Asus2 Chord (A suspended 2nd) on Guitar
Asus2 (A suspended 2nd) is made of the notes A – B – E. The easiest guitar fingering is x02200 (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 Asus2
- Play the 5th string (A) open (A).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2 (E).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 2 (A).
- Play the 2nd string (B) open (B).
- Play the 1st string (high e) open (E).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | 0 (open) | A | R |
| 4th string (D) | 2 | E | 5 |
| 3rd string (G) | 2 | A | R |
| 2nd string (B) | 0 (open) | B | 2 |
| 1st string (high e) | 0 (open) | E | 5 |
What is a A 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. Asus2 contains A, B, E. Counted from the root A, that is R (root), 2 (major 2nd), 5 (perfect 5th).
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 Asus2
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 Asus2
Related chords
Asus2 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Asus2 chord?
Asus2 (A suspended 2nd) contains the notes A, B, E. The formula is R–2–5 relative to the root A.
How do you play Asus2 on guitar?
The most common shape for Asus2 is x02200, 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 Asus2 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.
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