The E suspended fourth chord is an open and harmonically engaging chord made up of the notes E, A, and B, where the third is replaced by a perfect fourth. This substitution creates a suspended, unresolved quality that adds tension and anticipation to musical progressions. The E suspended fourth chord is commonly used in rock, pop, and contemporary music to inject brightness and movement, providing a versatile sound that can either resolve smoothly to a major chord or stand alone to convey a sense of openness and harmonic freshness.
Name: E suspended fourth chord
Notes: E, A, B
Intervals: 1, 4, 5
Chord symbol: Esus4
Alternative symbols: E(sus4), Esus
Type: Triad (three-note chord)
E suspended fourth chord on the Staff
E suspended fourth chord on Piano
E suspended fourth chord on Guitar
E suspended fourth chord on Ukulele
Rowan Ellis is a musician and educator with a passion for exploring the language of harmony and melody. With years of experience across classical, jazz, and contemporary styles, Rowan breaks down music theory into clear, practical insights. His goal is to make chords and scales less intimidating and more inspiring for every musician.