How to play the C#7sus4 chord on guitar

The C#7sus4 chord, pronounced "C sharp suspended fourth seventh," is a unique and colorful guitar voicing. It's formed by replacing the third of a C#7 chord with a perfect fourth, creating an open, ambiguous sound that's neither major nor minor. The C#7sus4 is often used in jazz, funk, and R&B to add harmonic tension and release, making it a valuable chord for any guitarist's repertoire.

The C#7sus4 chord is most commonly played starting on the 4th fret as a barre chord on guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a C#7sus4 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger on the 4th fret, barring all six strings.
2. Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.

Strum all six strings together in a downward motion to play the C#7sus4 chord. You can also try alternating between downward and upward strums for a more dynamic sound.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the C#7sus4 chord, try playing a basic C#7 chord instead. Place your index finger on the 4th fret of the 5th string, your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string, and your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 2nd string. Strum from the 5th string down.

The C#7sus4 chord is most commonly played as an open chord, but learning the barre chord version can be useful for playing up the neck or quickly transitioning to other barre chords in a progression.

Here's how to play a C#7sus4 bar chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 4th fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Strum from the 5th (A) string down.

The C#7sus4 chord adds a dreamy, floating feeling to progressions, providing a sense of unresolved tension and emotional complexity. Here are some common chord progressions featuring C#7sus4:

• I - IV - I7sus4 - IV (C# - F# - C#7sus4 - F#) Used in "Wonderwall" and "Boulevard of Broken Dreams"
• vi - IV - I7sus4 - V (A - F# - C#7sus4 - G#)
• ii - V - I7sus4 (D#m - G# - C#7sus4)
• iii - vi - ii7 - I7sus4 (E#m - A - D#m7 - C#7sus4)
• vi - I7sus4 - ii - V (A - C#7sus4 - D#m - G#) Used in "Fast Car"

To master the C#7sus4 guitar chord, try playing the individual notes (C#, F#, G#, B) one at a time, focusing on each note's clarity and tone. Once comfortable, practice transitioning between the notes in various patterns, such as ascending or descending order.

Another useful drill is to practice the C#7sus4 chord in the context of a progression. Create a simple sequence using related chords, like C#min7 or F#7, and practice transitioning smoothly between them. This will help develop muscle memory and improve your ability to use the C#7sus4 chord in real-world playing situations.

Here are 7 popular songs you can play with the C#7sus4 chord.

1. Creep by Radiohead (G, B, C, Cm)
2. Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix (E, G, A, Bm, C#m, F#m)
3. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (Am, C, D, F, G)
4. Clocks by Coldplay (Eb, Bbm, Fm)
5. Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (C, D, Am, G, Em)
6. Brick by Ben Folds Five (E, F#m, A, C#m, B)
7. Walk This Way by Aerosmith (D, F, G)