Guitar arpeggio
E Sus4 Guitar Arpeggio
E Sus4 is a three-note arpeggio built from E, A, and B. It is also commonly called E Suspended 4 and E Suspended Fourth. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- E, A, B
- Formula
- 1 4 5
- Semitones
- 0 5 7
- Chord symbols
- Esus4
- Also called
- E Suspended 4E Suspended Fourth
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent E root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the E root notes and connect the remaining sus4 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called E Suspended 4 or E Suspended Fourth.
Chord construction and defining tones
E sus4 combines 4 (A) and 5 (B). 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 Esus4 or to create a suspension that resolves when the fourth falls to the third.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the E Sus4 arpeggio from one E root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Play 4 (A) and 5 (B) in small groups and hear the tension between the fourth and fifth.
- Outline Esus4, 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 E Sus4 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard