How to play the C#7sus4 chord on guitar
Unlock the secrets of this jazzy chord, featured in hits like "Wonderwall."
The C#7sus4 chord
The C#7sus4 chord, pronounced "C sharp suspended fourth seventh," is a unique and colorful guitar voicing. It's formed by replacing the third of a C#7 chord with a perfect fourth, creating an open, ambiguous sound that's neither major nor minor. The C#7sus4 is often used in jazz, funk, and R&B to add harmonic tension and release, making it a valuable chord for any guitarist's repertoire.
There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common C#7sus4 chord. We've also included other versions below.
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Finger placement for C#7sus4 chord
The C#7sus4 chord is most commonly played starting on the 4th fret as a barre chord on guitar.
Follow these finger positions to play a C#7sus4 chord on your guitar:
- Place your index finger on the 4th fret, barring all six strings.
- Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.
Strum all six strings together in a downward motion to play the C#7sus4 chord. You can also try alternating between downward and upward strums for a more dynamic sound.
How to play an easy C#7sus4 chord on guitar
If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the C#7sus4 chord, try playing a basic C#7 chord instead. Place your index finger on the 4th fret of the 5th string, your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string, and your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 2nd string. Strum from the 5th string down.
How to play a C#7sus4 bar chord
The C#7sus4 chord is most commonly played as an open chord, but learning the barre chord version can be useful for playing up the neck or quickly transitioning to other barre chords in a progression.
Here's how to play a C#7sus4 bar chord:
- Place your index finger across all six strings at the 4th fret, creating a barre.
- Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.
- Strum from the 5th (A) string down.
Common C#7sus4 chord progressions
The C#7sus4 chord adds a dreamy, floating feeling to progressions, providing a sense of unresolved tension and emotional complexity. Here are some common chord progressions featuring C#7sus4:
- I - IV - I7sus4 - IV (C# - F# - C#7sus4 - F#) Used in "Wonderwall" and "Boulevard of Broken Dreams"
- vi - IV - I7sus4 - V (A - F# - C#7sus4 - G#)
- ii - V - I7sus4 (D#m - G# - C#7sus4)
- iii - vi - ii7 - I7sus4 (E#m - A - D#m7 - C#7sus4)
- vi - I7sus4 - ii - V (A - C#7sus4 - D#m - G#) Used in "Fast Car"
Drills to master the C#7sus4 chord
To master the C#7sus4 guitar chord, try playing the individual notes (C#, F#, G#, B) one at a time, focusing on each note's clarity and tone. Once comfortable, practice transitioning between the notes in various patterns, such as ascending or descending order.
Another useful drill is to practice the C#7sus4 chord in the context of a progression. Create a simple sequence using related chords, like C#min7 or F#7, and practice transitioning smoothly between them. This will help develop muscle memory and improve your ability to use the C#7sus4 chord in real-world playing situations.
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Songs that feature the C#7sus4 chord
Here are 7 popular songs you can play with the C#7sus4 chord.
- Creep by Radiohead (G, B, C, Cm)
- Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix (E, G, A, Bm, C#m, F#m)
- Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (Am, C, D, F, G)
- Clocks by Coldplay (Eb, Bbm, Fm)
- Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (C, D, Am, G, Em)
- Brick by Ben Folds Five (E, F#m, A, C#m, B)
- Walk This Way by Aerosmith (D, F, G)
How a guitar teacher can help
If you feel stuck in your playing, it might help to take personalized guitar lessons with an expert guitarist. Taking lessons with a pro gives you access to the skills, feedback, and motivation to reach your goals.
You can find expert guitar teachers to support you in the journey. Thousands of people have turned to online guitar lessons on Til, instead of traditional in-person lessons, because Til gives you access to the best teachers in the world from the comfort of home. And with flexible scheduling, secure payments, lesson recordings, and a private chat with your teacher–there’s never been a better way to learn guitar.