C♯sus2 chord on guitar
C♯sus2 (C sharp suspended 2nd) is a sus2 chord built on C♯. It has 3 notes, C♯, D♯ and G♯, and its formula is 1 2 5.
Notes and intervals of C♯sus2
From the root upwards, C♯sus2 contains root (C♯), major 2nd (D♯) and perfect 5th (G♯). Those intervals give the chord its colour: the formula 1 2 5 works the same way in every key, so once you know it for C♯ you can build the chord on any note.
| Degree | Interval | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | root | C♯ |
| 2 | major 2nd | D♯ |
| 5 | perfect 5th | G♯ |
How to play C♯sus2 on guitar
The first shape above reads 4 4 6 6 4 4 from the low E string to the high E string (x means you do not play that string, 0 is an open string), starting at fret 4. The lowest note you play is G♯. The other diagrams show the same chord higher up the neck: pick the one closest to the chords before and after it in your song.
This is a barre or movable shape: keep your index finger straight and close to the fret, and press with the side of the finger rather than the flat pad.
Which keys use C♯sus2?
C♯sus2 is not built from the notes of a single major key, so it usually appears as a colour chord: a borrowed chord, a passing chord or a suspension that resolves to the next chord.
Scales to play over C♯sus2
To improvise over C♯sus2, start with C sharp major scale. All of these scales contain every note of the chord: C sharp major scale, C sharp natural minor scale, C sharp harmonic minor scale, C sharp melodic minor scale, C sharp major pentatonic scale, C sharp Dorian mode, C sharp Lydian mode and C sharp Mixolydian mode. Aim for the chord notes on strong beats and use the other notes to move between them.
About sus2 chords
The third is replaced by a major second: 1 2 5. With no third the chord is neither major nor minor, so it sounds open, airy and slightly unresolved. That shimmering, modern colour is a staple of pop, worship and ambient guitar, where it rings beautifully with open strings. For example Dsus2: D E A.
Use it as a colour on I, IV or V in place of the plain triad, or as a decoration that returns to the triad on the same root (for example D Dsus2 D). Pop and worship songs build whole progressions on sus2 chords. Like every sus chord, it can resolve to major or minor, so it fits both modes.
The classic open shapes are Dsus2 (xx0230) and Asus2 (x02200). The movable one is the A-shape barre with the third replaced by the second on the 2nd string: the index stays on the barre (for example Bsus2 x24422). Another trick: play a power chord and add the second two frets above the root on the next string.
sus2 is not add9: sus2 has no third, add9 keeps the third and adds the 9th (1 3 5 9). The note names are the same, but the presence of the third changes everything. Also, 'sus' alone usually means sus4, not sus2. And do not expect sus2 to pull as strongly as sus4: it often just rings, without resolving.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the C♯sus2 chord?
C♯sus2 (C sharp suspended 2nd) contains C♯, D♯ and G♯. In intervals: root (C♯), major 2nd (D♯) and perfect 5th (G♯).
How do you play C♯sus2 on guitar?
The easiest shape is 4 4 6 6 4 4, from the low E string to the high E string, starting at fret 4. This page shows 3 positions with finger numbers.
What scale goes with C♯sus2?
C sharp major scale fits C♯sus2 best. Other scales that contain all its notes: C sharp natural minor scale, C sharp harmonic minor scale, C sharp melodic minor scale, C sharp major pentatonic scale, C sharp Dorian mode, C sharp Lydian mode and C sharp Mixolydian mode.
What key is C♯sus2 in?
C♯sus2 does not belong to a single major key. It is used as a colour chord that borrows notes from outside the key.
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