Chord reference · triad
Csus2 chord (C suspended second)
Csus2 is the C suspended second chord. Play C, D, G together to hear the chord in root position.
Csus2 chord notes and interval formula
The formula 1–2–5 means the chord is measured from C using the root, major second, and perfect fifth. In semitone numbers from the root, the pattern is 0–2–7.
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Root | 0 | C |
| 2 | Major Second | 2 | D |
| 5 | Perfect Fifth | 7 | G |
How to play Csus2 on piano
Start with the notes in root position from low to high: C – D – G. Right hand 1–3–5; left hand 5–3–1 is a useful starting point, but black-key combinations and melodic movement may make another fingering more comfortable.
For a cleaner accompaniment, place the root in the left hand and play the remaining tones in the right. With extended chords, keep the third and seventh because they identify the chord quality most clearly.
How to play Csus2 on guitar
Try the shape x-3-0-0-3-3 in standard tuning, read from low E to high E. The sounding-string details are: E mute; A fret 3: C; D open: D; G open: G; B fret 3: D; E fret 3: G. Keep every note clear and release pressure from strings marked “x.”
This is one voicing, not the only correct shape. The chord remains Csus2 whenever the essential pitch classes are present; doubling, omission, and bass-note choice change the voicing rather than the basic chord name.
Csus2 inversions and slash chords
Inversions keep the same notes but place a different chord tone in the bass. They are useful for smoother bass lines, compact keyboard movement, and alternative guitar voicings.
| Position | Symbol | Notes low to high | Bass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root position | Csus2 | C – D – G | C |
| 1st inversion | Csus2/D | D – G – C | D |
| 2nd inversion | Csus2/G | G – C – D | G |
What Csus2 sounds like and where it fits
The C suspended second chord is open and unresolved. The second replaces the third, removing the usual major/minor identity. Sus2 voicings are useful for open textures, pedal tones, and smooth movement into a major or minor chord.
Csus2 compared with similar chords
Small interval changes create different chord names. Use this table to avoid confusing Csus2 with nearby structures.
| Chord | Quality | Formula | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | Major | 1–3–5 | C, E, G |
| Csus4 | Suspended Fourth | 1–4–5 | C, F, G |
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the Csus2 chord?
The Csus2 chord contains C, D, G. Its interval formula is 1–2–5.
How do you play Csus2 on piano?
Play C, D, G together. A practical root-position fingering is right hand 1–3–5; left hand 5–3–1; adjust the fingering to your hand and musical context.
How do you play Csus2 on guitar?
One compact standard-tuning shape is x-3-0-0-3-3 from the low E string to the high E string. An “x” means mute that string.
What does the symbol Csus2 mean?
The root is C. The suffix sus2 identifies a suspended second structure with the formula 1–2–5.
How many inversions does Csus2 have?
A 3-note chord has 3 closed-position arrangements when every chord tone is retained: root position plus 2 inversions. Extended practical voicings may omit notes.