Csus2 Chord (C suspended 2nd) on Guitar
Csus2 (C suspended 2nd) is made of the notes C – D – G. The easiest guitar fingering is x3001x (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it a good chord for beginners.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
How to play Csus2
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3 (C).
- Play the 4th string (D) open (D).
- Play the 3rd string (G) open (G).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 1 (C).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
- Do not play the 1st string (high e).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | 3 | C | R |
| 4th string (D) | 0 (open) | D | 2 |
| 3rd string (G) | 0 (open) | G | 5 |
| 2nd string (B) | 1 | C | R |
| 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. Csus2 contains C, D, G. Counted from the root C, 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 Csus2
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 Csus2
Related chords
Csus2 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Csus2 chord?
Csus2 (C suspended 2nd) contains the notes C, D, G. The formula is R–2–5 relative to the root C.
How do you play Csus2 on guitar?
The most common shape for Csus2 is x3001x, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it a good chord for beginners.
Is Csus2 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated beginner. It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it a good chord for beginners.
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