C♯ suspended 2nd chord on bass (C♯sus2)

Why it sounds like that

C♯ suspended 2nd is built from the formula 1, 2, 5. The Major 2nd between C♯ and D♯ replaces the third, creating an open, unresolved quality. Compare with C♯ major, which uses a Major 3rd instead.

What goes wrong with C♯ suspended 2nd?

• The A string is muted because the barre finger is not pressing firmly enough at the 11th fret.
• The pinky accidentally touches the D string, dulling the note at the 11th fret.

When to use it

C♯ suspended 2nd works as a passing chord in C♯ major, especially in the I–IV–V–I progression: C♯ major–F♯ major–G♯ major–C♯ major. Its open sound suits jazz, fusion, and progressive bass lines.

Changing to and from C♯ suspended 2nd

• Sliding the shape down two frets to the 9th fret gives B suspended 2nd.
• Move to C♯ major by lifting the pinky and shifting the barre to fret 9 on the E string while fretting E♯ on the A string at fret 8.

Which voicing to use

The 11th-fret voicing puts D♯ in the bass, which is useful when the chord needs to lead to G♯. The 4th-fret voicing puts G♯ in the bass and is easier to reach in open positions.