How to play

How to play the F7sus4 chord on guitar

Learn to play the iconic chord from "Ventura Highway" and "Iris" in minutes.

The F7sus4 chord

The F7sus4 chord, pronounced "F suspended fourth seventh," is a versatile and intriguing guitar chord. It combines the tension of a suspended fourth with the bluesy feel of a dominant seventh, creating a unique sound. This chord is commonly used in jazz, funk, and soul music to add a sophisticated touch to progressions. Notable songs featuring the F7sus4 include "Never Going Back Again" by Fleetwood Mac.

There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common F7sus4 chord. We've also included other versions below.

F7sus4 guitar chord diagram

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Finger placement for F7sus4 chord

The F7sus4 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 1st fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a F7sus4 chord on your guitar:

  1. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 1st (E) and 6th (E) strings, barring the entire 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 this chord, play all six strings together in a downward motion, starting from the 6th (low E) string and moving towards the 1st (high E) string.

F7sus4 guitar chord with finger positions

How to play an easy F7sus4 chord on guitar

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the F7sus4 chord, try playing an F major chord (1st fret barre on strings 1 and 2, 2nd fret on string 3, 3rd fret on string 4) and lift your middle finger off the 3rd string. This creates an F7sus4 chord without the barre.

How to play a F7sus4 bar chord

Playing the F7sus4 chord as a barre chord can be a great way to add a full, rich sound to your guitar playing, especially when you need to quickly transition between chords.

Here's how to play a F7sus4 bar chord:

  1. Place your index finger across all six strings at 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. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
  5. Strum from the 5th (A) string down to the 1st (high E) string.

Common F7sus4 chord progressions

The F7sus4 chord adds a dreamy and unresolved feeling to progressions, making it perfect for creating tension and anticipation in various musical contexts. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the F7sus4 chord:

  • I - IV - I - V7sus4 (F - B♭ - F - C7sus4): Used in "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac
  • I - III7 - VI7 - V7sus4 (F - A7 - D7 - C7sus4)
  • I - VI7 - II7 - V7sus4 (F - D7 - G7 - C7sus4): Used in "Girl from Ipanema" by Antônio Carlos Jobim
  • I - VI7 - V7sus4 - V7 (F - D7 - C7sus4 - C7)
  • I - V7sus4 - IV - V7 (F - C7sus4 - B♭ - C7)

Drills to master the F7sus4 chord

Mastering the F7sus4 Guitar Chord

To master the F7sus4 chord, start by playing each note individually: F, Bb, C, and Eb. Focus on clean, crisp notes and consistent tone. Once comfortable, practice transitioning between the notes in various patterns, such as ascending or descending order.

Next, work on strumming the chord while maintaining proper fingering. Begin with slow, steady strums, gradually increasing speed as you build confidence. Incorporate the F7sus4 into chord progressions, transitioning smoothly between other chords. With dedicated practice, you'll soon find yourself comfortably using this versatile chord in your playing.

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Songs that feature the F7sus4 chord

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the F7sus4 chord:

  1. All Along the Watchtower by Bob Dylan (Chords: Am, G, F, Am, G, F, C, Am, Dm, Am)
  2. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day (Chords: G, C, D, G, C, D, G, C, D, G, C, D, Em, D, C, G)
  3. The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra (Chords: F, Dm, Gm7, C7, F, Dm, Gm7, C7, A7, Dm, Gm7, C7, F, Dm, Gm7, C7, F)
  4. Everlong by Foo Fighters (Chords: D, Bm, G, D, A, D, Bm, G, D, A)
  5. Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen (Chords: D, G, A, D, G, A, Bm, D, G, A, Bm, G, D, A)
  6. Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd (Chords: Bm, A, G, D, Bm, A, G, D, C, G, D)
  7. Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton (Chords: A, E, F#m, D, A, E, F#m, D)
  8. Wonderwall by Oasis (Chords: Em, G, D, A7sus4, Em, G, D, A7sus4, C, D, Em)
  9. Creep by Radiohead (Chords: G, B, C, Cm)
  10. Blackbird by The Beatles (Chords: G, A, B7, C, A7, D7, G, C, D7, 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.