Esus2 Suspended 2nd Chord

Replaces the third with a major second. Open, unresolved, modern sound.

Esus2 Chord — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

The Esus2 (Suspended 2nd) chord consists of the notes E, F#, B. It is constructed from the root note E using the suspended 2nd interval formula (0–2–7 semitones).

Formula: 0 – 2 – 7
Notes
E – F# – B
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 2 – 7
Type
Triad

Esus2 on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the Esus2 chord.

R
E (Root (R))
2
F# (Major 2nd / 9th)
3
B (Perfect 5th)

Esus2 on Guitar

Fret numbers (low E → high e string): 024400 (x=mute, 0=open)

0
E
2
A
4
D
4
G
0
B
0
e

Interval Analysis

Degree Interval Name Semitones Note in E
Root Root (R) 0 E
3rd Major 2nd / 9th 2 F#
5th Perfect 5th 7 B

About the E Suspended 2nd Chord

The Esus2 chord (E Suspended 2nd) consists of 3 notes: E, F#, B. Replaces the third with a major second. Open, unresolved, modern sound.

To build any suspended 2nd chord, apply intervals of 0, 2, 7 semitones above the root. Starting from E: the notes land on E, F#, B.

Playing Esus2 on Piano

Press E, F#, B simultaneously. In root position, E is lowest. First inversion places F# in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses B as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using Esus2

  • I–IV–V: Esus2 – Asus2 – Bsus2 (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Esus2 – B – C#m – A (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: Esus2 – C#m – A – B (50s progression)

The Esus2 Chord in Context

The Esus2 (Suspended 2nd) chord features a distinctive replaces the third with a major second. open, unresolved, modern sound. built from the intervals 0–2–7. It provides rich harmonic color and tension across pop, jazz, classical, and contemporary compositions.

Other E Chords

E
Major
Em
Minor
E7
Dominant 7th
Emaj7
Major 7th
Em7
Minor 7th
Edim
Diminished

Suspended 2nd Chord in All 12 Keys

Csus2 C#sus2 Dsus2 D#sus2 Esus2 Fsus2 F#sus2 Gsus2 G#sus2 Asus2 A#sus2 Bsus2
Virtual Piano
Play Esus2 on piano
Virtual Guitar
See on the fretboard
E Scale
Notes that fit Esus2
Songs
Find songs using Esus2

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Esus2 Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our browser-based Web Audio engine, instruments, and music theory workspace.

What notes are in the Esus2 chord?

The E Suspended 2nd chord contains: E, F#, B.

These notes are derived by applying the suspended 2nd interval formula (0–2–7 semitones) to the root note E.

What is the Esus2 chord used for?

Replaces the third with a major second.

Open, unresolved, modern sound. The Esus2 chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of E major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.

How do you play Esus2 on piano?

On piano, play E, F#, B simultaneously.

In root position, E is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has F# lowest, second inversion has B lowest.

How many notes are in a suspended 2nd chord?

A suspended 2nd chord has 3 notes: E, F#, B (in E).

It is a triad — the most fundamental chord type.

What is the difference between E major and E minor?

The E major chord (E–G#–B) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound.

The E minor chord (E–G–B) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.

What key does Esus2 belong to?

Esus2 naturally serves as the I chord in the key of E major.

It also appears as IV in the key of B major, and as V in the key of A major.

Can I play Esus2 on ukulele?

Yes.

The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The Esus2 chord notes (E, F#, B) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.

What chords go well with Esus2?

In the key of E major, Esus2 pairs naturally with A major (IV), B major (V), and C#m (vi).

The classic I–IV–V (Esus2–A–B) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.

What is a chord inversion of Esus2?

An inversion places a non-root note in the bass.

Esus2 root position: E in bass. First inversion: F# in bass. Second inversion: B in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.

How do I memorize the notes in a suspended 2nd chord?

Remember the formula: 0–2–7 semitones from root.

For Esus2: start on E, add 2 semitones, then 7 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any suspended 2nd chord.