Guitar arpeggio
Ab Sus4 Guitar Arpeggio
Ab Sus4 is a three-note arpeggio built from Ab, Db, and Eb. It is also commonly called Ab Suspended 4 and Ab Suspended Fourth. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- Ab, Db, Eb
- Formula
- 1 4 5
- Semitones
- 0 5 7
- Chord symbols
- Absus4
- Also called
- Ab Suspended 4Ab Suspended Fourth
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent Ab root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the Ab root notes and connect the remaining sus4 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called Ab Suspended 4 or Ab Suspended Fourth.
Chord construction and defining tones
Ab sus4 combines 4 (Db) and 5 (Eb). The fourth replaces the third and creates a suspended sound with a close move available to the major third.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio over Absus4 or to create a suspension that resolves when the fourth falls to the third.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the Ab Sus4 arpeggio from one Ab root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Play 4 (Db) and 5 (Eb) in small groups and hear the tension between the fourth and fifth.
- Outline Absus4, then resolve the fourth down by one fret when the underlying chord changes to major.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with Ab Sus4 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard