E Suspended 2nd
Introduction
Notes
E Suspended 2nd Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | E4 ā F#4 ā B4 |
| 1st Inversion | F#4 ā B4 ā E5 |
| 2nd Inversion | B4 ā E5 ā F#5 |
Key Signature
The key of E Suspended 2nd has 4 sharps: FāÆ, CāÆ, GāÆ, DāÆ.
Theory: Intervals
The E Suspended 2nd is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M2-P5 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M2-P5 show the distance between each note in the chord.
E Suspended 2nd ā Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the E Suspended 2nd chord?
The E Suspended 2nd chord (Esus2) contains: E (root), F# (major 2nd), and B (perfect fifth). The major 2nd replaces the third entirely ā there is no major or minor third, giving this chord its open, floating quality.
How does E Suspended 2nd differ from E Major or E Minor?
Both E Major and E Minor have a third (E or Eb for C-based chords). E Suspended 2nd replaces that third with a major 2nd (F#). This suspension creates ambiguity ā 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 ā in this case, the 2nd degree. The suspension creates tension that traditionally resolves back to the third (moving from F# to the major or minor third). In pop music, suspended chords often remain unresolved for their pleasant, neutral sound.
How is E 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. Esus2 works before or after a E 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 E Suspended 2nd and E Major together?
Yes ā alternating between Esus2 and E Major is a very common pop technique. The movement EāF#āB ā Eā(major 3rd)āB creates a shimmer with only one note changing. This single-note movement is the basis of many recognisable piano and guitar parts.
Practice Tips
- Compare Esus2 (E F# B) with E Major ā only the middle note changes. Play them alternately to hear the shimmer effect.
- The 2nd degree (F#) in a sus2 chord creates a floating, unresolved quality. Let it breathe before resolving to the major chord.
- Try Esus2 ā E Major ā Esus4 ā E Major as a loop ā this classic suspended movement underpins countless pop songs.
- Sus2 chords work well at the beginning or end of phrases to create an open, questioning feeling before resolution.
- Practice moving from Esus2 to nearby chords: ā E Major, ā E minor, ā IV Major. Feel how each resolution changes the mood.
- In a ballad context, sustain Esus2 for a full measure before resolving ā the sustained suspension creates emotional weight.