The C Suspended 2nd chord is a three-note chord made up of C, D, and G. It is built from a root, major second, and perfect fifth.
Construction
C Suspended 2nd = Root + Major 2nd + Perfect 5th = C · D · G
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| C | Root | 1 |
| D | Major 2nd | 2 |
| G | Perfect 5th | 5 |
C Suspended 2nd Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | C – D – G |
| 1st Inversion | D – G – C |
| 2nd Inversion | G – C – D |
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 C – D – G aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
C Suspended 2nd — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the C Suspended 2nd chord on piano?
The C Suspended 2nd chord contains the notes C – D – G. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the C Suspended 2nd chord?
The C Suspended 2nd chord (Csus2) contains: C (root), D (major 2nd), and G (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 C Suspended 2nd differ from C Major or C Minor?
Both C Major and C Minor have a third (E or Eb for C-based chords). C Suspended 2nd replaces that third with a major 2nd (D). 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 D to the major or minor third). In pop music, suspended chords often remain unresolved for their pleasant, neutral sound.
How is C 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. Csus2 works before or after a C 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 C Suspended 2nd and C Major together?
Yes — alternating between Csus2 and C Major is a very common pop technique. The movement C–D–G → C–(major 3rd)–G creates a shimmer with only one note changing. This single-note movement is the basis of many recognisable piano and guitar parts.