Explore chords · Ukulele
F suspended 2nd chord on ukulele (Fsus2)
Also called or written Fsus2 or F
F suspended 2nd contains F, G, and C. The 3rd fret shape mutes the G string to keep the bass note clear.
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 3rd fret as × 5 3 3: ring finger on the C string at fret 5, index finger on the E string at fret 3 and middle 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) | 5 | 3 | F (1) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 1 | G (2) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 2 | C (5) |
IntermediateThe ring finger must reach fret 5 on the C string while the index and middle hold fret 3 cleanly.
Fsus2/C inversion
F suspended 2nd is played in open position as 0 0 1 3: index finger on the E string at fret 1 and middle finger on the A string at fret 3. The G and C strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (2) |
| 3 (C) | open | — | C (5) |
| 2 (E) | 1 | 1 | F (1) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 2 | C (5) |
3rd fret · 5-5-3-3
F suspended 2nd is played at the 3rd fret as 5 5 3 3: ring finger on the G string at fret 5, pinky finger on the C string at fret 5, index finger on the E string at fret 3 and middle finger on the A string at fret 3.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5 | 3 | C (5) |
| 3 (C) | 5 | 4 | F (1) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 1 | G (2) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 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 5 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 folk 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 5, keeping the middle finger on the A string fret 3.
- Slide the whole shape down two frets to the 1st fret to play E♭ suspended 2nd.
Which voicing to use
The 3rd fret shape puts F in the bass and is the most direct voicing. The Fsus2/C inversion at frets 5-5-3-3 gives a lower, darker sound with C in the bass. Choose the Fsus2/G inversion when you want the 2nd in the bass for a suspended feel.
Other F chords
Common questions
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.
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.