C♯ sus2 (C♯sus2) chord on piano

Looking for the C♯sus2 chord on piano? It is a sus2 chord (a major second instead of the third), made of three notes: C♯ – D♯ – G♯. The same chord with a different spelling: D♭ sus2 (D♭sus2).

Root position: C♯4 – D♯4 – G♯4

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What the C♯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 C♯sus2 chord

Degree	Note	Interval from the root
1	C♯	root
2	D♯	major second (2 semitones)
5	G♯	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

C♯4 – D♯4 – G♯4

1st inversion

D♯4 – G♯4 – C♯5

2nd inversion

G♯4 – C♯5 – D♯5

Which keys is it in?

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

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

Similar chords and substitutes

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

Substitutes (by function)

C♯ – resolves the suspension to major
C♯m – or to minor

Same notes

A♭sus4 – the same notes with a different root

Richer versions

C♯add9 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
C♯9 – the same chord plus 2 colour notes
C♯m9 – the same chord plus 2 colour notes
C♯maj9 – the same chord plus 2 colour notes

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the C♯sus2 chord?

C♯, D♯, G♯. The root is C♯; the intervals of the other notes from the root: major second, perfect fifth.

How do I play the C♯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 C♯sus2 chord written?

The chord symbol is C♯sus2 (also written C#sus2), and its full name is C♯ sus2.