How to play the Fsus4 chord on guitar

The Fsus4 chord, pronounced "F suspended fourth," is a variation of the standard F major chord. It creates a sense of tension and anticipation by replacing the third note with the fourth. This chord is commonly used in folk, rock, and country music to add a unique flavor to progressions. Notable songs featuring Fsus4 include "Wonderwall" by Oasis and "Dust in the Wind" by Kansas.

The most common way to play the Fsus4 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 1st fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a Fsus4 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 1st fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 3rd (G) string.

Strum all six strings together to play the Fsus4 chord. Make sure your fingers are pressing firmly on the fretboard to ensure clear notes.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Fsus4 chord, try this:

1. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd (B) string.
2. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Leave the other strings open.
4. Strum from the 4th (D) string down to the 1st (high E) string.

The Fsus4 barre chord is a great alternative to the standard Fsus4 chord, as it allows for more versatility and can be easily moved up and down the fretboard to play the same chord in different keys.

Here's how to play a Fsus4 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings on the 1st fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Strum from the 5th (A) string down to the 1st (high E) string.

The Fsus4 chord is often used in progressions to create a sense of tension and resolution, lending a nostalgic, wistful, or contemplative emotional feel to the music. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the Fsus4 chord:

• I - Isus4 - I - Isus4 (F - Fsus4 - F - Fsus4)
• vi - Isus4 - IV - V (Dm - Fsus4 - B♭ - C)
• ii - V - Isus4 - vi (Gm - C - Fsus4 - Dm)
• I - vi - Isus4 - V (F - Dm - Fsus4 - C) Used in "Wonderwall" by Oasis and "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty
• Isus4 - IV - vi - V (Fsus4 - B♭ - Dm - C)

To master the Fsus4 chord, try playing the individual notes (F, Bb, and C) in sequence, focusing on clean execution and smooth transitions. Practice this drill slowly at first, gradually increasing speed as you become more comfortable.

Another effective drill is to switch between Fsus4 and a related chord, such as F major or F7. This helps develop muscle memory and trains your fingers to move efficiently between chord shapes. Aim for seamless transitions and consistent timing during these chord changes.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Fsus4 chord.

1. Hey Jude by The Beatles (F, C, G, D, Fsus4)
2. Over the Hills and Far Away by Led Zeppelin (D, G, A, Fsus4)
3. More Than Words by Extreme (Dm, Fsus4, Cmaj7)
4. The Chain by Fleetwood Mac (Fsus4, C, Dm, Bb)
5. Angie by The Rolling Stones (Dm, A, E, C, Fsus4)
6. Walk of Life by Dire Straits (D, G, A, Fsus4)
7. Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers (D, F#m, Fsus4, Bm)
8. Dust in the Wind by Kansas (Fsus4, Cmaj7, Dm7, Bb)
9. Creep by Radiohead (G, B, C, Cm, Fsus4)
10. Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton (A, E, Fsus4, Dm)