Explore chords · Ukulele
C suspended 2nd chord on ukulele (Csus2)
Also called or written Csus2 or C
C suspended 2nd contains C, D, and G. The 10th fret shape mutes the G string to keep the bass note clear.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 5
- Root positionC–D–GCsus2×-12-10-10
- First inversionD–G–CCsus2/D×-2-3-3
- Second inversionG–C–DCsus2/G7-7-8-×
How do you play a C suspended 2nd chord on ukulele?
C suspended 2nd is played at the 10th fret as × 12 10 10: ring finger on the C string at fret 12, index finger on the E string at fret 10 and middle finger on the A string at fret 10. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 12 | 3 | C (1) |
| 2 (E) | 10 | 1 | D (2) |
| 1 (A) | 10 | 2 | G (5) |
IntermediateThe ring finger must reach fret 12 on the C string while the index and middle hold fret 10 cleanly.
Csus2/D inversion · fret 2
C suspended 2nd is played at the 2nd fret as × 2 3 3: index finger on the C string at fret 2, middle finger on the E string at fret 3 and ring finger on the A string at fret 3. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 1 | D (2) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (5) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 3 | C (1) |
Csus2/G inversion
C suspended 2nd is played at the 7th fret as 7 7 8 ×: index finger on the G string at fret 7, middle finger on the C string at fret 7 and ring finger on the E string at fret 8. The A string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7 | 1 | D (2) |
| 3 (C) | 7 | 2 | G (5) |
| 2 (E) | 8 | 3 | C (1) |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
Csus2/D inversion · open position
C suspended 2nd is played in open position as 0 2 3 3: index finger on the C string at fret 2, middle finger on the E string at fret 3 and ring finger on the A string at fret 3. The G string rings open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (5) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 1 | D (2) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (5) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 3 | C (1) |
10th fret · 12-12-10-10
C suspended 2nd is played at the 10th fret as 12 12 10 10: ring finger on the G string at fret 12, pinky finger on the C string at fret 12, index finger on the E string at fret 10 and middle finger on the A string at fret 10.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 12 | 3 | G (5) |
| 3 (C) | 12 | 4 | C (1) |
| 2 (E) | 10 | 1 | D (2) |
| 1 (A) | 10 | 2 | G (5) |
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 major 3rd of C major, creating an open, unresolved sound. The perfect 5th anchors the chord.
What goes wrong with C suspended 2nd?
- Letting the G string ring out; mute it with the fretting-hand thumb.
- Pressing the E string too hard and bending it sharp.
- Collapsing the ring finger onto the C string fret 12 and deadening the E string.
When to use it
C suspended 2nd works as a passing chord in C major progressions like C–F–G–C (I–IV–V–I). It suits folk and pop strumming where the suspended 2nd adds tension before resolution. Use it before C major to delay the tonic.
Changing to and from C suspended 2nd
- Move to C major by lifting the index finger from the E string and placing it on the C string fret 12, keeping the middle finger on the A string fret 10.
- Slide the whole shape down two frets to the 8th fret to play B♭ suspended 2nd.
Which voicing to use
The 10th fret shape puts C in the bass and is the most direct voicing. The Csus2/G inversion at frets 0-2-3-3 gives a lower, darker sound with G in the bass. Choose the Csus2/D inversion when you want the 2nd in the bass for a suspended feel.
Other C chords
Common questions
How does C suspended 2nd differ from C add 9?
C suspended 2nd replaces the 3rd with the 2nd, so it has no major or minor quality. C add 9 keeps the major 3rd and adds the 2nd on top, giving a fuller major sound.
Can C suspended 2nd resolve to C minor?
Yes, C suspended 2nd can resolve to C minor because the 2nd (D) moves down to the minor 3rd (E♭). The lack of a 3rd in the sus2 makes the resolution smooth.
Why does the G string need to be muted?
The open G string is a chord tone, but muting it preserves the intended bass note and voicing. It keeps the chord from sounding too dense.