How to play the F#7sus4 chord on guitar

The F#7sus4 chord, pronounced "F sharp suspended fourth seventh," is a unique and captivating guitar chord. It combines the tension of a suspended fourth with the funkiness of a dominant seventh, creating a sound that's both unresolved and intriguing. This chord is often used in jazz, funk, and R&B music to add a touch of sophistication and depth to progressions.

The most common way to play the F#7sus4 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 2nd fret.

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

1. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st (high E), 2nd (B), 3rd (G), 4th (D), 5th (A), and 6th (low E) strings, forming a barre.
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 F#7sus4 chord. Make sure to apply enough pressure with your index finger to cleanly fret all the strings in the barre.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the F#7sus4 chord, try playing it as a three-finger chord on the top four strings. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th (D) string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string, and ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd (B) string.

Playing the F#7sus4 chord as a barre chord can be a great way to add variety and fullness to your guitar playing. It's a versatile chord that can be used in many different musical contexts.

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

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 2nd fret, creating a barre.
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.
4. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd (B) string.
5. Strum from the 6th (low E) string down to the 1st (high E) string.

The F#7sus4 chord adds a dreamy, unresolved tension to chord progressions, making it well-suited for jazz, R&B and neo-soul styles. Some common chord progressions featuring the F#7sus4 include:

• I - IV - I - IV - I - V7 - IV - I (F# - B - F# - B - F# - C#7 - B - F#)
• ii - V7 - I - IV (G#m7 - C#7 - F# - B)
• vi - V7sus4 - I (D#m7 - C#7sus4 - F#)
• iii7 - bIII7 - ii7 - V7sus4 (A#m7 - A7 - G#m7 - C#7sus4). Used in "Maiden Voyage" by Herbie Hancock.
• I - vii°7/ii - ii7 - V7sus4 (F# - G°7 - G#m7 - C#7sus4)

To master the F#7sus4 chord, try playing it in different rhythms. Strum the chord in quarter notes, eighth notes, and even sixteenth notes. Vary the pattern to develop muscle memory and dexterity.

Another effective drill is to switch between F#7sus4 and other chords like D Major or B Minor. This helps you transition smoothly between chords and builds your ability to change shapes quickly. Focus on making each transition clean and precise.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the F#7sus4 chord:

1. Creep by Radiohead (G, B, C, Cm)
2. Everlong by Foo Fighters (D, Am, C, G)
3. Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers (D, F#m, B, E, G, A, Em)
4. Champagne Supernova by Oasis (F#m7, A, Dmaj7, E)
5. Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton (A, E, D, C#m, F#m, B7)
6. Where the Streets Have No Name by U2 (D, G, D/F#, Bm, A)
7. Clocks by Coldplay (Eb, Bbm, Fm, Ab)
8. Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana (F, Bb, Ab, Db)
9. November Rain by Guns N' Roses (C, D, Am, G, F, C/E)
10. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (Am, G#m7, C/G, D/F#, FM7)