Guitar arpeggio
A Sus4 Guitar Arpeggio
A Sus4 is a three-note arpeggio built from A, D, and E. It is also commonly called A Suspended 4 and A Suspended Fourth. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- A, D, E
- Formula
- 1 4 5
- Semitones
- 0 5 7
- Chord symbols
- Asus4
- Also called
- A Suspended 4A Suspended Fourth
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent A root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the A root notes and connect the remaining sus4 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called A Suspended 4 or A Suspended Fourth.
Chord construction and defining tones
A sus4 combines 4 (D) and 5 (E). 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 Asus4 or to create a suspension that resolves when the fourth falls to the third.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the A Sus4 arpeggio from one A root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Play 4 (D) and 5 (E) in small groups and hear the tension between the fourth and fifth.
- Outline Asus4, 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 A Sus4 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard