Explore chords · Ukulele
E suspended 2nd chord on ukulele (Esus2)
Also called or written Esus2 or E
E suspended 2nd contains E, F♯, and B. The 2nd fret shape mutes the G string and requires a stretch across three frets.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 5
- Root positionE–F♯–BEsus2×-4-2-2
- First inversionF♯–B–EEsus2/F♯×-6-7-7
- Second inversionB–E–F♯Esus2/B11-11-12-×
How do you play an E suspended 2nd chord on ukulele?
E suspended 2nd is played at the 2nd fret as × 4 2 2: ring finger on the C string at fret 4, index finger on the E string at fret 2 and middle finger on the A string at fret 2. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 3 | E (1) |
| 2 (E) | 2 | 1 | F♯ (2) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 2 | B (5) |
IntermediateThe ring finger must reach fret 4 on the C string while the index and middle hold fret 2 cleanly.
Esus2/F♯ inversion
E suspended 2nd is played at the 6th fret as × 6 7 7: index finger on the C string at fret 6, middle finger on the E string at fret 7 and ring finger on the A string at fret 7. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 6 | 1 | F♯ (2) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 2 | B (5) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 3 | E (1) |
Esus2/B inversion
E suspended 2nd is played at the 11th fret as 11 11 12 ×: index finger on the G string at fret 11, middle finger on the C string at fret 11 and ring finger on the E string at fret 12. The A string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 11 | 1 | F♯ (2) |
| 3 (C) | 11 | 2 | B (5) |
| 2 (E) | 12 | 3 | E (1) |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
2nd fret · 4-4-2-2
E suspended 2nd is played at the 2nd fret as 4 4 2 2: ring finger on the G string at fret 4, pinky finger on the C string at fret 4, index finger on the E string at fret 2 and middle finger on the A string at fret 2.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 3 | B (5) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 4 | E (1) |
| 2 (E) | 2 | 1 | F♯ (2) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 2 | B (5) |
Why it sounds like that
E suspended 2nd is built from the formula 1, 2, 5. The major 2nd between E and F♯ replaces the major 3rd of E major, creating an open, unresolved sound. The perfect 5th anchors the chord.
What goes wrong with E 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 4 and deadening the E string.
When to use it
E suspended 2nd works as a passing chord in E major progressions like E–A–B–E (I–IV–V–I). It suits rock and pop strumming where the suspended 2nd adds tension before resolution. Use it before E major to delay the tonic.
Changing to and from E suspended 2nd
- Move to E major by lifting the index finger from the E string and placing it on the C string fret 4, keeping the middle finger on the A string fret 2.
- Slide the whole shape up one fret to the 3rd fret to play F suspended 2nd.
Which voicing to use
The 2nd fret shape puts E in the bass and is the most direct voicing. The Esus2/B inversion at frets 4-4-2-2 gives a lower, darker sound with B in the bass. Choose the Esus2/F♯ inversion when you want the 2nd in the bass for a suspended feel.
Other E chords
Common questions
How does E suspended 2nd differ from E add 9?
E suspended 2nd replaces the 3rd with the 2nd, so it has no major or minor quality. E add 9 keeps the major 3rd and adds the 2nd on top, giving a fuller major sound.
Can E suspended 2nd resolve to E minor?
Yes, E suspended 2nd can resolve to E minor because the 2nd (F♯) moves down to the minor 3rd (G). 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 not part of E suspended 2nd, so it would add an outside note. Muting it keeps the chord voicing clean and focused on E, F♯, and B.