A Sus4 Chord on Bass
The A Sus4 Chord (A, D, E) shown across the full 4-string bass fretboard. Tap any note to hear it, or open it in BassMapper to play along with a MIDI file. Free, no account needed.
About the Sus4 Chord
A sus4 chord swaps the 3rd for the 4th, creating a suspended tension that leans toward resolving back to the major chord. It's a rock, pop, and worship staple for building anticipation. On bass, lock onto the root and let the suspension pull the ear forward.
The fretboard above shows the A Sus4 Chord in every position at once. Open it in BassMapper and drop in a MIDI file to watch the chord light up on the neck in real time as a song plays.
questions
What notes are in the A Sus4 Chord?
The A Sus4 Chord contains A, D, E.
What does the Sus4 Chord sound like?
Suspended and expectant: a tension that strains to resolve down into a plain major chord.
How do I play the Sus4 Chord on bass?
Hold the root through the suspension and its resolution; the movement happens in the upper voices, so the bass just needs to stay grounded.