How to play the G7sus4 chord on guitar

The G7sus4 chord, pronounced "G seven sus four," is a versatile guitar chord that adds tension and ambiguity to progressions. It's created by playing a G7 chord and replacing the third with the fourth scale degree. The G7sus4 is commonly used in folk, rock, and blues music to create a sense of anticipation before resolving to a more stable chord.

The G7sus4 chord is typically played on the 3rd fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a G7sus4 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger on the 3rd fret of the 6th (E) string.
2. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd (B) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st (E) string.

To strum this chord, use a downward motion starting from the 6th string and moving towards the 1st string, making sure all notes ring out clearly.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the G7sus4 chord, try this:

1. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 6th (low E) string.
2. Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st (high E) string.
3. Strum only these two strings together.

This two-finger version of G7sus4 is easier for beginners to play.

The G7sus4 barre chord is a great alternative to the standard G7sus4 chord, as it allows for more versatility and can be easily moved up and down the fretboard to play the same chord shape in different keys.

Here's how to play a G7sus4 barre chord:

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

The G7sus4 chord adds a touch of tension and anticipation to chord progressions, often creating a bluesy or rock-influenced feel. Some common chord progressions featuring the G7sus4 chord include:

• I - IV - G7sus4 - I (G - C - G7sus4 - G) Used in "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" and "Sweet Home Alabama"
• I - G7sus4 - IV - I (G - G7sus4 - C - G)
• vi - IV - I - G7sus4 (Em - C - G - G7sus4) Used in "Don't Stop Believin'" and "More Than Words"
• I - V - G7sus4 - I (G - D - G7sus4 - G)
• ii - V - I - G7sus4 (Am - D - G - G7sus4)

To master the G7sus4 chord, try playing it repeatedly while strumming a simple rhythm pattern. Focus on cleanly fretting each note and transitioning smoothly between chords. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you build muscle memory.

Alternatively, practice playing the individual notes of the G7sus4 chord (G, C, D, F) in an arpeggio pattern. This drill helps you memorize the notes and improves your finger dexterity. Once comfortable, combine the arpeggios with strumming for a more dynamic practice session.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the G7sus4 chord.

1. Have You Ever Seen the Rain by Creedence Clearwater Revival (C, G, G7sus4)
2. Losing My Religion by R.E.M. (Am, Em, D, G, Am7, Em7, Dm7, G7sus4)
3. Champagne Supernova by Oasis (Am, G, F, G7sus4)
4. The Joker by Steve Miller Band (F, C, G7sus4)
5. She's Always a Woman by Billy Joel (C, Am, F, G7sus4)
6. Breakfast at Tiffany's by Deep Blue Something (C, F, G, G7sus4)
7. Kodachrome by Paul Simon (G, Em, Am, D, G7sus4)
8. Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town by Pearl Jam (G, D, C, G7sus4)
9. Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town by Pearl Jam (G, D, C, G7sus4)
10. Hanging by a Moment by Lifehouse (G, C, Em, D, G7sus4)