Esus4/A guitar shapes

Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions

Showing 8 of 208 playable shapes

About the chord

E suspended 4th / A (1st inversion)

Esus4/A is the E suspended 4th / A (1st inversion) guitar chord with A in the bass. It uses the notes E, A, and B and the interval formula 1-4-5.

The E suspended 4th suspended 4th chord replaces the third with a perfect fourth A, creating a suspended, unresolved sound. This tension naturally resolves to the major or minor third, adding anticipation and dynamic movement in rock and pop. With A in the bass, this voicing functions as the 1st inversion of E suspended 4th.

Also written as Esus4.

Root note: E

Bass note: A

Chord tones: 3

Playable shapes: 208

Chord tones

EAB

Common guitar voicings

These are quick-start shapes for players who want the answer first and the deeper theory second.

Shape 1

x02200

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1 Place the 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string.
2 Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string.
3 Strum from the 5th string down.

Shape 2

x02400

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1 Place the 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string.
2 Place the 3rd finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd string.
3 Strum from the 5th string down.

Notes & Intervals

Each note below shows how the chord is built from its root. This is the theory layer underneath the fretboard shapes.

E Unison (Root) 1

The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.

A Perfect Fourth 4

The fourth creates suspension and a sense of pull toward resolution.

B Perfect Fifth 5

The fifth reinforces stability and gives the chord its strong harmonic frame.

Quick answers

What notes are in Esus4/A?

Esus4/A uses the notes E, A, and B. Its interval formula is 1-4-5.

What is another name for Esus4/A?

Esus4/A is also written as Esus4.

How do you play Esus4/A on guitar?

Place the 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string. Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string. Strum from the 5th string down.

Articles that reference this chord and explain how to use it in your playing.

Article Mar 4, 2025