Also written Fsus2 or F
F suspended 2nd is built from F, G, and C. The open shape with one fretted note is a beginner-friendly voicing.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
F suspended 2nd uses the formula 1, 2, 5, replacing the third with a major second. The interval between F and G creates the suspended quality. Contrast it with F major, which contains A instead of G.
F suspended 2nd works as a substitute for F major in the I–IV–V–I progression F–B♭–C–F. It suits folk, pop, and ballads where the third is left open.
The open F suspended 2nd shape puts F in the bass for a grounded sound; the Fsus2/G inversion at fret 3 puts G in the bass for a floating feel.
F suspended 2nd is played in open position as 1 3 3 0: index finger on the E string at fret 1, middle finger on the A string at fret 3 and ring finger on the D string at fret 3. The G string rings open.
Tip — Fretting three strings with separate fingers while leaving the G string open requires a clean arch.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 1 | 1 | F (1) |
| 3 (A) | 3 | 2 | C (5) |
| 2 (D) | 3 | 3 | F (1) |
| 1 (G) | open | — | G (2) |
F suspended 2nd is played in open position as 3 3 3 0: barre your index finger across fret 3. The G string rings open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3 | 1 (barre) | G (2) |
| 3 (A) | 3 | 1 (barre) | C (5) |
| 2 (D) | 3 | 1 (barre) | F (1) |
| 1 (G) | open | — | G (2) |
F suspended 2nd is played at the 3rd fret as 3 3 3 5: barre your index finger across fret 3 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 5.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3 | 1 (barre) | G (2) |
| 3 (A) | 3 | 1 (barre) | C (5) |
| 2 (D) | 3 | 1 (barre) | F (1) |
| 1 (G) | 5 | 4 | C (5) |
F suspended 2nd is played at the 8th fret as 8 10 10 10: index finger on the E string at fret 8, middle finger on the A string at fret 10, ring finger on the D string at fret 10 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 10.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8 | 1 | C (5) |
| 3 (A) | 10 | 2 | G (2) |
| 2 (D) | 10 | 3 | C (5) |
| 1 (G) | 10 | 4 | F (1) |
F suspended 2nd is written as F or Fsus2. The root is F, and there are no alternate symbols or enharmonic names.
F suspended 2nd omits the third entirely, leaving F, G, and C. F add 9 includes the major third A along with the ninth G.
Yes, the Fsus2/G inversion at fret 15 repeats the shape an octave higher. The Fsus2/C inversion at fret 8 puts C in the bass.