E6sus4/C♯ guitar shapes

Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions

Showing 8 of 172 playable shapes

About the chord

E6 suspended 4th / C♯ (3rd inversion)

E6sus4/C♯ is the E6 suspended 4th / C♯ (3rd inversion) guitar chord with C♯ in the bass. It uses the notes E, A, B, and C♯ and the interval formula 1-4-5-6.

The E6 suspended 4th 6 suspended 4th chord blends the suspended 4th with a major sixth C♯, generating an open, floating sound. The unresolved tension between the fourth A and sixth C♯ creates a mystical, ethereal quality, often used to add color and movement in jazz and ambient music. With C♯ in the bass, this voicing functions as the 3rd inversion of E6 suspended 4th.

Also written as E6sus4.

Root note: E

Bass note: C♯

Chord tones: 4

Playable shapes: 172

Chord tones

EABC♯

Common guitar voicings

These are quick-start shapes for players who want the answer first and the deeper theory second.

Shape 1

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1 Place the 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string, 3rd string, and 4th string in barre position.
2 Place the 3rd finger on the 4th fret of the 5th string.
3 Strum from the 5th string down.

Shape 2

x42200

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1 Place the 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string.
2 Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string.
3 Place the 3rd finger on the 4th fret of the 5th string.
4 Strum from the 5th string down.

Notes & Intervals

Each note below shows how the chord is built from its root. This is the theory layer underneath the fretboard shapes.

E Unison (Root) 1

The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.

A Perfect Fourth 4

The fourth creates suspension and a sense of pull toward resolution.

B Perfect Fifth 5

The fifth reinforces stability and gives the chord its strong harmonic frame.

C♯ Major Sixth 6

The sixth adds warmth and a slightly more relaxed extended color.

Quick answers

What notes are in E6sus4/C♯?

E6sus4/C♯ uses the notes E, A, B, and C♯. Its interval formula is 1-4-5-6.

What is another name for E6sus4/C♯?

E6sus4/C♯ is also written as E6sus4.

How do you play E6sus4/C♯ on guitar?

Place the 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string, 3rd string, and 4th string in barre position. Place the 3rd finger on the 4th fret of the 5th string. Strum from the 5th string down.

Articles that reference this chord and explain how to use it in your playing.

Article Mar 4, 2025