A sus4 (Asus4) chord on piano
Sus4 chord (a perfect fourth instead of the third) on A: the notes of the Asus4 chord are A – D – E.
Root position: A3 – D4 – E4
What the Asus4 chord sounds like
In a sus4 chord a perfect fourth replaces the third. The fourth is 'suspended' and usually resolves down to the third (sus4 → major), a classic move at cadences.
Notes of the Asus4 chord
| Degree | Note | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | root |
| 4 | D | perfect fourth (5 semitones) |
| 5 | E | perfect fifth (7 semitones) |
Root position and inversions
An inversion uses the same notes, with a different note at the bottom. When you change chords, choosing the nearest inversion keeps your hand almost still.
Root position
A3 – D4 – E4
1st inversion
D4 – E4 – A4
2nd inversion
E4 – A4 – D5
Which keys is it in?
The Asus4 chord is built from the notes of these keys (for minor keys, both the natural and the harmonic minor are considered):
- A major: Isus4 (tonic)
- A minor: Isus4 (tonic)
- D major: Vsus4 (dominant)
- D minor: Vsus4 (dominant)
- E minor: IVsus4 (subdominant)
- F major: IIIsus4
- C major: VIsus4
- G major: IIsus4
- B minor: VIIsus4
- F♯ minor: IIIsus4
Similar chords and substitutes
If Asus4 is too hard, or you want a different colour in the same spot, these chords are worth a try.
Same notes
- Dsus2 – the same notes with a different root
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the Asus4 chord?
A, D, E. The root is A; the intervals of the other notes from the root: perfect fourth, perfect fifth.
How do I play the Asus4 chord on piano?
In root position, the right hand usually plays with fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb, middle finger, little finger); four-note chords with fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5. The left hand mirrors this: 5, 3, 1. In an inversion the top or bottom note moves to the other side, so your hand moves less when you change chords.
How is the Asus4 chord written?
The chord symbol is Asus4, and its full name is A sus4.
Related chords
The same chord on another instrument:
Asus4 on guitarAsus4 on ukuleleAsus4 on mandolinAsus4 on banjo
Other A chords on piano:
AAmA7Amaj7Am7Asus2A7sus4A6Am6Aadd9AdimAaugAdim7Am7b5A9Am9Amaj9A11A13
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