C#sus2

Q: What notes are in the C#sus2 chord?

The C#sus2 chord (C# Sus2) contains: C#, D#, G#. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build C#sus2 on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is C#sus2 found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for C#sus2?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

C# Sus2

Octaves

Musical context

ChordC#sus2C# Sus2

ArpeggioC# majorBroken triad

ScaleC# major7 notes

KeyC# majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: C# Sus2
Symbol: C#sus2
Root: C#
Quality: Sus2

Chord notes

1C#root

2D#major 2nd

5G#perfect 5th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: ITonic (I)C# major
Stability / tension: Moderate tension — suspension awaits resolution
Most common resolutions: C#C# Major C#mC# Minor
Unstable degrees: No unstable degrees
Main resolution: C#sus2source
C#C# Major
The suspended 2nd in C#sus2 pulls up to the 3rd, resolving to C# major or minor.
Other resolutions: C#sus2source
Deceptive resolution
C#mC# Minor
C#sus2 can resolve to minor — the 2nd rises to the minor 3rd.
C#sus2source
No resolution needed
In modal music, a sus chord may remain an independent sonority without 4–3 or 2–3 motion; with no 3rd, it defines neither major nor minor quality.
C#sus2source
Jazz reharmonization
C#7sus4C# 7sus4
In jazz, 7sus4 may retain its dominant bass and minor 7th without immediately resolving the 4th to the 3rd; it may also move to another sus chord.
C#sus2source
Functional resolution
F#F# Major
A sus chord can move up a 4th or down a step, functioning as a suspension from degrees other than the tonic.

Features

Character: No 3rd, mode-neutral
Characteristic interval: Second instead of 3rd (2)
Description: The 2nd replaces the 3rd, so the chord defines neither major nor minor quality. The 5th preserves stability.
Application: Pop guitar, open textures
Creating anticipation
Alternative triad voicing

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1C#(C#4)Bass

root

v2D#(D#4)M2from C#

v3G#(G#4)P4from D#

Harmony

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.

ScaleC# Major pentatonic ScaleC# Yo (Japanese)ScaleC# Akebono (Japanese)ScaleC# Hirajoshi (Japanese)ScaleD# Minor pentatonic ScaleD# Iwato (Japanese)ScaleG# Minor pentatonic ScaleG# In (Japanese)ScaleG# Yo (Japanese)ScaleF# Major pentatonic

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how C#sus2 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: BbmBb minor
Dominant: AbAb major
Subdominant: F#F# major
Key signature: 5 flats (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb)

What to learn next

ScaleC# Ionian (major)Scale to improvise over this chord ChordC# MajorA nearby chord on the same root — compare the sound PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions ChordC# Sus4Another related chord to practise

Recommended for you

C# MajorA chord that sounds close

C# Sus4A chord that sounds close

C# Add9A chord that sounds close

C# Ionian (major)A scale related to this chord

C# DorianA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

Open Trainer

Test yourself

(Press any key to start)

What notes are in the C#sus2 chord?

How do I build C#sus2 on the keyboard?

Which keys is C#sus2 found in?

What can I substitute for C#sus2?