Guitar arpeggio

F# Sus4 Guitar Arpeggio

F# Sus4 is a three-note arpeggio built from F#, B, and C#. It is also commonly called F# Suspended 4 and F# Suspended Fourth. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.

Chord tones
F#, B, C#
Formula
1 4 5
Semitones
0 5 7
Chord symbols
F#sus4
Also called
F# Suspended 4F# Suspended Fourth

How to read this arpeggio

The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent F# root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.

Use the interactive fretboard to locate the F# root notes and connect the remaining sus4 chord tones across standard tuning.

This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called F# Suspended 4 or F# Suspended Fourth.

Chord construction and defining tones

4B
5C#

F# sus4 combines 4 (B) and 5 (C#). 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 F#sus4 or to create a suspension that resolves when the fourth falls to the third.

Practice this arpeggio on guitar

  1. Play the F# Sus4 arpeggio from one F# root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
  2. Play 4 (B) and 5 (C#) in small groups and hear the tension between the fourth and fifth.
  3. Outline F#sus4, then resolve the fourth down by one fret when the underlying chord changes to major.

Fretboard diagram

F# Sus4 Guitar Arpeggio fretboard diagram in standard tuning
F# Sus4 Guitar Arpeggio fretboard diagram in standard tuning.

Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool

Start with F# Sus4 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Arpeggio diagrams by tuning