Sus2 Chord
A sus2 chord replaces the third with the second. Csus2 contains C, D and G. With no E or E flat, the chord does not independently state major or minor quality. Compare it with Csus4 and Cadd9 to see which note was replaced or retained.
- 1-2-5
- no third
- second replaces third
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Which notes are in Csus2?
Use the formula 1-2-5:
- C: root
- D: major second
- G: perfect fifth
The symbol is Csus2. The word suspended describes the missing third and its replacement.
How do you build it?
Start with C major, C-E-G, and replace E with D.
You can also start with C minor, C-E flat-G, and replace E flat with D.
Both routes produce the same pitch collection because the sus chord contains neither third.
Is Csus2 major or minor?
No. Major or minor triad quality depends on the third.
C major requires E; C minor requires E flat. Csus2 contains D instead.
A surrounding key or melody may imply major or minor, but the three chord tones alone leave that choice open.
Does sus2 have to resolve?
D can rise to E, move to E flat or remain in place.
Classical suspension terminology more often describes a prepared note resolving downward. Modern sus2 is usually a chord-symbol pitch structure and may function as a stable sonority.
Follow the written or heard voice and identify its actual destination.
What is the difference between sus2 and sus4?
Csus2 is C-D-G. Csus4 is C-F-G.
Both omit the third and retain root and fifth. The replacement note lies below the third in sus2 and above it in sus4.
Compare D-E and F-E resolutions over held C and G.
What is the difference between Csus2 and Cadd9?
Csus2 is C-D-G and omits the third.
Cadd9 is C-E-G-D and keeps the major third E. Cmadd9 keeps E flat.
Register does not define the symbol by itself. Even if D is voiced close to C, retaining E makes the structure add9; sus2 omits E.
Are Csus2 and Gsus4 the same?
They contain the same pitch classes:
- Csus2: C-D-G
- Gsus4: G-C-D
The intended root differs. C bass, phrase endings on C and motion to C major support Csus2. G bass and resolution C-B support Gsus4.
Pitch-class equivalence does not erase harmonic root; context identifies it.
Where is sus2 used?
Sus2 chords appear in pop, rock, folk, ambient and post-rock music.
Open strings make the shapes practical on guitar. Keyboard and ensemble voicings can hold the second as a common tone through several chord changes.
Use it when the third should be delayed, omitted or supplied by melody later.
How do inversions work?
Csus2 can place C, D or G in the bass.
G-C-D may be heard as Gsus4 when G receives root emphasis. D-G-C can also support other quartal interpretations.
Name the chord from bass, progression and resolution instead of shape alone.
How should you practice it?
Hold C and G. Play D, then resolve it to E and E flat.
Add E while keeping D to make Cadd9. Remove D to return to C major.
Change the bass from C to G and listen for the shift between Csus2 and Gsus4.