The E Suspended 2nd chord is a three-note chord made up of E, F♯, and B. It is built from a root, major second, and perfect fifth.
Construction
E Suspended 2nd = Root + Major 2nd + Perfect 5th = E · F♯ · B
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| E | Root | 1 |
| F♯ | Major 2nd | 2 |
| B | Perfect 5th | 5 |
E Suspended 2nd Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | E – F♯ – B |
| 1st Inversion | F♯ – B – E |
| 2nd Inversion | B – E – F♯ |
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 E – F♯ – B aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
E Suspended 2nd — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the E Suspended 2nd chord on piano?
The E Suspended 2nd chord contains the notes E – F♯ – B. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
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 — 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 — 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 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 — alternating between Esus2 and E Major is a very common pop technique. The movement E–F#–B → E–(major 3rd)–B creates a shimmer with only one note changing. This single-note movement is the basis of many recognisable piano and guitar parts.