Csus4 Ukulele Chord

How to play Csus4 on ukulele, step by step

1. Index finger: 1st fret, E string
2. Middle finger: 3rd fret, A string
3. Leave the G and C strings open. Strum all four strings.

Practise it as a pair with plain C: strum C, add the index finger for a beat, then lift it off. That add and release is how nearly every song actually uses the chord.

If it sounds wrong

The E string note buzzes

The index usually sits too far behind the 1st fret. Nudge it right up against the fret and press with the very tip.

The A string note dies

When the index lands, the hand tends to flatten and brush the A string. Keep both fingers arched so each string has its own clear lane.

It sounds like plain C

Then the E string is still ringing open. The F at the 1st fret is the note that makes it a sus4; strum evenly so it comes through.

What makes it a Csus4

C · F · G | 1 4 5

Sus4 means the third is suspended: replaced by the fourth. Csus4 keeps the root and fifth of C (C and G) but plays F where the third, E, would be. With no third the chord is neither major nor minor, just leaning. The F hangs one half step above E and wants to fall back onto it, which is why Csus4 nearly always resolves straight to C.

Expect it wherever a C chord sits long enough to need decorating, in the keys of C, F and G. On the ukulele it is about the gentlest introduction to sus chords there is: two fingers at the 1st fret and two open strings.

Csus4 vs Csus2

The two suspensions replace the third of C in opposite directions. Csus4 pushes it up to F and creates tension that leans back toward C. Csus2 drops it to D and sounds hollow and calm instead.

Both live one small move away from the open C shape, so many players cycle C, Csus4, C, Csus2 as a strumming decoration. Choose sus4 when you want pull, sus2 when you want air.