A7sus is a guitar chord that is often used in jazz, blues, and folk music. It is a variation of the A7 chord, with the 7th note (G) suspended. This gives the chord a more open and airy sound. The A7sus chord is often used as a substitute for the A7 chord, or as a way to add some variety to your chord progressions.
Editor’s Notes: The A7sus chord is a versatile and easy-to-play chord that can add a lot of depth and interest to your playing. It is a great chord to learn for beginners and experienced players alike.
We’ve done the analysis, dug into the details, and put together this comprehensive guide to help you make informed decisions about A7sus guitar.
Key Differences or Key Takeaways
| A7 | A7sus | |
|---|---|---|
| Root Note | A | A |
| 3rd | C# | C# |
| 5th | E | E |
| 7th | G | Suspended |
Main Article Topics
- How to play the A7sus chord
- When to use the A7sus chord
- Variations of the A7sus chord
- Tips for playing the A7sus chord
1. Root Note
The root note of a chord is the note that gives the chord its name. In the case of the A7sus chord, the root note is A. This means that the A7sus chord is built on the A major scale. The root note is the most important note in a chord, as it determines the overall sound of the chord.
The A7sus chord is a suspended chord, which means that it does not have a 3rd or a 7th. This gives the chord a more open and airy sound than a regular A7 chord. The A7sus chord is often used in jazz, blues, and folk music.
Here are some examples of how the A7sus chord can be used in music:
- In the jazz standard “Autumn Leaves,” the A7sus chord is used in the bridge.
- In the blues song “Sweet Home Chicago,” the A7sus chord is used in the chorus.
- In the folk song ” Scarborough Fair,” the A7sus chord is used in the verse.
The A7sus chord is a versatile and easy-to-play chord that can add a lot of depth and interest to your playing. It is a great chord to learn for beginners and experienced players alike.
Table: The A7sus Chord
| A7 | A7sus | |
|---|---|---|
| Root Note | A | A |
| 3rd | C# | N/A |
| 5th | E | E |
| 7th | G | N/A |
| Voicing | 002030 | 002030 |
| Inversions | 1st, 2nd, and 3rd | 1st, 2nd, and 3rd |
| Substitutions | A7, Am7, Dm7 | A7, Am7, Dm7 |
| Uses | Jazz, blues, folk music | Jazz, blues, folk music |
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Sound | Open and airy | Open and airy |
| Related Chords | A7, Am7, Dm7, Gmaj7 | A7, Am7, Dm7, Gmaj7 |
2. 3rd
The 3rd of a chord is the third note in the scale that the chord is built on. In the case of the A7sus chord, the 3rd is C#. This means that the A7sus chord is built on the A major scale, and the C# note is the third note in that scale.
The 3rd of a chord is an important note because it helps to determine the sound of the chord. In the case of the A7sus chord, the C# note gives the chord a bright and open sound. This is because the C# note is a major 3rd, which is a more consonant interval than a minor 3rd.
The A7sus chord is often used in jazz, blues, and folk music. It is a versatile chord that can be used in a variety of different contexts. The C# 3rd gives the chord a unique sound that can help to add interest and variety to your music.
Here are some examples of how the A7sus chord can be used in music:
- In the jazz standard “Autumn Leaves,” the A7sus chord is used in the bridge.
- In the blues song “Sweet Home Chicago,” the A7sus chord is used in the chorus.
- In the folk song ” Scarborough Fair,” the A7sus chord is used in the verse.
The A7sus chord is a versatile and easy-to-play chord that can add a lot of depth and interest to your playing. It is a great chord to learn for beginners and experienced players alike.
Table: The Importance of the 3rd in the A7sus Chord
| A7 | A7sus | |
|---|---|---|
| Root Note | A | A |
| 3rd | C# | N/A |
| 5th | E | E |
| 7th | G | N/A |
| Sound | Consonant | Dissonant |
| Uses | Jazz, blues, folk music | Jazz, blues, folk music |
3. 5th
The 5th of a chord is the fifth note in the scale that the chord is built on. In the case of the A7sus chord, the 5th is E. This means that the A7sus chord is built on the A major scale, and the E note is the fifth note in that scale.
- The Role of the 5th in the A7sus Chord
The 5th of a chord is an important note because it helps to determine the sound of the chord. In the case of the A7sus chord, the E note gives the chord a bright and open sound. This is because the E note is a perfect 5th, which is a very consonant interval.
- Examples of the A7sus Chord in Music
The A7sus chord is often used in jazz, blues, and folk music. It is a versatile chord that can be used in a variety of different contexts. Here are some examples of how the A7sus chord can be used in music:
- In the jazz standard “Autumn Leaves,” the A7sus chord is used in the bridge.
- In the blues song “Sweet Home Chicago,” the A7sus chord is used in the chorus.
- In the folk song “Scarborough Fair,” the A7sus chord is used in the verse.
- The Implications of the 5th in the A7sus Chord
The 5th of a chord is an important note because it helps to determine the sound of the chord. In the case of the A7sus chord, the E note gives the chord a bright and open sound. This makes the A7sus chord a good choice for use in jazz, blues, and folk music.
The 5th of a chord is an important note that helps to determine the sound of the chord. In the case of the A7sus chord, the E note gives the chord a bright and open sound. This
makes the A7sus chord a good choice for use in jazz, blues, and folk music.
4. 7th
The 7th of a chord is the seventh note in the scale that the chord is built on. In the case of the A7sus chord, the 7th is G. However, in the A7sus chord, the 7th is suspended, which means that it is not played. This gives the chord a more open and airy sound than a regular A7 chord.
The suspension of the 7th in the A7sus chord is what gives it its unique sound. This sound is often used in jazz, blues, and folk music. The A7sus chord can be used to add a sense of tension and release to a song. It can also be used to create a more laid-back and relaxed feel.
Here are some examples of how the A7sus chord can be used in music:
- In the jazz standard “Autumn Leaves,” the A7sus chord is used in the bridge.
- In the blues song “Sweet Home Chicago,” the A7sus chord is used in the chorus.
- In the folk song “Scarborough Fair,” the A7sus chord is used in the verse.
The A7sus chord is a versatile and easy-to-play chord that can add a lot of depth and interest to your playing. It is a great chord to learn for beginners and experienced players alike.
Table: The Importance of the Suspended 7th in the A7sus Chord
| A7 | A7sus | |
|---|---|---|
| Root Note | A | A |
| 3rd | C# | N/A |
| 5th | E | E |
| 7th | G | Suspended |
| Sound | Consonant | Dissonant |
| Uses | Jazz, blues, folk music | Jazz, blues, folk music |
5. Voicing
The voicing of a chord refers to the arrangement of the notes that make up the chord. In the case of the A7sus chord, the voicing 002030 indicates that the notes are arranged as follows:
- Root note (A): 0th fret on the 5th string
- 3rd (C#): 0th fret on the 4th string
- 5th (E): 0th fret on the 2nd string
- 7th (G): 3rd fret on the 1st string
This particular voicing of the A7sus chord is commonly used because it is easy to play and it produces a clear and balanced sound. The open strings (5th and 2nd strings) give the chord a bright and airy quality, while the fretted notes (4th and 1st strings) add depth and richness.
The voicing 002030 is also versatile and can be used in a variety of musical contexts. It can be used as a standalone chord, or it can be used as part of a chord progression. It is also a good choice for fingerpicking and soloing.
Here are some examples of how the A7sus chord with the voicing 002030 can be used in music:
- In the jazz standard “Autumn Leaves,” the A7sus chord is used in the bridge.
- In the blues song “Sweet Home Chicago,” the A7sus chord is used in the chorus.
- In the folk song “Scarborough Fair,” the A7sus chord is used in the verse.
The voicing 002030 is an important part of the A7sus chord. It gives the chord its characteristic sound and makes it easy to play. This voicing is versatile and can be used in a variety of musical contexts.
Table: The Voicing of the A7sus Chord
| String | Fret | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 5th | 0 | A |
| 4th | 0 | C# |
| 2nd | 0 | E |
| 1st | 3 | G |
6. Inversions
Inversions are a fundamental concept in music theory and practice. They involve reordering the notes of a chord, while maintaining the same overall harmonic structure. In the case of the A7sus chord, there are three possible inversions:
- 1st inversion (A7sus/C#): The C# note, which is normally the 3rd of the chord, becomes the bass note.
- 2nd inversion (A7sus/E): The E note, which is normally the 5th of the chord, becomes the bass note.
- 3rd inversion (A7sus/G): The G note, which is normally the 7th of the chord, becomes the bass note.
Inversions are important for a number of reasons. First, they can be used to create different voicings of the same chord. This can be useful for achieving a specific sound or for avoiding awkward fingerings. Second, inversions can be used to create voice leading, which is the smooth movement of voices from one chord to the next. Third, inversions can be used to create harmonic tension and release. This can be useful for creating a sense of movement and interest in a piece of music.
Here are some examples of how the inversions of the A7sus chord can be used in music:
- In the jazz standard “Autumn Leaves,” the A7sus chord is used in its 1st inversion in the bridge.
- In the blues song “Sweet Home Chicago,” the A7sus chord is used in its 2nd inversion in the chorus.
- In the folk song “Scarborough Fair,” the A7sus chord is used in its 3rd inversion in the verse.
Understanding inversions is an important part of learning to play the guitar. Inversions can be used to create a variety of different sounds and effects. They can also be used to improve your fingerings and to create more interesting and sophisticated chord progressions.
Table: The Inversions of the A7sus Chord
| Inversion | Bass Note | Voicing |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | C# | 032010 |
| 2nd | E | 002032 |
| 3rd | G | 000230 |
7. Substitutions
The A7sus chord is a versatile chord that can be used in a variety of musical contexts. It is often used as a substitute for the A7 chord, Am7 chord, or Dm7 chord. These chords all have a similar sound and can be used to create similar harmonic effects.
The A7sus chord is often used as a substitute for the A7 chord because it has a similar sound but is easier to play. The A7sus chord does not have a 3rd, which makes it a more open and airy chord than the A7 chord. This can be useful in situations where you want to create a more relaxed or laid-back sound.
The A7sus chord can also be used as a substitute for the Am7 chord. The Am7 chord is a minor 7th chord that has a more somber sound than the A7sus chord. However, the A7sus chord can be used to create a similar harmonic effect as the Am7 chord, but with a brighter and more optimistic sound.
Finally, the A7sus chord can be used as a substitute for the Dm7 chord. The Dm7 chord is a minor 7th chord that has a more melancholic sound than the A7sus chord. However, the A7sus chord can be used to create a similar harmonic effect as the Dm7 chord, but with a more hopeful and uplifting sound.
Understanding the relationship between the A7sus chord and these other chords can be a valuab
le tool for guitarists. It can help you to create a wider variety of sounds and to use chords more effectively in your playing.
Table: Substitutions for the A7sus Chord
| Chord | Sound | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| A7 | Dominant 7th | Jazz, blues, rock |
| Am7 | Minor 7th | Jazz, folk, pop |
| Dm7 | Minor 7th | Jazz, blues, folk |
8. Uses
The A7sus chord is a versatile and expressive chord that is commonly used in jazz, blues, and folk music. Its unique sound and harmonic properties make it a valuable tool for guitarists in a wide range of musical styles.
- Jazz
In jazz, the A7sus chord is often used as a substitute for the dominant 7th chord (A7). It provides a more open and airy sound that can help to create a sense of tension and release. The A7sus chord is also commonly used in jazz ballads and swing tunes.
- Blues
In blues music, the A7sus chord is often used in the turnaround, a short chord progression that is played at the end of a blues verse or chorus. The A7sus chord provides a sense of resolution and closure to the progression.
- Folk Music
In folk music, the A7sus chord is often used in fingerpicking patterns and ballads. It provides a warm and mellow sound that can help to create a sense of intimacy and nostalgia.
Overall, the A7sus chord is a versatile and expressive chord that can be used in a wide range of musical styles. Its unique sound and harmonic properties make it a valuable tool for guitarists of all levels.
9. Difficulty
The A7sus chord is considered easy to play on the guitar, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced players alike. Its simplicity contributes to its versatility and popularity in various musical genres.
The difficulty level of a chord is determined by several factors, including the number of notes, the fingering, and the stretch required. The A7sus chord has only four notes, and its fingering is relatively straightforward. The notes are arranged in a way that minimizes the stretch, making it accessible to players with smaller hands.
The ease of playing the A7sus chord allows guitarists to focus on other aspects of their performance, such as rhythm, timing, and expression. Its simplicity also makes it a great chord for practicing strumming patterns and fingerpicking techniques.
Overall, the easy difficulty level of the A7sus chord makes it an ideal choice for guitarists of all levels, contributing to its widespread use and popularity in music.
Table: Factors Contributing to the Easy Difficulty of the A7sus Chord
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Notes | Only four notes, making it less complex than chords with more notes. |
| Fingering | Relatively straightforward fingering pattern, minimizing finger movement. |
| Stretch | Notes are arranged to minimize the stretch required, making it accessible to players with smaller hands. |
10. Sound
The A7sus chord guitar produces a sound that is often described as open and airy. This is due to the absence of the 3rd and 7th notes in the chord, which creates a more spacious and resonant sound. The open and airy sound of the A7sus chord guitar makes it a popular choice for use in jazz, blues, and folk music, as it can add a sense of lightness and freedom to the music.
The open and airy sound of the A7sus chord guitar is also well-suited for fingerpicking and soloing. The absence of the 3rd and 7th notes makes it easier to create clear and melodic lines, and the spacious sound of the chord provides plenty of room for improvisation.
Overall, the open and airy sound of the A7sus chord guitar is a valuable tool for guitarists of all levels. It can be used to create a wide range of musical effects, from delicate fingerpicking patterns to soaring solos.
Table: The Open and Airy Sound of the A7sus Chord Guitar
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Absence of 3rd and 7th notes | Creates a more spacious and resonant sound. |
| Suited for jazz, blues, and folk music | Adds a sense of lightness and freedom to the music. |
| Well-suited for fingerpicking and soloing | Easier to create clear and melodic lines. |
11. Related Chords
The A7sus chord guitar is closely related to several other chords, including the A7, Am7, Dm7, and Gmaj7 chords. These chords share similar notes and fingerings, and they can be used to create a variety of chord progressions and harmonic effects.
The A7 chord is a dominant 7th chord, which means that it contains the notes A, C#, E, and G. The A7sus chord is a variation of the A7 chord, with the 3rd (C#) suspended. This gives the A7sus chord a more open and airy sound.
The Am7 chord is a minor 7th chord, which means that it contains the notes A, C, E, and G. The Am7 chord is a common substitute for the A7sus chord, as it has a similar sound but is easier to play.
The Dm7 chord is a minor 7th chord, which means that it contains the notes D, F, A, and C. The Dm7 chord is another common substitute for the A7sus chord, as it has a similar sound but is easier to play.
The Gmaj7 chord is a major 7th chord, which means that it contains the notes G, B, D, and F#. The Gmaj7 chord is a common target chord for the A7sus chord, as it provides a sense of resolution and closure.
Understanding the relationship between the A7sus chord and these other chords is essential for guitarists who want to use the A7sus chord effectively. These chords can be used to create a wide range of chord progressions and harmonic effects, and they can be a valuable tool for guitarists of all levels.
Table: Related Chords to A7sus
| Chord | Notes | Relationship to A7sus |
|---|---|---|
| A7 | A, C#, E, G | Dominant 7th chord, variation of A7sus with 3rd (C#) present. |
| Am7 | A, C, E, G | Minor 7th chord, common substitute for A7sus, easier to play. |
| Dm7 | D, F, A, C | Minor 7th chord, another common substitute for A7sus, easier to play. |
| Gmaj7 | G, B, D, F# | Major 7th chord, common target chord for A7sus, provides resolution and closure. |
FAQs about the A7sus Chord Guitar
The A7sus chord guitar is a versatile and expressive chord that can be used in a wide range of musical st
yles. It is a great choice for beginners and experienced players alike, as it is easy to play and has a beautiful sound.
Question 1: What is the A7sus chord guitar?
Answer: The A7sus chord guitar is a variation of the A7 chord, with the 3rd (C#) suspended. This gives the chord a more open and airy sound.
Question 2: How do I play the A7sus chord guitar?
Answer: The A7sus chord guitar is played by placing your fingers on the following frets: 0 (5th string), 0 (4th string), 0 (2nd string), and 3 (1st string).
Question 3: When should I use the A7sus chord guitar?
Answer: The A7sus chord guitar can be used in a variety of musical styles, including jazz, blues, and folk music. It is often used as a substitute for the A7 chord, as it has a similar sound but is easier to play.
Question 4: What are some related chords to the A7sus chord guitar?
Answer: Some related chords to the A7sus chord guitar include the A7, Am7, Dm7, and Gmaj7 chords. These chords share similar notes and fingerings, and they can be used to create a variety of chord progressions and harmonic effects.
Question 5: What are some tips for playing the A7sus chord guitar?
Answer: Some tips for playing the A7sus chord guitar include:
- Use a light touch when fretting the notes.
- Make sure your fingers are placed directly behind the frets.
- Practice regularly to improve your accuracy and speed.
Question 6: What are some common mistakes to avoid when playing the A7sus chord guitar?
Answer: Some common mistakes to avoid when playing the A7sus chord guitar include:
- Fretting the notes too hard.
- Placing your fingers too far behind the frets.
- Not practicing regularly.
Summary: The A7sus chord guitar is a versatile and expressive chord that is a great choice for guitarists of all levels. It is easy to play and has a beautiful sound. By understanding the basics of the A7sus chord guitar, you can start using it to create beautiful music.
Tips for Playing the A7sus Chord Guitar
The A7sus chord guitar is a versatile and expressive chord that can add a touch of sophistication to your playing. Here are a few tips to help you master this chord:
Tip 1: Use a light touch.
When fretting the notes of the A7sus chord, avoid pressing too hard. A light touch will help to produce a clear and resonant sound.
Tip 2: Position your fingers correctly.
Make sure your fingers are placed directly behind the frets. This will help to ensure that the notes are played cleanly and without any buzzing.
Tip 3: Practice regularly.
Regular practice is essential for improving your accuracy and speed when playing the A7sus chord guitar. Try to practice for at least 15 minutes each day.
Tip 4: Experiment with different voicings.
There are several different voicings of the A7sus chord guitar. Experiment with different voicings to find the one that sounds best in the context of your music.
Tip 5: Use the A7sus chord guitar in different musical styles.
The A7sus chord guitar is a versatile chord that can be used in a variety of musical styles, including jazz, blues, and folk. Explore different ways to use the A7sus chord guitar to add interest and depth to your music.
Summary: By following these tips, you can quickly master the A7sus chord guitar and start using it to create beautiful music.
Conclusion
The A7sus chord guitar is a versatile and expressive chord that can add a touch of sophistication to your playing. It is a great choice for guitarists of all levels, as it is easy to play and has a beautiful sound.
In this article, we have explored the basics of the A7sus chord guitar, including its voicing, inversions, and related chords. We have also provided some tips to help you master this chord and start using it in your own music.
We encourage you to experiment with the A7sus chord guitar and find new ways to use it in your playing. With a little practice, you will be able to use this chord to create beautiful and expressive music.
