Notes in Asus4
The Asus4 chord contains 3 notes: A, D, E
Intervals
| Interval | Semitones | Note | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| R | 0 | A | Root |
| 4 | 5 | D | Perfect 4th |
| 5 | 7 | E | Perfect 5th |
About A Suspended 4th Chords
Suspended 4th chords replace the 3rd with the 4th. The 4th creates gentle tension that traditionally resolves down to the 3rd (making the chord major). Pete Townshend of The Who made sus4 chords iconic in rock.
Compatible Scales & Modes
These scales contain all the notes of Asus4 and can be used for soloing, improvising, and writing melodies over this chord.
Playing A suspended fourth on Guitar
The A suspended fourth chord, spelled A, D, E, occupies a specific harmonic role that depends on the musical context. In the key of A major and A minor, this chord can function as a primary harmony or as a passing color depending on where it appears in the progression. Understanding which scale degrees produce A-rooted chords helps you predict chord progressions and improvise melodies that complement the harmony.
On guitar, A suspended fourth voicings benefit from the open A string providing a strong bass note. The physical shape of this chord on the fretboard determines its tonal character — the same notes arranged in different voicings produce noticeably different sounds due to string gauge, fret position, and overtone content. Experiment with playing A suspended fourth in multiple positions to find the voicing that best fits the register and texture of the music you are working on.
The suspended fourth in Asus4 creates tension that wants to resolve downward to the major third. Playing Asus4 followed by A major produces one of the most recognizable resolutions in guitar music, used across genres from folk to hard rock.
When practicing A suspended fourth, use the compatible scales listed above to improvise melodies and riffs. Start by playing the chord, then explore the scale tones one at a time to hear how each note sounds against the harmony. This ear training exercise connects your theoretical knowledge of A-rooted chords to practical musicianship skills that improve your playing across all genres and styles.