Esus4 Piano Chord

Piano Diagram of Esus4 in Root Position

The E-suspended fourth (Esus4) chord consists of three notes: E, A, and B. It’s called a “suspended 4” chord because the third note of the chord is replaced with a perfect fourth. To play the Esus4 chord on a piano, you would start with an E major chord and replace the third note G#, with the fourth note A. Further reading will give you a better understanding of the music theory principles behind this chord.

 

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Fingers Position

 

Esus4 Chord Inversions

 

The Esus4 chord has a total of 2 inversions:

 Piano Keyboard Diagrams

Esus4 Chord Equivalencies

An interesting detail about sus4 chords is that their 1st inversion results in a sus2 chord. To clarify, when the 4th note of a sus4 chord becomes the root note, it transforms into a sus2 chord.

1st Inversion of Esus4 = Asus2

For instance, if we take the Esus4 chord with the notes E, A, and B and rearrange them so that A becomes the root note, we end up with an Asus2 chord with the notes A, B, and E. Therefore, the 1st inversion of Esus4 is equivalent to Asus2.

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Music Theory and Harmony of Esus4

 

What are Suspended  Chords?

Suspended chords are a type of chord in which the third note is replaced by either a major second or a perfect fourth. These resulting chords are called suspended second (sus2) or suspended fourth (sus4) chords, respectively. These chords create a unique and sometimes unresolved sound that can add tension and interest to a musical composition.

Suspended chords have a distinct sound that sets them apart from major and minor chords. They are called suspended chords because they temporarily suspend the listener’s expectation of hearing a major or minor stable chord. Instead, they feature a perfect fourth or major second interval in place of the third. Due to their “neutral nature,” suspended chords can sometimes be used as substitutes for both major and minor chords.

 

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Building the Esus4 Chord: Different Approaches

Starting from the E major Scale

To build a sus4 chord, you can use the major scale as a guide and combine a root note, a perfect 4th interval, and a perfect 5th interval.

 

 

 

To create an Esus4 chord, apply the formula R, 4, 5 in the following manner:

1. Begin with the Root note, which is E.
2. Select the 4th interval, which is A, and add it to the chord.
3. Finally, add the 5th interval, which is B.

By following this simple formula, you can create a sus4 chord from any major scale.

 

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by Combining Intervals

One method to create a suspended 4th chord is by combining two specific intervals – a perfect 4th, and a major 2nd.

4 + 2 = sus4 Chords

To illustrate, let’s use the Esus4 chord as an example. By examining the intervals between the notes, we can see that E-A forms a perfect 4th interval, and A-B creates a major second interval (a whole tone).

 

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How to Use Esus4 in a Chord Progression

 

Suspended chords have a unique quality that sets them apart from major and minor chords. They are considered neither major nor minor, which makes them a great tool for creating tension and suspense in a musical composition before resolving to a stable major or minor chord.

In the following tables, you will find the harmonization of the major and relative natural minor scales for keys that include E major and E minor chords in various positions and different harmonic roles.

 

Esus4 as Substitute of E Maj Chords

In the keys of B Major and G# minor, the 4th note A can clash with the G# and the A# notes that are present in those keys. While this doesn’t prevent you from using the Esus4 chord in those positions, it’s important to be aware that it can create a strong dissonance with the melody or other elements of the composition.

on Major Scales

• Tonic chord in E Major
• Non Diatonic Subdominant chord in B Major
• Dominant chord in A Major

 

on Natural minor Scales

• Mediant chord in C# minor
• Non Diatonic Submediant chord in G# minor
• Leading tone chord in F# minor

 

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Esus4 as Substitute of E min Chords

While the Esus4 chord can be used as a substitute or variation for E minor 7th chords, it’s important to note that an E7sus4 chord would be a better fit due to the presence of the minor 7th.

on Major Scales

• Supertonic chord in D Major
• Mediant chord in C Major
• Submediant chord in G Major

 

on Natural minor Scales

• Tonic chord in E minor
• Subdominant chord in B minor
• Dominant chord in A minor

 

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Esus4 Function in Major and Minor Keys

Understanding Scale Degrees

Scale degrees are essential for understanding the relationship between the notes in a scale and how they function within chords. The diatonic major scale consists of seven degrees, each with its unique role in creating the overall harmony of the scale.

1. The first degree of the scale is known as the Tonic, which serves as the anchor for the music. It establishes a stable tonal center that acts as the foundation for the scale.
2. The second degree is called the Supertonic, often used as a transitional note between the Tonic and other notes in the scale. It creates a sense of motion within the melody or harmony.
3. The third degree of the scale is the Mediant, which sits halfway between the Tonic and Dominant notes. It helps establish whether the scale is major or minor.
4. The fourth degree is called the Subdominant, used to complement the Dominant and add tension and resolution to the music.
5. The fifth degree is the Dominant, which creates tension and anticipation within the melody or harmony, typically resolved by returning to the Tonic.
6. The sixth degree is the Submediant, often employed as a transitional note between the Dominant and Tonic, adding a sense of stability and restfulness to the music.
7. The seventh degree is the Leading tone, located one half-step below the Tonic. It creates a strong sense of tension and a desire to resolve to the Tonic, frequently used to create a sense of resolution and finality in the melody or harmony.

 

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Esus4 in E Major

The Esus4 chord can be used along with the E Maj7 chord (or any other kind of E major chord) to add color on the first degree. The Esus4 chord can suspend the E Major chord or the subsequent chord.

 

Esus4 Chord Progressions as I degree

ii V I

I IV V

 

 I V vi IV

 

I IV vi V

 

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Esus4 in B Major (Non Diatonic)

Let’s explore the sound of the Esus4 chord in the key of B major, which can be used as a substitute or variation of the E Maj7 chord on the IV degree. However, it’s important to note that the Esus4 contains a natural A which clashes with the G# and the A# present in this key. So, since the Esus4 is not diatonic in this key, it may sound unusual or foreign to the overall tonality.

 

Esus4 Chord Progressions as IV degree

I IV V

 

 I V vi IV

 

I IV vi V

 

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Esus4 in A Major

In the key of A Major, the fifth degree it features an E7 chord. Adding an Esus4 chord can create tension and expectation, leading to a resolution on the dominant chord. Note that using an E7sus4 chord instead of an Esus4 would be a better option in this case.

 

Esus4 as V degree – Chord Progressions

ii V I

I IV V

 

 I V vi IV

 

I IV vi V

 

 I IV ii V iii vi ii V

 

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Esus4 in C# Minor

Try experimenting with chord progressions featuring an E Maj7 on the III degree of the C# minor scale, and try playing an Esus4 before or after the E Maj7 to see how it sounds.

 

Esus4 Chord Progressions as III degree

i III

 

i III VII VI

 

i III iv v

 

i III ii v

 

I iii vi V

 

Circle Progression

 

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Esus4 in G# Minor (Non Diatonic)

In the key of G# minor, the VI degree chord is an E major chord. To add some color, you can use an Esus4 chord as a substitution or variation of this chord. However, keep in mind that the Esus4 chord is non-diatonic in this key because it contains a natural A while the G# minor scale contains a G# and an A#. Therefore, it’s generally recommended to avoid using the Esus4 chord in this key but feel free to experiment and see how it sounds to your ears.

 

Esus4 Chord Progressions as VI degree

i VI VII

 

i v VI VII

 

i III VII VI

 

Circle Progression

 

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Esus4 in F# Minor

Let’s explore the use of Esus4 as a leading tone chord in the key of F# minor. As the leading tone chord, Esus4 can create tension and lead the listener’s ear to the tonic chord, which is F# minor in this case.

 

Esus4 as VII degree – Chord Progressions

i VI VII

 

i v VI VII

 

i III VII VI

 

Circle Progression

 

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Esus4 in D Major

In the key of D Major, the supertonic chord is an E minor. However, we can use an Esus4 chord as a variation or substitution for the Em chord to add some tonal color and interest to a chord progression.

 

Esus4 Chord Progressions as ii degree

ii V I

 

I IV ii V iii vi ii V

 

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Esus4 in C Major

In the key of C Major, the Esus4 chord can be used on the III degree.

 

Esus4 Chord Progressions as iii degree

I iii IV V

 

I iii ii V

 

I iii vi IV

 

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Esus4 in G Major

Let’s explore how the Esus4 chord can function as a submediant chord in the key of G major. You can try incorporating it into chord progressions that feature an Em chord on the VI degree.

 

Esus4 as vi degree – Chord Progressions

I iii vi V

 

I vi ii V

 

I IV ii V iii vi ii V

 

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Esus4 in E Minor

Using the Esus4 chord in the key of E minor can be a great variation for the traditional Em chord. It creates a more ambiguous sound due to its suspended nature, but it can be used to add tension to a chord progression.

 

Esus4 Chord Progressions as i degree

i VI VII

 

Modulation

Use your left hand to play the E root note, and your right hand to play the remaining notes of the chord.

 

i iv VI VII

 

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Esus4 in B Minor

In B minor, the IV degree is E major, which can be replaced or varied with an Esus4 chord.

 

Esus4 Chord Progressions as iv degree

iv III VI VII

 

i iv VI v

 

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Esus4 in A Minor

In the key of A minor, the Esus4 chord can be used on the v (fifth) degree.

 

Esus4 as v degree – Chord Progressions

i iv VI v

 

i v VI VII

 

i VI v iv

 

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Alternative Names for Esus4

• Esus4
• Esus⁽⁴⁾
• E add4(no3)
• E add4(omit3)
• E Suspended 4th

 

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Conclusion

While the chord progressions and examples in this post offer a comprehensive overview of common uses for the Esus4 chord, space constraints prevent a full exploration of advanced harmony topics. These include chord progressions based on scales, modal interchange, and jazz harmony. However, I encourage readers to continue studying and exploring to gain a deeper understanding of the harmonic possibilities beyond the basic concepts presented here. You can unlock a wide range of musical expressions and expand your creativity.

I hope this post has been informative and helpful in your music theory journey. Keep exploring and creating music, and don’t forget to have some fun along the way!