Esus2 chord - E Suspended Second - guitar chord chart
Welcome to our tutorial on the E sus2 chord, an intriguing member of the suspended chords family. This chord, devoid of the third, is composed of the notes E, F#, and B. The intervals that construct this chord are the Root (1), Major Second (2), and Perfect Fifth (5).
For those who are new to the concept of intervals, these are the distances between the notes that make up a chord. They are fundamental to understanding how chords are built and how they function. If you're interested in delving deeper into this topic, check out our tutorial about fretboard intervals or our tutorial that teaches how to build chords by stacking intervals.
The E sus2 chord, like all suspended chords, has a unique sound due to the absence of the third. This gives it a somewhat ambiguous tonality, neither major nor minor, which can add a fascinating layer to your music. To learn more about suspended chords and how to use them, our tutorial about suspended guitar chords is a must-read.
In this tutorial, we will guide you on how to play the E sus2 chord with the help of chord diagrams and fretboard patterns that show the tones composing the chord. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate player, mastering this chord will expand your musical vocabulary and open up new possibilities for your playing.
Remember, learning chords is not just about memorizing shapes, but understanding how they are constructed and how they function in different musical contexts. For more advanced tutorials, check out our tutorial about more advanced chords.
Ready to dive into the world of the E sus2 chord? Let's get started!
Notes in the E sus2 chord:
Chord Formula:
Esus2 Guitar Chord Voicings
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If you have difficulties with bar chord shapes, check the Bar Chords Tips tutorial.
You can also use this accessible chords page with written diagrams instruction.
Position 1
Barre
Movable
Position 2
Barre
Open
Position 3
Barre
Movable
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FAQ
What defines an E sus2 chord, and what notes make it up?
An E sus2 chord is a type of suspended chord characterized by the absence of a major or minor third. Instead, it features a major second above the root. For the E sus2 chord specifically, it is composed of the notes E (the root), F# (the major second), and B (the perfect fifth).
Why does the E sus2 chord have an 'ambiguous tonality'?
The E sus2 chord's ambiguous tonality comes from the absence of the third. The third is the note that typically determines whether a chord sounds major or minor. Without it, the E sus2 chord doesn't clearly convey either a happy (major) or sad (minor) feeling, resulting in an open, somewhat unresolved sound.
What do the intervals 1, 2, and 5 represent in the E sus2 chord?
In the context of the E sus2 chord, these numbers represent the intervals, or specific distances, from the root note (E). '1' signifies the Root itself (E). '2' stands for the Major Second above the root (F#). '5' denotes the Perfect Fifth above the root (B). Understanding these intervals helps clarify how the chord is built.
How does an E sus2 chord differ from a standard E major or E minor chord?
The key difference is the presence or absence of the third. A standard E major chord includes a G# (major third), and an E minor chord includes a G (minor third). The E sus2 chord replaces this third with an F# (major second), giving it a distinct, more open, and less tonally defined sound compared to the definite major or minor quality.
What is the significance of the missing third in a suspended chord like E sus2?
The missing third is the defining characteristic of a suspended chord. By replacing the major or minor third with a major second (as in sus2) or a perfect fourth (as in sus4), the chord loses its inherent major or minor quality. This creates a unique, often tension-filled or 'suspended' sound that doesn't immediately suggest a clear resolution, adding an interesting color to music.