Also written Csus2 or C
C suspended 2nd contains C, D, and G. The open G string makes this a beginner-friendly shape.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
C suspended 2nd is built from the formula 1, 2, 5. The major 2nd between C and D replaces the major 3rd, giving the chord its open, unresolved sound. Compare it to C major, which uses E instead of D.
C suspended 2nd works as a passing chord in C major progressions like C–F–G–C, the I–IV–V–I. It suits folk and pop strumming where the open G string adds brightness. Try it before C major to delay resolution.
The default voicing puts D in the bass, giving a light, open feel. For a root-position sound, use the 10th fret shape with C in the bass.
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.
Tip — The index finger must fret the C string without touching the open G string next to it.
| 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) |
C suspended 2nd is played at the 2nd fret as 5 2 3 3: pinky finger on the G string at fret 5, 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.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5 | 4 | C (1) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 1 | D (2) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (5) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 3 | C (1) |
C suspended 2nd is played at the 10th fret as 12 12 10 10: barre your index finger across fret 10, middle finger on the G string at fret 12 and ring finger on the C string at fret 12.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 12 | 2 | G (5) |
| 3 (C) | 12 | 3 | C (1) |
| 2 (E) | 10 | 1 (barre) | D (2) |
| 1 (A) | 10 | 1 (barre) | G (5) |
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.
| 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 | — | — |
C suspended 2nd is played in open position as 5 0 3 5: middle finger on the G string at fret 5, index finger on the E string at fret 3 and ring finger on the A string at fret 5. The C string rings open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5 | 2 | C (1) |
| 3 (C) | open | — | C (1) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 1 | G (5) |
| 1 (A) | 5 | 3 | D (2) |
C suspended 2nd omits the 3rd entirely, leaving only C, D, and G. C add 9 includes the major 3rd E along with the 9th D, so it sounds fuller and more resolved.
Yes, but it will sound less settled. Use it as a temporary substitution to create movement, then resolve to C major.
The open position at frets 0-2-3-3 is the simplest. It requires only three fingers and leaves the G string open.