Also written Fsus2 or F
F suspended 2nd contains F, G, and C. The open G and C strings make this a beginner-friendly shape.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
F suspended 2nd is built from the formula 1, 2, 5. The major 2nd between F and G replaces the major 3rd, giving the chord its open, unresolved sound. Compare it to F major, which uses A instead of G.
F suspended 2nd works as a passing chord in F major progressions like F–B♭–C–F, the I–IV–V–I. It suits folk and pop strumming where the open strings add brightness. Try it before F major to delay resolution.
The default voicing puts C in the bass, giving a light, open feel. For a root-position sound, use the 3rd fret shape with F in the bass.
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.
Tip — The middle finger must fret the A string at the 3rd fret without touching the open C string next to it.
| 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) |
F suspended 2nd is played at the 3rd fret as 5 5 3 3: barre your index finger across fret 3, middle finger on the G string at fret 5 and ring finger on the C string at fret 5.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5 | 2 | C (5) |
| 3 (C) | 5 | 3 | F (1) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 1 (barre) | G (2) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 1 (barre) | C (5) |
F suspended 2nd is played in open position as 0 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 rings open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (2) |
| 3 (C) | 5 | 3 | F (1) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 1 | G (2) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 2 | C (5) |
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.
| 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) |
F suspended 2nd omits the 3rd entirely, leaving only F, G, and C. F add 9 includes the major 3rd A along with the 9th G, 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 F major.
The open position at frets 0-0-1-3 is the simplest. It requires only two fingers and leaves two strings open.