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C suspended 4th chord on ukulele (Csus4)
Also called or written Csus4, Csus or C Suspended
C suspended 4th is built from C, F, and G. The default voicing spans four frets and uses all four fingers, so it is not a beginner shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, 4, 5
How do you play a C suspended 4th chord on ukulele?
C suspended 4th is played at the 3rd fret as 5 5 3 3: ring finger on the G string at fret 5, pinky finger on the C string at fret 5, index finger on the E string at fret 3 and middle finger on the A string at fret 3.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5 | 3 | C (1) |
| 3 (C) | 5 | 4 | F (4) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 1 | G (5) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 2 | C (1) |
IntermediateThe pinky must fret the C string at fret 5 while the index and middle hold fret 3, stretching the hand across four frets.
Csus4/F inversion · ×-5-3-3
C suspended 4th is played at the 3rd fret as × 5 3 3: ring finger on the C string at fret 5, index finger on the E string at fret 3 and middle finger on the A string at fret 3. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 5 | 3 | F (4) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 1 | G (5) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 2 | C (1) |
Open
C suspended 4th is played in open position as 0 0 1 3: index finger on the E string at fret 1 and middle finger on the A string at fret 3. The G and C strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (5) |
| 3 (C) | open | — | C (1) |
| 2 (E) | 1 | 1 | F (4) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 2 | C (1) |
Why it sounds like that
The formula 1, 4, 5 replaces the third with a perfect fourth, removing major or minor quality. The fourth interval creates the suspended sound. Compare with C major, which has E instead of F.
What goes wrong with C suspended 4th?
- Let the pinky collapse and mute the E string.
- Press the index finger too hard, causing the A string to buzz.
When to use it
C suspended 4th works as a tonic substitute in C major, often in the I–IV–V–I progression: C–F–G–C. It suits pop and rock where the suspension adds motion. Use it before a C major to create a lift.
Changing to and from C suspended 4th
- Slide the whole shape down one fret to the 2nd fret to play B suspended 4th.
Which voicing to use
The 3rd fret voicing has C in the bass and is the most complete. The Csus4/F inversion puts F in the bass for a softer, less grounded sound. The Csus4/G inversion places G in the bass, adding tension that wants to resolve upward.
Other C chords
Common questions
How is C suspended 4th written?
C suspended 4th is written Csus or Csus4. The symbol Csus4 is the most explicit.
What is the difference between Csus4 and Csus2?
Csus4 replaces the third with a fourth (F), while Csus2 replaces it with a second (D). Csus4 has a stronger pull to resolve to the major third.
Can I use C suspended 4th in place of C major?
Yes, but only when the melody does not need the major third. The suspension creates a floating quality that resolves when you return to C major.