How to play the F#sus2 chord on guitar

The F#sus2 chord, pronounced "F sharp suspended second," is a unique variation of the standard F# chord. It creates a dreamy, open sound by replacing the major third with a major second interval. This chord is commonly used in genres like folk, indie, and alternative rock to add a sense of ambiguity and tension. Notable songs featuring the F#sus2 include "Wonderwall" by Oasis.

The F#sus2 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 2nd fret of the guitar.

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

1. Barre your index finger across all six strings at the 2nd fret.
2. Place your middle finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 2nd (B) string.

Strum all six strings together to play the F#sus2 chord. Make sure to apply sufficient pressure with your index finger to properly barre all the strings at the 2nd fret.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the F#sus2 chord, try playing an F# power chord instead. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 6th (low E) string, your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 5th (A) string, and strum only those two strings.

The F#sus2 chord is typically played as an open chord, but playing it as a barre chord can be useful when you need a fuller sound or want to easily transition to other barre chords in a progression.

Here's how to play a F#sus2 bar chord:

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

The F#sus2 chord is often used in progressions to add a dreamy, floating quality. These progressions tend to evoke feelings of tranquility, contemplation, and gentle movement. Some common F#sus2 chord progressions include:

• I - V - vi - IV (F#sus2 - C# - D#m - B) - Used in "Wonderwall" by Oasis
• vi - IV - I - V (D#m - B - F#sus2 - C#)
• I - vi - IV - V (F#sus2 - D#m - B - C#)
• ii - V - I (G#m7 - C#7 - F#sus2)
• IV - I - V - vi (B - F#sus2 - C# - D#m)

To master the F#sus2 chord, try playing it in different rhythms and strumming patterns. Start with a simple down-up strum, then experiment with more complex patterns like down-down-up-up-down-up. This helps develop muscle memory and dexterity.

Another effective drill is to transition smoothly between F#sus2 and other chords. Practice switching from F#sus2 to chords like D, E, or B, focusing on clean transitions without buzzing or muted strings. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the changes.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the F#sus2 chord.

1. Bring Me to Life by Evanescence (F#m, A, E, D, F#sus2, C#m)
2. All My Life by Foo Fighters (F#, F#sus2, B, C#)
3. Everlong by Foo Fighters (D, G, F#sus2, Esus2)
4. Best of You by Foo Fighters (A, Asus2, F#sus2, D)
5. The Sky Is a Neighborhood by Foo Fighters (F#, F#sus2, C#, C#m, B)
6. Friend of a Friend by Foo Fighters (F#, F#sus2, C#, C#m, B)
7. Butterflies and Hurricanes by Muse (D, A, C#m, E, F#sus2, G#m)
8. Muscle Museum by Muse (F#, F#sus2, A, E)
9. Avalanche by Bring Me The Horizon (F#, F#sus2, A, E)
10. It Never Ends by Bring Me The Horizon (F#, F#sus2, A, E, B, C#)