Csus2 Guitar Chord

Csus2 is the C suspended second chord. It has three notes: C, D and G. The open shape is friendly: three fingertips on the 3rd fret with two open strings ringing in the middle. If you already play Cadd9, lift the finger from the D string and you are there.

Index on the A string, ring and pinky stacked on the 3rd fret of the B and high E strings, with the D and G ringing open in the middle.

How to play Csus2, step by step

Index finger: 3rd fret, A string
Ring finger: 3rd fret, B string
Pinky finger: 3rd fret, high E string
Leave the D and G strings open. Strum from the A string down, skipping the low E.

This is the Cadd9 grip with the D string finger lifted, so the two chords swap easily. Once it feels settled, try the barre version below; it is the same shape you will use for every sus2 chord rooted on the A string.

More ways to play Csus2

There are 3 common Csus2 shapes in total: the standard one at the top of the page, plus these, easiest first. You only ever need one. Tap any card to hear it.

Csus2 guitar chord diagram, barre at fret 3, played x35533 — Barre at fret 3

Csus2 guitar chord diagram, compact, frets 10 to 13, played x x 10 12 13 10 — Compact, frets 10 to 13

When it sounds muddy or dead

Open D and G strings do not ring: The index on the A string is lying too flat and brushing them. Stand it up on its tip so the two middle strings are untouched.
High E buzzes or vanishes: The pinky is the weakest finger. Put it right behind the 3rd fret wire and press straight down; on the edge of the neck there is no room for a lazy angle.
Low E rings under everything: Let the tip of the index lean over just enough to touch the low E, or simply start the strum from the A string.

What makes it a Csus2

C · D · G 1 2 5

Csus2 takes the C major triad and replaces its third, E, with D. Without a third the chord is neither major nor minor, so it floats: the D sits a whole step above the root and asks to move. Land it on E and you are back on C major; land it on E♭ and you have C minor.

In real playing you will find Csus2 decorating C chords in the keys of C, G and F, usually for a beat or two before the plain chord returns. The open voicing doubles both the D and the G, which is why it sounds more like a drone than a decision.

Csus2 vs Csus4

Csus2 replaces the E in C major with a D; Csus4 replaces it with an F. On guitar Csus4 is usually made by adding a finger to the ordinary C shape, while Csus2 is its own grip on the 3rd fret. The sus4 leans on the note just above the missing third and wants to fall back right away; the sus2 is softer and can hang around much longer without sounding unfinished.

Csus2 chord questions

Is Csus2 the same as Cadd9?

No. Cadd9 keeps the third, E, and adds a D on top, so it still sounds major. Csus2 removes the third entirely, which leaves it neutral. The grips are one finger apart, which is why they get confused.

Is Csus2 major or minor?

Neither. Its third has been replaced by the note D, so nothing in the chord decides between major and minor.

What is the difference between Csus2 and Csus4?

Csus2 swaps the third for D, one whole step above the root. Csus4 swaps it for F, a fourth above. The sus4 is tenser; the sus2 is more open.

Does Csus2 share notes with another chord?

Yes. C, D and G are also the notes of Gsus4. The bass note decides the name: over a C it is Csus2.

Is Csus2 a beginner chord?

Yes. The open shape needs no barre and no stretch. The only care point is keeping the open D and G strings clear of your index finger.