How to play

How to play the C#sus2 chord on guitar

Unlock the magic of "Wonderwall" and "Champagne Supernova" with one simple chord.

The C#sus2 chord

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.

There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common C#sus2 chord. We've also included other versions below.

C#sus2 guitar chord diagram

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Finger placement for C#sus2 chord

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.

C#sus2 guitar chord with finger positions

How to play an easy C#sus2 chord on guitar

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.

How to play a C#sus2 bar chord

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.

Common C#sus2 chord progressions

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)

Drills to master the C#sus2 chord

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.

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Songs that feature the C#sus2 chord

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

How a guitar teacher can help

If you feel stuck in your playing, it might help to take personalized guitar lessons with an expert guitarist. Taking lessons with a pro gives you access to the skills, feedback, and motivation to reach your goals.

You can find expert guitar teachers to support you in the journey. Thousands of people have turned to online guitar lessons on Til, instead of traditional in-person lessons, because Til gives you access to the best teachers in the world from the comfort of home. And with flexible scheduling, secure payments, lesson recordings, and a private chat with your teacher–there’s never been a better way to learn guitar.