A sus2 (Asus2) chord on piano
Looking for the Asus2 chord on piano? It is a sus2 chord (a major second instead of the third), made of three notes: A – B – E.
Root position: A3 – B3 – E4
What the Asus2 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 Asus2 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
A3 – B3 – E4
1st inversion
B3 – E4 – A4
2nd inversion
E4 – A4 – B4
Which keys is it in?
The Asus2 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)
- A minor: Isus2 (tonic)
- D major: Vsus2 (dominant)
- E major: IVsus2 (subdominant)
- E minor: IVsus2 (subdominant)
- C major: VIsus2
- G major: IIsus2
- B minor: VIIsus2
- F♯ minor: IIIsus2
- C♯ minor: VIsus2
Similar chords and substitutes
If Asus2 is too hard, or you want a different colour in the same spot, these chords are worth a try.
Same notes
- Esus4 – the same notes with a different root
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the Asus2 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 Asus2 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 Asus2 chord written?
The chord symbol is Asus2, and its full name is A sus2.
Related chords
The same chord on another instrument:
Asus2 on guitarAsus2 on ukuleleAsus2 on mandolinAsus2 on banjo
Other A chords on piano:
AAmA7Amaj7Am7Asus4A7sus4A6Am6Aadd9AdimAaugAdim7Am7b5A9Am9Amaj9A11A13
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