Esus2 Chord (E suspended 2nd) on Guitar
Esus2 (E suspended 2nd) is made of the notes E – F# – B. The easiest guitar fingering is 024400 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
How to play Esus2
- Play the 6th string (low E) open (E).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2 (B).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 4 (F#).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 4 (B).
- Play the 2nd string (B) open (B).
- Play the 1st string (high e) open (E).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | 0 (open) | E | R |
| 5th string (A) | 2 | B | 5 |
| 4th string (D) | 4 | F# | 2 |
| 3rd string (G) | 4 | B | 5 |
| 2nd string (B) | 0 (open) | B | 5 |
| 1st string (high e) | 0 (open) | E | R |
What is a E 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. Esus2 contains E, F#, B. Counted from the root E, 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 Esus2
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 Esus2
Related chords
Esus2 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Esus2 chord?
Esus2 (E suspended 2nd) contains the notes E, F#, B. The formula is R–2–5 relative to the root E.
How do you play Esus2 on guitar?
The most common shape for Esus2 is 024400, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is Esus2 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated beginner. It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
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