Ab sus4 Guitar Chord | Play, Hear and Practice Interactively
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The Ab sus4 chord belongs to the suspended chords family. It's composed of the notes Ab, Db, and Eb, which correspond to the 1 (Root), 4 (Perfect Fourth), and 5 (Perfect Fifth) intervals. This unique combination gives the Ab sus4 its distinct, rich sound. Use the interactive fretboard tool at the top of this page to visualize fingerings, listen to the chord played as a strum or arpeggio, and get instant guidance on your playing with real-time microphone feedback.
Suspended chords like the Ab sus4 derive their unique character from the absence of a major or minor third, giving them an open, sometimes unresolved, quality. This makes them incredibly versatile for adding tension or ethereal textures to your music. To dive deeper into this fascinating chord family, explore our guide on Suspended Chords. Understanding how these intervals come together is key; our Chord Construction tutorial clarifies how chords are built by stacking intervals, a fundamental concept for every guitarist. As you master the Ab sus4, focusing on smooth chord changes will help you integrate it seamlessly into your playing.
Scroll down to discover multiple Ab sus4 chord diagrams, ranked from the easiest open positions to more complex shapes. You'll also find relevant music theory insights, popular songs that feature the Ab sus4, and the musical keys where it commonly appears. But before you explore the diagrams, take a moment to engage with the interactive tool above. Set a comfortable tempo with the drum tool, try strumming the chord, and let the mic feedback confirm your finger placement. This hands-on approach is the most effective way to internalize new chords and build muscle memory.
Notes in the Ab sus4 chord:
Tones of the Suspended Fourth chord:
Fingerings for the Ab Suspended Fourth guitar chord
Position 1
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Position 2
Barre
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Position 3
Barre
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Position 4
Barre
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You can also use this accessible Absus4 chord page, with written diagram instructions and screen-reader support for blind users.
FAQ
What notes are included in an Ab sus4 chord?
The Ab sus4 chord is composed of three specific notes: Ab, Db, and Eb. Ab is the root, Db is the perfect fourth, and Eb is the perfect fifth.
What does 'sus4' signify in the name of the Ab sus4 chord?
The 'sus4' in Ab sus4 indicates that the chord's major or minor third interval, which is typically found in standard chords, has been replaced by a perfect fourth. This replacement creates a 'suspended' quality in the sound.
Why don't suspended chords like Ab sus4 contain a major or minor third?
Suspended chords are specifically designed to omit the major or minor third. This absence is what defines their characteristic 'suspended' sound, avoiding the definitive major or minor tonality.
How do the intervals 1, 4, and 5 relate to the notes of an Ab sus4 chord?
In the Ab sus4 chord, the '1' represents the Root (Ab), the '4' represents the Perfect Fourth (Db), and the '5' represents the Perfect Fifth (Eb). These intervals are fundamental to its construction.
What is the unique sound of an Ab sus4 chord?
The Ab sus4 chord possesses a unique, rich sound. This distinct quality arises from the absence of a major or minor third, which gives it a 'suspended' character, differing from the more resolved feel of major or minor chords.