Suspended 2nd chord
Level 4: 7th chords and beyond
Notes: C, D, G · Frets 3 to 5
Also known as: Csus2, C sus2, C suspended 2nd, C sus 2
Fretting hand for left-handed players (your right hand), C suspended 2nd. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.Fretting hand for right-handed players (your left hand), C suspended 2nd. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.
- 1Index
- 2Middle
- 3Ring
- 4Pinky
- TThumb, behind the neck
How to play C suspended 2nd
- Lay your first finger flat across every string from the A string to the high E string at the third fret.
- Place your third finger on the fifth fret of the D string.
- Place your fourth finger on the fifth fret of the G string.
- Strum only the A, D, G, B and high E strings.
Tips for new players
- Keep your thumb behind the neck and let your fingers arch.
- Press just behind the fret, not on top of it, so every string rings clearly.
- Practice at a slow, steady pace, then try the progression below.
Chord video
Watch C suspended 2nd, step by step
A short animation that builds the C suspended 2nd chart and explains every symbol on it.
- X marks a string that is muted or not played.
- Open circle marks a string you play without fretting.
- Numbered dot marks a fretted string. The number is the finger to use.
Learn and practice C suspended 2nd
Practice progression
Csus2, Dsus2, Esus2
Switch between Csus2, Dsus2 and Esus2 until the changes feel smooth.
Chords to learn next
Csus2 up the neck
The same chord in other places on the fretboard. Tap Hear it to listen, or Watch to play the animation for your hand.