Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

To play the E Suspended 2nd chord on piano, press the keys E, F#, B simultaneously. In root position, E is the lowest note. First inversion places F# in the bass; second inversion uses B as the lowest note.

Piano Chord

Esus2 Piano Chord

Replaces the third with a major second. Open, unresolved, modern sound. Learn the E Suspended 2nd chord on piano with interactive keyboard, inversions, and audio playback.

Notes
E – F# – B
Intervals
0 – 2 – 7
Type
triad chord
E F# B
E
A
D
G
B
e
3
5
7
9
12
3 notes · Standard (E A D G B E)

Playing the Esus2 Piano Chord

The Esus2 chord is a suspended 2nd chord built on the root E. It contains 3 notes: E, F#, B. 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 Esus2 chord opens up countless songs and progressions in the key of E.

Piano Finger Positions for Esus2

For the Esus2 triad chord, use these finger positions:

  • Right hand (root position): Thumb (1) on E, middle finger (3) on F#, pinky (5) on B.
  • Left hand (root position): Pinky (5) on E, middle finger (3) on F#, thumb (1) on B.
  • Arpeggiated: Play the notes sequentially from lowest to highest for a broken triad effect.

Esus2 Chord Inversions

Inversions change the bass note while keeping the same harmonic quality:

Inversion Bass Note Notes (bottom to top) Sound
Root E E – F# – B Most stable
1st F# F# – B – E Lighter, less stable

Interval Structure of Esus2

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

Common Progressions with Esus2 on Piano

  • I–IV–V–I: Esus2 – Asus2 – Bsus2 – Esus2 (classic cadence)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Esus2 – B – C#m – A (pop progression)
  • ii–V–I: F#m – B – Esus2 (jazz turnaround)

Other E Piano Chords

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

Suspensa 2ª Chord in All 12 Keys

Csus2 C#sus2 Dsus2 D#sus2 Esus2 Fsus2 F#sus2 Gsus2 G#sus2 Asus2 A#sus2 Bsus2
Virtual Piano
Interactive keyboard
Esus2 Guitar
Guitar chord shapes
E Scale
Notes that fit this chord
Songs
Find songs using Esus2

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Esus2 Piano Chord — FAQ

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

How do I play the Esus2 chord on piano?

To play the E Suspended 2nd chord on piano, press the keys E, F#, B simultaneously.

In root position, E is the lowest note. First inversion places F# in the bass; second inversion uses B as the lowest note.

What are the notes in the Esus2 piano chord?

The E Suspended 2nd piano chord contains 3 notes: E, F#, B.

These are derived from the suspended 2nd interval formula applied to the root note E.

What is the best fingering for Esus2 on piano?

For the Esus2 triad in root position, use fingers 1 (thumb), 3, and 5 for a triad, or 1, 2, 3, and 5 for a triad chord.

Inversions may use 1, 2, 4 (first inversion) or 1, 3, 5 (second inversion).

What does the Esus2 chord sound like?

The Esus2 chord has a replaces the third with a major second.

open, unresolved, modern sound. It provides rich harmonic tension and expressive color within songwriting and jazz arrangements.

What keys does the Esus2 chord belong to?

Esus2 appears frequently across modal, jazz, blues, and contemporary progressions as an essential tension or resolution voicing.

What are the inversions of Esus2 on piano?

Esus2 has 2 inversions.

Root position: E–F#–B. First inversion: F#–B–E.

What chords go well with Esus2 on piano?

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

The I–IV–V–I progression is a classic way to practice these.

Is Esus2 a good chord for beginners on piano?

Yes, Esus2 is a triad with 3 notes, making it accessible for beginners.

Practice playing all 3 keys simultaneously with proper finger positioning.

How do I use Esus2 in a chord progression?

Esus2 functions as the tonic (I) in E major.

A classic progression is I–IV–V–I: Esus2–A–B–Esus2. Practice this in both hands separately before combining.

What is the difference between E major and E minor on piano?

The E major chord (E–G#–B) uses a major third (4 semitones from root) for a bright sound.

The Em chord uses a minor third (3 semitones) for a darker, more emotional sound.