A♭ sus2 (A♭sus2) chord on piano

The A♭ sus2 chord (A♭sus2) is a sus2 chord (a major second instead of the third), made of three notes: A♭ – B♭ – E♭. The same chord with a different spelling: G♯ sus2 (G♯sus2).

Root position: A♭3 – B♭3 – E♭4

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What the A♭sus2 chord sounds like

In a sus2 chord a major second replaces the third, so it is neither major nor minor: it sounds open and floating. It often decorates a major or minor chord.

Notes of the A♭sus2 chord

Degree	Note	Interval from the root
1	A♭	root
2	B♭	major second (2 semitones)
5	E♭	perfect fifth (7 semitones)

Root position and inversions

An inversion uses the same notes, with a different note at the bottom. When you change chords, choosing the nearest inversion keeps your hand almost still.

Root position

A♭3 – B♭3 – E♭4

1st inversion

B♭3 – E♭4 – A♭4

2nd inversion

E♭4 – A♭4 – B♭4

Which keys is it in?

The A♭sus2 chord is built from the notes of these keys (for minor keys, both the natural and the harmonic minor are considered):

A♭ major: Isus2 (tonic)
D♭ major: Vsus2 (dominant)
E♭ major: IVsus2 (subdominant)
E♭ minor: IVsus2 (subdominant)
G♭ major: IIsus2
B♭ minor: VIIsus2
F minor: IIIsus2
C minor: VIsus2

Similar chords and substitutes

If A♭sus2 is too hard, or you want a different colour in the same spot, these chords are worth a try.

Substitutes (by function)

A♭ – resolves the suspension to major
A♭m – or to minor

Same notes

E♭sus4 – the same notes with a different root

Richer versions

A♭add9 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
A♭9 – the same chord plus 2 colour notes
A♭m9 – the same chord plus 2 colour notes
A♭maj9 – the same chord plus 2 colour notes

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the A♭sus2 chord?

A♭, B♭, E♭. The root is A♭; the intervals of the other notes from the root: major second, perfect fifth.

How do I play the A♭sus2 chord on piano?

In root position, the right hand usually plays with fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb, middle finger, little finger); four-note chords with fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5. The left hand mirrors this: 5, 3, 1. In an inversion the top or bottom note moves to the other side, so your hand moves less when you change chords.

How is the A♭sus2 chord written?

The chord symbol is A♭sus2 (also written Absus2), and its full name is A♭ sus2.