C#sus2 Chord (C# suspended 2nd) on Guitar
C#sus2 (C# suspended 2nd) is made of the notes C# – D# – G#. The easiest guitar fingering is 9666xx (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.
Main shape
Alternative shape
How to play C#sus2
- Press the 6th string (low E) at fret 9 (C#).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 6 (D#).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 6 (G#).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 6 (C#).
- Do not play the 2nd string (B).
- Do not play the 1st string (high e).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | 9 | C# | R |
| 5th string (A) | 6 | D# | 2 |
| 4th string (D) | 6 | G# | 5 |
| 3rd string (G) | 6 | C# | R |
| 2nd string (B) | x (mute) | - | |
| 1st string (high e) | x (mute) | - |
What is a C# 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. C#sus2 contains C#, D#, G#. Counted from the root C#, that is R (root), 2 (major 2nd), 5 (perfect 5th). It is also written Dbsus2; 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 C#sus2
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 C#sus2
Related chords
C#sus2 chord FAQ
What notes are in a C#sus2 chord?
C#sus2 (C# suspended 2nd) contains the notes C#, D#, G#. The formula is R–2–5 relative to the root C#.
How do you play C#sus2 on guitar?
The most common shape for C#sus2 is 9666xx, 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 C#sus2 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 C#sus2 the same as Dbsus2?
Yes. C# and Db are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so C#sus2 and Dbsus2 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
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