Explore chords · Ukulele
F♯ suspended 2nd chord on ukulele (F♯sus2)
Also called or written F♯sus2 or F♯
F♯ suspended 2nd contains F♯, G♯, and C♯. The 4th fret shape mutes the G string and requires a stretch across three frets.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 5
How do you play an F♯ suspended 2nd chord on ukulele?
F♯ suspended 2nd is played at the 4th fret as × 6 4 4: ring finger on the C string at fret 6, index finger on the E string at fret 4 and middle finger on the A string at fret 4. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 6 | 3 | F♯ (1) |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 1 | G♯ (2) |
| 1 (A) | 4 | 2 | C♯ (5) |
IntermediateThe ring finger must reach fret 6 on the C string while the index and middle hold fret 4 cleanly.
F♯sus2/C♯ inversion
F♯ suspended 2nd is played at the 1st fret as 1 1 2 ×: index finger on the G string at fret 1, middle finger on the C string at fret 1 and ring finger on the E string at fret 2. The A string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1 | 1 | G♯ (2) |
| 3 (C) | 1 | 2 | C♯ (5) |
| 2 (E) | 2 | 3 | F♯ (1) |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
F♯sus2/G♯ inversion
F♯ suspended 2nd is played at the 8th fret as × 8 9 9: index finger on the C string at fret 8, middle finger on the E string at fret 9 and ring finger on the A string at fret 9. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 8 | 1 | G♯ (2) |
| 2 (E) | 9 | 2 | C♯ (5) |
| 1 (A) | 9 | 3 | F♯ (1) |
4th fret · 6-6-4-4
F♯ suspended 2nd is played at the 4th fret as 6 6 4 4: ring finger on the G string at fret 6, pinky finger on the C string at fret 6, index finger on the E string at fret 4 and middle finger on the A string at fret 4.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6 | 3 | C♯ (5) |
| 3 (C) | 6 | 4 | F♯ (1) |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 1 | G♯ (2) |
| 1 (A) | 4 | 2 | C♯ (5) |
Why it sounds like that
F♯ suspended 2nd is built from the formula 1, 2, 5. The major 2nd between F♯ and G♯ replaces the major 3rd of F♯ major, creating an open, unresolved sound. The perfect 5th anchors the chord.
What goes wrong with F♯ 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 6 and deadening the E string.
When to use it
F♯ suspended 2nd works as a passing chord in F♯ major progressions like F♯–B–C♯–F♯ (I–IV–V–I). It suits rock and pop strumming where the suspended 2nd adds tension before resolution. Use it before F♯ major to delay the tonic.
Changing to and from F♯ suspended 2nd
- Move to F♯ major by lifting the index finger from the E string and placing it on the C string fret 6, keeping the middle finger on the A string fret 4.
- Slide the whole shape down two frets to the 2nd fret to play E suspended 2nd.
Which voicing to use
The 4th fret shape puts F♯ in the bass and is the most direct voicing. The F♯sus2/C♯ inversion at frets 6-6-4-4 gives a lower, darker sound with C♯ in the bass. Choose the F♯sus2/G♯ inversion when you want the 2nd in the bass for a suspended feel.
Other F♯ chords
Common questions
How is F♯ suspended 2nd written?
F♯ suspended 2nd is written F♯sus2 or F♯. On a keyboard, use F# as the ASCII root. It is also spelled G♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
How does F♯ suspended 2nd differ from F♯ add 9?
F♯ suspended 2nd replaces the 3rd with the 2nd, so it has no major or minor quality. F♯ add 9 keeps the major 3rd and adds the 2nd on top, giving a fuller major sound.
Can F♯ suspended 2nd resolve to F♯ minor?
Yes, F♯ suspended 2nd can resolve to F♯ minor because the 2nd (G♯) moves down to the minor 3rd (A). The lack of a 3rd in the sus2 makes the resolution smooth.