How to play the C#sus2 chord on guitar

The C#sus2 chord, pronounced "C sharp suspended second", is a variation on the standard C# major chord. By replacing the major third with a major second interval, the C#sus2 creates an open, airy sound that adds tension and ambiguity to progressions. This chord is often used in folk, rock, and pop music to create a sense of longing or anticipation before resolving to the tonic.

The C#sus2 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 4th fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a C#sus2 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 4th fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

Strum all six strings together to play the C#sus2 chord. Make sure to apply enough pressure with your index finger to properly barre all the strings at the 4th fret.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the C#sus2 chord, try playing it as an open chord. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, and strum the top five strings (A, D, G, B, and E), leaving the low E string muted.

Playing the barre chord version of C#sus2 can be a great way to add a full, rich sound to your guitar playing. It's especially useful when you want to play the chord higher up the neck or need to quickly transition between other barre chords.

Here's how to play a C#sus2 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 4th fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Strum all six strings from the low E string down to the high E string.

The Csus2 chord is often used to add a sense of tension and anticipation to chord progressions, creating a dreamy, floating feeling. Some common Csus2 chord progressions include:

• I - Isus2 - IV - V (C - Csus2 - F - G)
• vi - Isus2 - IV - V (Am - Csus2 - F - G) Used in "Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman
• I - V - vi - Isus2 (C - G - Am - Csus2)
• Isus2 - iii - vi - V (Csus2 - Em - Am - G)
• I - Isus2 - ii - V (C - Csus2 - Dm - G)

To master the C#sus2 chord, try playing the individual notes (C#, D#, G#) separately, focusing on each string's clarity. Once comfortable, practice transitioning between C#sus2 and other chords like A, E, and B for smooth progression changes.

Another effective drill is to strum the C#sus2 chord in various rhythmic patterns, such as quarter notes, eighth notes, or a combination of both. This exercise will help develop muscle memory and improve your strumming technique, making the chord feel more natural to play.

Here are 5 popular songs you can play with the C#sus2 chord:

1. Creep by Radiohead (G, B, C, Cm)
2. The Scientist by Coldplay (F, Am, Dm7/G, Csus2)
3. Disarm by The Smashing Pumpkins
4. Kashmir by Led Zeppelin
5. Jolene by Dolly Parton