Chord Information
Learn how to play Esus4 on piano
Notes in Chord
Intervals
Inversion
Notes (bottom to top): E4 - A4 - B4
Right Hand Fingering
3=middle, 4=ring, 5=pinky
Interactive Piano
Click the highlighted keys to play the Esus4 chord
About the Esus4 Chord
The Esus4 chord carries the raw energy of rock guitar translated to piano. Built from E-A-B, this suspended chord creates tension that pulls toward E major—the most iconic key in guitar-based rock. When Esus4 resolves to E, you're hearing a gesture that has powered countless rock anthems.
What makes Esus4 particularly powerful is its relationship to E major's bright, energetic character. The A (the fourth) in Esus4 creates tension against the E, and when it falls to G#, the release feels triumphant. This quality makes Esus4 essential for climactic moments.
On piano, Esus4's all-white-key voicing (E-A-B) is accessible and natural. The chord sits comfortably under the hand and moves easily to E major or E minor.
Music Theory & Usage
Esus4 functions as tension before E major, appearing constantly in rock music. In A major, Esus4 serves as suspended dominant. The gesture Esus4-E is one of rock's fundamental sounds.
The chord appears throughout classic rock, hard rock, and metal, where its directional energy adds drive. The resolution Esus4-E can serve as a musical punctuation mark.
Famous Songs Using Esus4
Hear how professional musicians use the Esus4 chord in these well-known songs:
“Crazy Train”
by Ozzy Osbourne
Uses Esus4-E in its iconic riff
“More Than a Feeling”
by Boston
Features sus4 resolutions in E
“Back in Black”
by AC/DC
Contains Esus4 in its powerful progression
“Pride and Joy”
by Stevie Ray Vaughan
Uses sus4 voicings in its blues rock
How to Play Esus4 on Piano
- Place your thumb on E.
- Place your middle finger on A.
- Place your pinky finger on B.
- Press all keys simultaneously to hear the Esus4 chord.
Recommended fingering: 1-3-5 (right hand)
Esus4 Chord Inversions
The Esus4 chord can be played in different inversions:
Root Position
E - A - B (bass note: E)
First Inversion
A - B - E (bass note: A)
Second Inversion
B - E - A (bass note: B)
Common Chord Progressions Using Esus4
Suspended Resolution
Common chord progression
Practice Tips for Esus4
- Start slowly and focus on pressing all keys simultaneously for a clean sound.
- Practice transitioning between Esus4 and other common chords to build muscle memory.
- Feel the tension in the suspended note and practice resolving it.
- Use suspended chords to create anticipation before resolving to major or minor chords.
Frequently Asked Questions about Esus4
What notes are in Esus4?
Esus4 contains E (root), A (perfect 4th), and B (perfect 5th). All white keys in a comfortable, powerful voicing.
Why is Esus4 so common in rock?
E major is rock's home key (guitar-friendly with open strings), and Esus4-E creates the tension-release that drives rock energy. The gesture feels powerful and triumphant.
How do I make Esus4 sound heavy?
Play Esus4 in lower octaves with force. Add octave E in the bass. Use staccato for punch or let it ring for sustain. The resolution to E should feel like arrival.
Can Esus4 resolve to E minor?
Yes—move A to G for E minor instead of G# for E major. This creates a minor resolution that's equally powerful but with a darker character.