Explore chords · Ukulele
E 7th suspended 4th chord on ukulele (E7sus4)
Also called or written E7sus4, E or E Dominant 7th Suspended 4th
E 7th suspended 4th contains E, A, B, and D. The default voicing includes an open string, making it easier to fret than other positions.
How it is built
Formula 1, 4, 5, ♭7
How do you play an E 7th suspended 4th chord on ukulele?
E 7th suspended 4th is played in open position as 2 2 0 2: index finger on the G string at fret 2, middle finger on the C string at fret 2 and ring finger on the A string at fret 2. The E string rings open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (4) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 2 | D (♭7) |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (1) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 3 | B (5) |
AdvancedThe ring finger must fret the 1st string at fret 2 while the index and middle hold the 4th and 3rd strings, requiring precise placement.
4th fret
E 7th suspended 4th is played at the 4th fret as 4 4 5 5: index finger on the G string at fret 4, middle finger on the C string at fret 4, ring finger on the E string at fret 5 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 5.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 1 | B (5) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 2 | E (1) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 3 | A (4) |
| 1 (A) | 5 | 4 | D (♭7) |
E7sus4/A inversion
E 7th suspended 4th is played at the 7th fret as 7 9 7 7: index finger on the G string at fret 7, pinky finger on the C string at fret 9, middle finger on the E string at fret 7 and ring finger on the A string at fret 7.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7 | 1 | D (♭7) |
| 3 (C) | 9 | 4 | A (4) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 2 | B (5) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 3 | E (1) |
Why it sounds like that
E 7th suspended 4th is built from the formula 1, 4, 5, ♭7. The perfect 4th between E and A replaces the major 3rd, suspending the chord. Compare it to E suspended 4th, which omits the minor 7th D.
What goes wrong with E 7th suspended 4th?
- The 2nd string buzzes because the open string is accidentally touched by the middle finger.
- The 1st string is muted by the ring finger collapsing onto it.
- The 4th string sounds dull because the index finger is not pressing firmly.
When to use it
E 7th suspended 4th works as the V chord in A major progressions like A–D–E–A, the I–IV–V–I. It suits folk, rock, and blues feels. Compare it to E minor to hear the difference in color.
Changing to and from E 7th suspended 4th
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 2nd fret gives D 7th suspended 4th.
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 3rd fret gives E♭ 7th suspended 4th.
Which voicing to use
The A inversion places the 4th in the bass, giving a grounded sound. The D inversion, with the 7th in the bass, is darker and less stable. Choose the A inversion for a fuller voicing.
Other E chords
Common questions
How is E 7th suspended 4th written?
E 7th suspended 4th is written E7sus4 or E. The symbol E7sus4 is the most common.
What is the difference between E7sus4 and E7?
E7sus4 replaces the major 3rd G♯ with the perfect 4th A. This removes the leading tone and creates a suspended, unresolved sound.
Can E7sus4 be used in place of E7?
Yes, E7sus4 often substitutes for E7 in dominant contexts. The suspension delays the resolution to the tonic chord.