Asus4 Ukulele Chord

Asus4 is the A suspended fourth chord. It has three notes: A, D and E. The shape is two fingers side by side at the 2nd fret with the E and A strings open; coming from a held A chord, the C string note simply moves up one fret, from C♯ to D.

Index and middle side by side at the 2nd fret on the G and C strings, with the E and A strings open.

How to play Asus4 on ukulele, step by step

Index finger: 2nd fret, G string
Middle finger: 2nd fret, C string
Leave the E and A strings open. Strum all four strings.

In songs it rarely stands alone: strum A, move the C string finger up a fret for a beat, then bring it home. The release is the point.

More ways to play Asus4

There are 3 common Asus4 shapes: the standard one at the top of the page, plus these further up the neck. You only ever need one. Tap any card to hear it.

Asus4 ukulele chord diagram, frets 4 to 7, played 7400 — Frets 4 to 7

Asus4 ukulele chord diagram, frets 7 to 9, played 7900 — Frets 7 to 9

If it sounds wrong

The two fretted notes buzz: Index and middle share the 2nd fret on neighbouring strings. Sit each one right behind the fret, side by side, and press with the tips.
The open A string dies: The middle finger tends to lean over as it reaches the C string. Arch it so the A string has room to ring.
It sounds the same as A: Then the C string finger is still on the 1st fret. The D at the 2nd fret is the suspension; check it moved.

What makes it an Asus4

A · D · E 1 4 5

Sus4 means the third is suspended: replaced by the fourth. Asus4 keeps the root and fifth of A (A and E) but plays D where the third, C♯, would be. The D hangs one half step above C♯ and wants to fall back onto it, which is why Asus4 nearly always leads straight back to A.

Expect it in the keys of A, D and E, wherever an A chord sits long enough to need decorating. On the ukulele the whole move is one finger sliding one fret, which is why strummers reach for it constantly.

Asus4 vs Asus2

The two suspensions replace the third of A in opposite directions. Asus4 pushes it up to D and leans back toward A. Asus2 drops it to B and sounds open and unresolved instead.

Both are small changes to the same two finger A shape, so cycling A, Asus4, A, Asus2 under a steady strum is a classic way to keep one chord interesting for a whole verse.

Asus4 chord questions

Is Asus4 a beginner chord?

Yes. Two fingers side by side at the 2nd fret with two open strings. If A is comfortable, Asus4 is one finger away.

What does Asus4 resolve to?

A major, most of the time. The D falls one half step onto C♯ and the tension releases. It can also fall a whole step to C for A minor.

Is Asus4 major or minor?

Neither. The third, the note that would decide, has been replaced by the fourth. That is what sus means.

Do you strum all four strings?

Yes. Every shape on this page uses all four strings, and the open E and A strings carry half of the standard shape.

Are Asus4 and Asus the same chord?

Yes. A chart that writes plain Asus means Asus4.