Playing the Asus2 Piano Chord
The Asus2 chord is a suspended 2nd chord built on the root A. It contains 3 notes: A, B, E. On piano, this chord is played by pressing these keys simultaneously or as an arpeggio.
Replaces the third with a major second. Open, unresolved, modern sound. Mastering the Asus2 chord opens up countless songs and progressions in the key of A.
Piano Finger Positions for Asus2
For the Asus2 triad chord, use these finger positions:
- Right hand (root position): Thumb (1) on A, middle finger (3) on B, pinky (5) on E.
- Left hand (root position): Pinky (5) on A, middle finger (3) on B, thumb (1) on E.
- Arpeggiated: Play the notes sequentially from lowest to highest for a broken triad effect.
Asus2 Chord Inversions
Inversions change the bass note while keeping the same harmonic quality:
| Inversion | Bass Note | Notes (bottom to top) | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root | A | A – B – E | Most stable |
| 1st | B | B – E – A | Lighter, less stable |
Interval Structure of Asus2
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note in A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root | Root (R) | 0 | A |
| 3rd | Major 2nd | 2 | B |
| 5th | Perfect 5th | 7 | E |
Common Progressions with Asus2 on Piano
- I–IV–V–I: Asus2 – Dsus2 – Esus2 – Asus2 (classic cadence)
- I–V–vi–IV: Asus2 – E – F#m – D (pop progression)
- ii–V–I: Bm – E – Asus2 (jazz turnaround)