C# Suspended 2nd (C#sus2)

Also written as Db Suspended 2nd (Db and C# are the same key).

1+2+5
C#D#G#
4 4
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Notes in C# Suspended 2nd

C# (root)D#G#

Inversions

Same notes as C# Suspended 2nd, with a different chord tone as the lowest note. Useful for smoother movement between chords instead of jumping around the keyboard.

Root position

C# in the bass

C#D#G#

1st inversion

D# in the bass

D#G#C#

2nd inversion

G# in the bass

G#C#D#

C# Suspended 2nd consists of C#, D# and G#, played at the same time.

Suspended chords pull the third out entirely, so they land somewhere between major and minor rather than picking a side. Sus2 fills the gap with a major second sitting close to the root, which gives it an open, slightly hollow color. It's a favorite way to add movement to a strummed or arpeggiated part without changing the underlying harmony.

Difficulty: Beginner. Category: Triads. Click any key on the diagram above to hear that single note.