Csus2 Suspendu 2 Accord

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

Csus2 Accord — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

The Csus2 (Suspended 2nd) chord consists of the notes C, D, G. It is constructed from the root note C using the suspended 2nd interval formula (0–2–7 semitones).

Formula: 0 – 2 – 7
Notes
C – D – G
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 2 – 7
Type
Triad

Csus2 on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the Csus2 chord.

R
C (Root (R))
2
D (Major 2nd / 9th)
3
G (Perfect 5th)

Csus2 on Guitar

The Csus2 chord uses notes C, D, G. Build a voicing by finding these notes on any strings — root on the 6th string is a common starting point for barre chord shapes.

Interval Analysis

Degree Interval Name Semitones Note in C
Root Root (R) 0 C
3rd Major 2nd / 9th 2 D
5th Perfect 5th 7 G

About the C Suspendu 2 Chord

The Csus2 chord (C Suspendu 2) consists of 3 notes: C, D, G. 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 C: the notes land on C, D, G.

Playing Csus2 on Piano

Press C, D, G simultaneously. In root position, C is lowest. First inversion places D in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses G as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using Csus2

  • I–IV–V: Csus2 – Fsus2 – Gsus2 (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Csus2 – G – Am – F (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: Csus2 – Am – F – G (50s progression)

The Csus2 Chord in Context

The Csus2 (Suspendu 2) 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 C Chords

C
Major
Cm
Minor
C7
Dominant 7th
Cmaj7
Major 7th
Cm7
Minor 7th
Cdim
Diminished

Suspendu 2 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 Csus2 on piano
Virtual Guitar
See on the fretboard
C Scale
Notes that fit Csus2
Songs
Find songs using Csus2

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Csus2 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 Csus2 chord?

The C Suspendu 2 chord contains: C, D, G.

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

What is the Csus2 chord used for?

Replaces the third with a major second.

Open, unresolved, modern sound. The Csus2 chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of C major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.

How do you play Csus2 on piano?

On piano, play C, D, G simultaneously.

In root position, C is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has D lowest, second inversion has G lowest.

How many notes are in a suspended 2nd chord?

A suspended 2nd chord has 3 notes: C, D, G (in C).

It is a triad — the most fundamental chord type.

What is the difference between C major and C minor?

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

The C minor chord (C–D#–G) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.

What key does Csus2 belong to?

Csus2 naturally serves as the I chord in the key of C major.

It also appears as IV in the key of G major, and as V in the key of F major.

Can I play Csus2 on ukulele?

Yes.

The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The Csus2 chord notes (C, D, G) 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 Csus2?

In the key of C major, Csus2 pairs naturally with F major (IV), G major (V), and Am (vi).

The classic I–IV–V (Csus2–F–G) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.

What is a chord inversion of Csus2?

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

Csus2 root position: C in bass. First inversion: D in bass. Second inversion: G 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 Csus2: start on C, add 2 semitones, then 7 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any suspended 2nd chord.