C sus2 (Csus2) chord on piano

Sus2 chord (a major second instead of the third) on C: the notes of the Csus2 chord are C – D – G.

Root position: C4 – D4 – G4

What the Csus2 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 Csus2 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

C4 – D4 – G4

1st inversion

D4 – G4 – C5

2nd inversion

G4 – C5 – D5

Which keys is it in?

The Csus2 chord is built from the notes of these keys (for minor keys, both the natural and the harmonic minor are considered):

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

Similar chords and substitutes

If Csus2 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
Cm – or to minor

Same notes

Gsus4 – the same notes with a different root

Richer versions

Cadd9 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
C9 – the same chord plus 2 colour notes
Cm9 – the same chord plus 2 colour notes
Cmaj9 – the same chord plus 2 colour notes

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the Csus2 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 Csus2 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 Csus2 chord written?

The chord symbol is Csus2, and its full name is C sus2.