How to play the Ebsus4 chord on guitar

The Ebsus4 chord, pronounced "E flat suspended fourth", is a rich and versatile guitar chord. It's played by fretting the fourth, fifth, and sixth strings at the sixth, eighth, and eighth frets respectively. The Ebsus4 adds tension and ambiguity, making it perfect for creating musical suspense. It's commonly used in rock, folk, and blues to add a unique flavor to progressions and riffs.

The Ebsus4 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 6th fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a Ebsus4 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger on the 6th fret of the 1st (high E) string.
2. Place your index finger on the 6th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
3. Place your index finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
4. Place your index finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Place your index finger on the 6th fret of the 5th (A) string.
6. Place your ring finger on the 8th fret of the 6th (low E) string.

To strum this chord, use a downward motion starting from the 6th string and moving towards the 1st string. You can also try alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes for a more dynamic sound.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Ebsus4 chord, try this:

1. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 3rd (G) string.
2. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Leave the other strings open.
4. Strum only the top five strings.

Playing the Ebsus4 chord as a barre chord allows you to easily transition to other nearby chords and play the chord in any key up the fretboard.

Here's how to play an Ebsus4 barre chord:

1. Use your index finger to barre across all six strings at the 4th fret.
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.
4. Strum all six strings from low to high.

The Ebsus4 chord is often used to add tension and resolution in chord progressions, creating a sense of anticipation and emotional release. Some common Ebsus4 chord progressions include:

• I - Isus4 - I (Eb - Ebsus4 - Eb)
• I - IV - Isus4 - I (Eb - Ab - Ebsus4 - Eb)
• I - vi - Isus4 - I (Eb - Cm - Ebsus4 - Eb)
• I - V - Isus4 - I (Eb - Bb - Ebsus4 - Eb) Used in "Clocks" by Coldplay
• vi - Isus4 - I (Cm - Ebsus4 - Eb) Used in "Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman

To master the Ebsus4 chord, try strumming the chord while switching between Ebsus4 and Eb major. This helps your fingers get used to the transition between the two shapes. Focus on keeping a steady rhythm as you alternate chords.

Another effective drill is to arpeggiate the Ebsus4 chord, playing each note (Eb, Ab, Bb) individually in succession. This exercise builds finger independence and strength. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed while maintaining accuracy. Aim for a smooth, even tone as you pluck each string.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Ebsus4 chord.

1. Hotel California by Eagles (Bm F# A E G D Em F#7)
2. Hey There Delilah by Plain White T's (D A Bm G)
3. Blackbird by The Beatles (G A7 C G/B A7 D G Em A7 D C A7 G D)
4. More Than Words by Extreme (G Cadd9 Am7 C G/B Am7 G G/F# Em7 A7sus4 A7 Dsus2 D)
5. Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton (A E F#m D A/C# Bm7 Esus4 E)
6. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day (G C D G Em D C)
7. Wonderwall by Oasis (Em7 G D A7sus4)
8. Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (Em7 G Em7 G Em7 A7sus4 A7 Em7 G5 Gm6 Em7 A7sus4 A7)
9. Every Rose Has Its Thorn by Poison (C G Fadd9 G/F Em Am D G)
10. Fast Car by Tracy Chapman (C G Em D G Em C)