How to play the E7sus4 chord on guitar

The E7sus4 chord, pronounced "E suspended fourth seventh," is a compelling variation of the standard E7 chord. This unique voicing adds an element of tension and ambiguity, making it a favorite among guitarists in various genres, from folk and blues to rock and beyond. Notable songs featuring the E7sus4 chord include "Pinball Wizard" by The Who and "Wonderwall" by Oasis.

The E7sus4 chord is typically played as a 2nd fret barre chord on guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a E7sus4 chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across all six strings on the 2nd fret.
2. Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

Strum all six strings together to play the E7sus4 chord. Make sure to apply enough pressure with your index finger to cleanly barre all the strings.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the E7sus4 chord, try this:

1. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th (A) string.
2. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Leave the other strings open.
4. Strum only the top four strings (D, G, B, and high E).

The E7sus4 chord is commonly played as a barre chord, which allows for greater flexibility and ease of transitioning to other chords. By learning the barre chord version, you can quickly change between different chords without having to completely reposition your fingers.

Here's how to play a E7sus4 bar chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 7th fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
5. Strum all six strings from the low E string to the high E string.

The E7sus4 chord is often used in progressions to add tension and create a sense of anticipation or longing. These progressions frequently appear in rock, blues, and folk music. Some common E7sus4 chord progressions include:

• I - V7sus4 - IV - V7 (E - B7sus4 - A - B7) - Used in "Wonderwall" by Oasis and "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty
• I - V7sus4 - vi - IV (E - B7sus4 - C#m - A) - Used in "More Than Words" by Extreme
• I - V7sus4 - IV - I (E - B7sus4 - A - E)
• I - V7sus4 - vi - V7 (E - B7sus4 - C#m - B7)
• I - IV - V7sus4 - IV (E - A - B7sus4 - A)

To master the E7sus4 chord, try playing it in different rhythms. Strum the chord in quarter notes, eighth notes, and sixteenth notes. Vary the tempo from slow to fast, focusing on clean transitions between each strum.

Another effective drill is to practice transitioning to and from the E7sus4 chord. Start with a simple progression like E7sus4 to A, then E7sus4 to B, and finally E7sus4 to D. As you become more comfortable, create longer progressions and practice transitioning seamlessly between the chords.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the E7sus4 chord.

1. Hotel California by Eagles (Bm, F#, A, E, G, D, Em, F#7)
2. Wonderwall by Oasis (Em, G, D, A7sus4)
3. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (Am, E, C, D, F, G)
4. Hey Jude by The Beatles (F, C, G, Bb, F7, A7, D7)
5. Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (Em, G, A, Em/B, C, Am, D, G/B)
6. Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd (D, C, G)
7. Knockin' on Heaven's Door by Bob Dylan (G, D, Am, C)
8. Free Fallin' by Tom Petty (D, G, A, Asus4)
9. Layla by Eric Clapton (Dm, Bb, C, Gm, Am)
10. Angie by The Rolling Stones (Dm, G, C, F)