The A Suspended 2nd chord is a three-note chord made up of A, B, and E. It is built from a root, major second, and perfect fifth.
Construction
A Suspended 2nd = Root + Major 2nd + Perfect 5th = A · B · E
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| A | Root | 1 |
| B | Major 2nd | 2 |
| E | Perfect 5th | 5 |
A Suspended 2nd Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | A – B – E |
| 1st Inversion | B – E – A |
| 2nd Inversion | E – A – B |
Key Signature
A Suspended 2nd chord is built from symmetrical or ambiguous intervals, so it doesn’t belong to a single key and has no key signature of its own.
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes A – B – E aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
A Suspended 2nd — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the A Suspended 2nd chord on piano?
The A Suspended 2nd chord contains the notes A – B – E. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the A Suspended 2nd chord?
The A Suspended 2nd chord (Asus2) contains: A (root), B (major 2nd), and E (perfect fifth). The major 2nd replaces the third entirely — there is no major or minor third, giving this chord its open, floating quality.
How does A Suspended 2nd differ from A Major or A Minor?
Both A Major and A Minor have a third (E or Eb for C-based chords). A Suspended 2nd replaces that third with a major 2nd (B). This suspension creates ambiguity — the chord is neither major nor minor and has a bright, airy sound often used for colour and transition.
What does "suspended" mean in music?
"Suspended" means the third has been replaced (suspended) by another note — in this case, the 2nd degree. The suspension creates tension that traditionally resolves back to the third (moving from B to the major or minor third). In pop music, suspended chords often remain unresolved for their pleasant, neutral sound.
How is A Suspended 2nd used in music?
Sus2 chords are widely used in pop, rock, and folk as colour chords that avoid defining major or minor quality. Asus2 works before or after a A Major chord in the same harmonic context, creating a shimmer effect. It also appears at phrase endings for an open, unresolved feeling.
What songs use suspended 2nd chords?
Suspended chords are everywhere in pop: Every Breath You Take (Police) uses sus chords throughout. Pinball Wizard (The Who) opens with sus4 chords. Somebody That I Used to Know (Gotye) uses sus2 for its characteristically open sound. The floating quality of sus2 chords suits introspective and atmospheric music.
Can I use A Suspended 2nd and A Major together?
Yes — alternating between Asus2 and A Major is a very common pop technique. The movement A–B–E → A–(major 3rd)–E creates a shimmer with only one note changing. This single-note movement is the basis of many recognisable piano and guitar parts.