Absus2 Chord (Ab suspended 2nd) on Guitar
Absus2 (Ab suspended 2nd) is made of the notes Ab – Bb – Eb. The easiest guitar fingering is 4111xx (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
How to play Absus2
- Press the 6th string (low E) at fret 4 (Ab).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 1 (Bb).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 1 (Eb).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1 (Ab).
- Do not play the 2nd string (B).
- Do not play the 1st string (high e).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | 4 | Ab | R |
| 5th string (A) | 1 | Bb | 2 |
| 4th string (D) | 1 | Eb | 5 |
| 3rd string (G) | 1 | Ab | R |
| 2nd string (B) | x (mute) | - | |
| 1st string (high e) | x (mute) | - |
What is a Ab suspended 2nd chord?
A suspended 2nd chord replaces the third with the second note of the scale, so it is neither major nor minor.
Notes and formula. Absus2 contains Ab, Bb, Eb. Counted from the root Ab, that is R (root), 2 (major 2nd), 5 (perfect 5th). It is also written G#sus2; the two names sound identical and the name used depends on the key of the song.
Sound. Open, airy and unresolved. Without a third, the chord floats and leaves the mood undecided.
Where it is used. Used in indie, pop, rock and worship music to add colour, or to move to and from a major or minor chord for a "resolve" effect.
Tips for playing Absus2
Alternate between the sus2 and the plain major or minor chord to hear the tension release. This is the classic "suspension".
Common mistake: Thinking sus2 is a minor chord. There is no third, so it is neutral, not sad.
Scales to play over Absus2
Related chords
Absus2 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Absus2 chord?
Absus2 (Ab suspended 2nd) contains the notes Ab, Bb, Eb. The formula is R–2–5 relative to the root Ab.
How do you play Absus2 on guitar?
The most common shape for Absus2 is 4111xx, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Is Absus2 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Is Absus2 the same as G#sus2?
Yes. Ab and G# are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so Absus2 and G#sus2 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
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