Esus4

Q: What notes are in the Esus4 chord?

The Esus4 chord (E Sus4) contains: E, A, B. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Esus4 on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is Esus4 found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for Esus4?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

E Sus4

Octaves

Musical context

ChordEsus4E Sus4

ArpeggioE majorBroken triad

ScaleE major7 notes

KeyE majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: E Sus4
Symbol: Esus4
Root: E
Quality: Sus4

Chord notes

1Eroot

4Aperfect 4th

5Bperfect 5th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: iiiMediant (iii)C major
Stability / tension: Moderate tension — suspension awaits resolution
Most common resolutions: EE Major EmE Minor
Unstable degrees: 3G#
4A
resolves down to the 3rd
Main resolution: Esus4source
EE Major
The suspended 4th in Esus4 pulls down to the 3rd, resolving to E major or minor.
Other resolutions: Esus4source
Deceptive resolution
EmE Minor
Esus4 can resolve to minor instead of major — the 4th drops to the minor 3rd.
Esus4source
No resolution needed
In modal music, a sus chord may remain an independent sonority without 4–3 or 2–3 motion; with no 3rd, it defines neither major nor minor quality.
Esus4source
Jazz reharmonization
E7sus4E 7sus4
In jazz, 7sus4 may retain its dominant bass and minor 7th without immediately resolving the 4th to the 3rd; it may also move to another sus chord.
Esus4source
Functional resolution
AA Major
A sus chord can move up a 4th or down a step, functioning as a suspension from degrees other than the tonic.

Features

Character: No 3rd, with 4th-degree tension
Characteristic interval: Fourth instead of 3rd (4)
Description: The 4th replaces the 3rd, so the chord defines neither major nor minor quality. In a typical sus4 resolution, the 4th descends to the 3rd.
Application: Pop and rock (sus4 → major)
Pause before resolution
Building tension

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1E(E4)Bass

root

v2A(A4)P4from E

v3B(B4)M2from A

Harmony

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.

ScaleE Minor pentatonic ScaleE In (Japanese)ScaleE Yo (Japanese)ScaleA Major pentatonic ScaleA Yo (Japanese)ScaleA Akebono (Japanese)ScaleA Hirajoshi (Japanese)ScaleB Minor pentatonic ScaleB Iwato (Japanese)ScaleD Major pentatonic

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Esus4 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: C#mC# minor
Dominant: BB major
Subdominant: AA major
Key signature: 4 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#)

What to learn next

ScaleE Ionian (major)Scale to improvise over this chord ChordE MajorA nearby chord on the same root — compare the sound PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions ChordE Sus2Another related chord to practise

Recommended for you

E MajorA chord that sounds close

E Sus2A chord that sounds close

E 7sus4A chord that sounds close

E Ionian (major)A scale related to this chord

E DorianA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

Open Trainer

Test yourself

(Press any key to start)

What notes are in the Esus4 chord?

How do I build Esus4 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Esus4 found in?

What can I substitute for Esus4?