E♭ sus2 (E♭sus2) chord on piano

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

Root position: E♭4 – F4 – B♭4

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What the E♭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 E♭sus2 chord

Degree	Note	Interval from the root
1	E♭	root
2	F	major second (2 semitones)
5	B♭	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

E♭4 – F4 – B♭4

1st inversion

F4 – B♭4 – E♭5

2nd inversion

B♭4 – E♭5 – F5

Which keys is it in?

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

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

Similar chords and substitutes

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

Substitutes (by function)

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

Same notes

B♭sus4 – the same notes with a different root

Richer versions

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

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the E♭sus2 chord?

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

How do I play the E♭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 E♭sus2 chord written?

The chord symbol is E♭sus2 (also written Ebsus2), and its full name is E♭ sus2.