How to Play A7sus4 on the Guitar

The A7sus4 chord is like a secret weapon for guitarists. It adds a rich, suspended sound to your music that can elevate a riff or a passage, making it sound more intriguing. Whether you're jamming out a metalcore breakdown or adding some color to a progressive metal bridge, this chord can be your go-to. Let's break down how to play it and why it might just become one of your favorite chords.

Getting to Know the A7sus4 Chord

First things first, let's talk about what makes up the A7sus4 chord. The name might sound like a mouthful, but it’s pretty straightforward once you break it down. In music theory terms, it’s an A7 chord with the third replaced by a perfect fourth. This gives it a suspended sound, hence the name “sus.” The notes involved are A, D, E, and G.

Understanding these components is crucial because it helps you know what you're playing and why it sounds the way it does. This chord can be found in many genres, not just metal, but its haunting, unresolved quality fits particularly well in darker, more aggressive styles.

Finger Positioning: Making It Easy

Alright, time to get those fingers moving. Here’s a simple way to play the A7sus4 chord on your guitar:

• Place your index finger on the second fret of the D string.
• Put your middle finger on the second fret of the G string.
• Leave the B and high E strings open.
• Strum from the A string down to the high E string.

Once you get your fingers in position, give it a strum. You should hear that suspended sound that’s neither major nor minor, leaving you hanging in a pleasing way. If it doesn’t sound quite right, check your finger placement and ensure you’re pressing down firmly on the strings.

A7sus4 in Metal: Why It Works

You might be wondering why a chord like A7sus4 works so well in metal. It's all about the tension it creates. Metal is a genre that thrives on intensity and drama, and the suspended quality of A7sus4 adds a layer of complexity to your sound. It can build suspense in a song or provide a transition between heavier sections.

Think about some of your favorite metal bands. You might notice they use chords that aren’t purely major or minor, which gives their music a unique edge. A7sus4 can do just that, offering a different texture to your riff or breakdown that catches the listener's ear.

Practicing A7sus4 with Riffs

Now that you’ve got the chord under your fingers, let’s try incorporating it into some riffs. Playing the chord on its own is one thing, but using it in a musical context is where the magic happens. Here’s a simple riff to get you started:

e|---0---0----0----0---|
B|---3---3----3----3---|
G|---2---2----0----0---|
D|---2---2----2----2---|
A|-0---0----0----0-----|
E|---------------------|

This pattern gives you a taste of how the A7sus4 can sound when repeated in a riff. You can hear how it adds a sense of anticipation, almost like it’s leading to something. Try playing it slowly at first, and then gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable.

For those interested in learning more intricate riffs and techniques, Riffhard offers lessons tailored to metal guitarists. You can learn from some of the best in the business, who use chords like A7sus4 to create their signature sounds.

Transitioning to and from A7sus4

One thing that can make your playing sound more professional is smooth transitions between chords. Let’s say you’re moving from an A minor chord to the A7sus4. Here’s a tip: keep your index and middle fingers in place while you switch. This minimizes movement and makes your transitions cleaner.

Practice moving between different chords and the A7sus4 to enhance your fluidity. For example, you can switch between A minor, A7, and A7sus4. This not only improves your dexterity but also helps you understand the relationship between these chords.

Adding A7sus4 to Songwriting

If you’re into songwriting, the A7sus4 can be a fantastic tool to add depth to your compositions. It’s a great way to create tension before resolving to a major or minor chord. This technique is widely used in metal and other genres to keep listeners engaged.

Consider the mood you want to convey. Is it suspenseful? Melancholic? The A7sus4 can help set that mood. Try using it in a verse or bridge to add contrast to your song. Sometimes, a simple change like this can make a big difference in how your music is received.

Experimenting with A7sus4: Effects and Amplification

Once you’re comfortable with the A7sus4, you can further enhance its sound with effects. Distortion, delay, and reverb can all add to the suspended quality of this chord. Experiment with different settings to see how they affect the sound.

For a heavier, more aggressive tone, crank up the distortion. This creates a wall of sound that can be particularly effective in metal. On the other hand, a clean tone with some reverb can give the chord an ethereal quality, making it perfect for intros or ambient sections.

Learning from the Pros

Sometimes the best way to learn is by watching the pros. Many renowned guitarists use the A7sus4 in their music, and studying their playing can provide valuable insights. Pay attention to how they incorporate the chord into their riffs and solos.

Riffhard features lessons from top metal guitarists who share their tips and tricks. You can see firsthand how they use chords like A7sus4 to enhance their sound. It’s a great opportunity to learn from the best and improve your own playing.

Building Your Chord Vocabulary

The A7sus4 is just one chord in a vast world of possibilities. As you continue to learn and grow as a guitarist, expanding your chord vocabulary will open up new creative avenues. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other suspended chords or variations.

By understanding how different chords work together, you can create more complex and interesting music. Whether you’re writing a new song or jamming with friends, having a diverse set of chords at your disposal can make you a more versatile player.

Final Thoughts

The A7sus4 chord is a versatile and powerful tool for any guitarist. Whether you’re playing metal, rock, or any other genre, it can add depth and intrigue to your music. For those looking to delve deeper into techniques and expand their skills, we offer lessons from some of the best metal guitarists at Riffhard. Happy playing!