Also written E7sus4, E or E Dominant 7th Suspended 4th
E 7th suspended 4th contains E, A, B and D. The open position uses open strings and a two-fret stretch.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
E 7th suspended 4th is built from the formula 1, 4, 5, ♭7. The perfect 4th between E and A suspends the chord. Compare it with E suspended 4th, which lacks the minor 7th.
E 7th suspended 4th functions as the V chord in A major, in progressions like A major–D major–E major–A major (I–IV–V–I). It fits blues and rock lines that need a suspended dominant. Compare E minor for a darker alternative.
The open position keeps E in the bass for a root-position sound. The barre inversion at the 7th fret puts B in the bass, creating a second-inversion feel.
E 7th suspended 4th is played in open position as 0 2 0 2: index finger on the A string at fret 2 and middle finger on the G string at fret 2. The E and D strings ring open.
Tip — The open strings must ring clearly while the fretted notes are held, requiring precise finger placement.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | open | — | E (1) |
| 3 (A) | 2 | 1 | B (5) |
| 2 (D) | open | — | D (♭7) |
| 1 (G) | 2 | 2 | A (4) |
E 7th suspended 4th is played at the 12th fret as 12 14 12 14: index finger on the E string at fret 12, ring finger on the A string at fret 14, middle finger on the D string at fret 12 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 14.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 12 | 1 | E (1) |
| 3 (A) | 14 | 3 | B (5) |
| 2 (D) | 12 | 2 | D (♭7) |
| 1 (G) | 14 | 4 | A (4) |
E 7th suspended 4th is played at the 7th fret as 7 7 7 7: barre your index finger across fret 7.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7 | 1 (barre) | B (5) |
| 3 (A) | 7 | 1 (barre) | E (1) |
| 2 (D) | 7 | 1 (barre) | A (4) |
| 1 (G) | 7 | 1 (barre) | D (♭7) |
E7sus4 replaces the major third (G♯) with a perfect fourth (A). E7 contains G♯, giving it a stronger pull to A major.
Yes, E7sus4 fits E natural minor as a dominant chord. It also appears in A natural minor and B natural minor progressions.
The open strings E and D are chord tones of E7sus4. This position keeps E in the bass, creating a root-position sound.