. By replacing this with a perfect fourth, the C# sus4 loses its major or minor quality and creates a unique, open harmonic sound.
Is a C# sus4 chord considered a power chord?
While often grouped with 'power chords' due to its open sound and the absence of a third interval, a traditional power chord typically consists only of the root and the perfect fifth (1 and 5). The C# sus4 chord adds the perfect fourth (1, 4, 5), giving it a slightly fuller sound while still sharing the characteristic openness.