How to play the C7sus4 chord on guitar

The C7sus4 chord, pronounced "C suspended fourth seventh," is a rich and harmonically ambiguous chord often used to create tension in music. It's commonly found in genres like jazz, blues, and rock. Notable songs featuring the C7sus4 include "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin and "Hey Jude" by The Beatles. This chord adds a unique flavor to progressions and can be a powerful songwriting tool.

The most popular way to play the C7sus4 chord on guitar is as a 1st fret barre chord.

Follow these finger positions to play a C7sus4 chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across all strings on the 1st fret.
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.

To strum the C7sus4 chord, use a downward stroke to play all six strings together. You can also arpeggiate the chord by plucking each string individually.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the C7sus4 chord, try playing an open position C7 chord (0001020) and lift your middle finger off the 2nd fret of the 4th string. This creates a C7sus4 chord using only two fingers, making it easier to transition between chords while maintaining the suspended sound.

Playing the C7sus4 chord as a barre chord can be a great way to add variety and richness to your guitar playing, especially when transitioning between other barre chords.

Here's how to play a C7sus4 barre chord:

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

The C7sus4 chord adds a touch of tension and anticipation to chord progressions, often creating a bluesy or jazzy feel. These progressions can evoke a sense of longing, resolution, or even a laid-back vibe. Here are some common C7sus4 chord progressions:

• I7sus4 - IV7 - I7 (C7sus4 - F7 - C7) Used in "Statesboro Blues" and "The Thrill Is Gone"
• I7sus4 - IV7 - V7 (C7sus4 - F7 - G7)
• I7sus4 - bVII7 - IV7 - I7 (C7sus4 - Bb7 - F7 - C7)
• I7sus4 - V7 - IV7 - I7 (C7sus4 - G7 - F7 - C7)
• I7sus4 - bIII7 - bVI7 - bII7 (C7sus4 - Eb7 - Ab7 - Db7) Used in "Stairway to Heaven"

To master the C7sus4 chord, try this simple drill: strum the chord for four beats, then mute the strings for four beats. Repeat this pattern, gradually increasing your tempo as you become more comfortable with the chord.

Another effective drill is to practice transitioning smoothly between C7sus4 and other common chords like F, G, and Am. Focus on minimizing any pause or silence between chord changes, aiming for seamless transitions. With consistent practice, you'll soon find yourself effortlessly incorporating the C7sus4 chord into your playing.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the C7sus4 chord.

1. Hey Jude by The Beatles (C, G, F, C7sus4, F7, C7, B♭, F, C, G7)
2. Imagine by John Lennon (C, Cmaj7, F, G, C7sus4, F7sus4, F7, C)
3. Let It Be by The Beatles (C, G, Am, F, C, G7sus4, C7sus4)
4. The Long and Winding Road by The Beatles (C, Em, Am, Am7, Dm7, G7, C7sus4, F, C)
5. Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel (C, G, F, Em, Dm, C, Am, G7sus4, C7sus4)
6. Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton (G, D, C, D7sus4, C7sus4, G)
7. Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton (A, E, D, A7sus4, Dmaj7, A7, D)
8. Blackbird by The Beatles (G, A, B♭, C, Cm, D7, G7, C7sus4)
9. Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley (C, Em, Am, F, C, G7sus4, C7sus4)
10. Dust in the Wind by Kansas (C, Cmaj7, Am7, Dm7, F, G7sus4, C7sus4)