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Asus2 Piano Chord

    Piano Diagram of Asus2 in Root Position

    Asus2 Chord - Root Position - Piano Diagram

    The Asus2 chord consists of three notes: A, B, and E. This chord is known as a suspended second chord, where the third note of the chord is replaced by a major second. To play the Asus2 chord on a piano, simply replace the third note of an A major chord with a major second. Keep reading to get a better grip on the music theory behind this chord.

     

    Structure of Asus2

    Notes
    A, B, E

    Intervals
    R, 2, 5

     

    Fingers Position

     

    Left Hand
    4, 2, 1

    5, 2, 1

    Right Hand
    1, 2, 4

    1, 2, 5

     

    Asus2 Chord Inversions

     

    The Asus2 chord has a total of 2 inversions:

    Root Position: A B E
    1st Inversion: B E A
    2nd Inversion: E A B

     Piano Keyboard Diagrams

     

    Asus2 Chord Equivalencies

    An interesting detail about sus2 chords is that their 2nd inversion results in a sus4 chord. To clarify, when the 5th note of a sus2 chord becomes the root note, it transforms into a sus4 chord.

    2nd Inversion of Asus2 = Esus4

    For instance, if we take the Asus2 chord with the notes A, B, and E and rearrange them so that E becomes the root note, we end up with an Esus4 chord with the notes E, A, and B. Therefore, the 2nd inversion of Asus2 is equivalent to Esus4.

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    Music Theory and Harmony of Asus2

     

    What are Suspended  Chords?

    In suspended chords, the third note is replaced by either a major second or a perfect fourth. The resulting chords are called suspended second (sus2) or suspended fourth (sus4) chords, respectively. These chords create a unique and sometimes unresolved sound that can add tension and interest to a musical composition.

    Suspended chords have a distinctive sound that sets them apart from major and minor chords. They are so-called because they temporarily suspend the listener’s expectation of hearing a major or minor stable chord. Instead, they feature a perfect fourth or major second interval in place of the third. Due to their “neutral nature”, suspended chords can sometimes be used as substitutes for both, major and minor chords.

     

    Building the Asus2 Chord: Different Approaches

    Starting from the A major Scale

    To build a sus2 chord, you can use the major scale as a guide and combine a root note, a major 2nd interval, and a perfect 5th interval. For example, to form an Asus2 chord, you can begin with the A major scale, which includes the notes A, B, C#, D, E, F#, and G#.

     

    A Major Diatonic Scale up to octave

    A Major Scale

     

    A Major Diatonic Scale up to 13th - Keyless Notation

    Keyless notation of A Major scale.

     

    To create an Asus2 chord, apply the formula R, 2, 5 in the following manner:

    1. Begin with the Root note, which is A.
    2. Select the major 2nd interval, which is B, and add it to the chord.
    3. Finally, add the 5th interval, which is E.

    By following this simple formula, you can create a sus2 chord from any major scale.

     

    by Combining Intervals

    One method to create a suspended 2nd chord is by combining two specific intervals – a major 2nd, and a perfect 4th.

    2 + 4 = sus2 Chords

    To illustrate, let’s use the Asus2 chord as an example. By examining the intervals between the notes, we can see that A-B forms a major 2nd interval, and B-E creates a perfect 4th interval.

     

    How to Use Asus2 in a Chord Progression

     

    Suspended second (sus2) chords are neither major nor minor, making them a great option to create tension and suspense before resolving to major and minor chords.

    The tables below show the harmonization of major and relative natural minor scales for keys that include A major (including A7 chords) and A minor chords in various positions and different harmonic roles.

     

    Asus2 as Substitute of A Maj Chords

    on Major Scales

    Major Scales I ii iii IV V vi vii
    A A Maj7 ⇒ Asus2 B min7 C# min7 D Maj7 E Maj7 F# min7 G#m7b5
    E E Maj7 F# min7 G# min7 A Maj7 ⇒ Asus2 B Maj7 C# min7 D#m7b5
    D D Maj7 E min7 F# min7 G Maj7 A7 ⇒ Asus2 B min7 C#m7b5
    • Tonic chord in A Major
    • Subdominant chord in E Major
    • Dominant chord in D Major

     

    on Natural minor Scales

    Minor Scales i ii III iv v VI VII
    F# F# min7 G#m7b5 A Maj7 ⇒ Asus2 B min7 C# min7 D Maj7 E7
    C# C# min7 D#m7b5 E Maj7 F# min7 G# min7 A Maj7 ⇒ Asus2 B7
    B B min7 C#m7b5 D Maj7 E min7 F# min7 G Maj7 A7 ⇒ Asus2
    • Mediant chord in F# Minor
    • Submediant chord in C# Minor
    • Leading tone chord in B minor

     

    Asus2 as Substitute of A min Chords

    In the key of F Major and D minor, the note B can clash with the Bb or the A notes that are part of those keys. While this doesn’t prevent you from using the Asus2 chord in those positions, it’s important to be aware that it can create a strong dissonance with the melody or other elements of the composition.

    on Major Scales

    Major Scales I ii iii IV V vi vii
    G G Maj7 A min7 ⇒ Asus2 B min7 C Maj7 D7 E min7 F#m7b5
    F F Maj7 G min7 A min7 ⇒ Asus2 Bb Maj7 C7 D min7 Em7b5
    C C Maj7 D min7 E min7 F Maj7 G7 A min7 ⇒ Asus2 Bm7b5
    • Supertonic chord in G Major
    • Non Diatonic Mediant chord in F Major
    • Submediant chord in C Major

     

    on Natural minor Scales

    Minor Scales i ii III iv v VI VII
    A A min7 ⇒ Asus2 Bm7b5 C Maj7 D min7 E min7 F Maj7 G7
    E E min7 F#m7b5 G Maj7 A min7 ⇒ Asus2 B min7 C Maj7 D7
    D D min7 Em7b5 F Maj7 G min7 A min7 ⇒ Asus2 Bb Maj7 C7
    • Tonic chord in A minor
    • Subdominant chord in E minor
    • Non Diatonic Dominant chord in D minor

     

    Asus2 Chord Function in Major and Minor Keys

    Understanding Scale Degrees

    When creating chords from a scale, each note in the scale is assigned a degree, which reflects its position in the scale. In the diatonic major scale, there are seven degrees, and each degree has a unique role in the overall harmony of the scale.

    1. The first degree of the scale is called the Tonic, and it serves as the foundation for the scale. It provides a stable tonal center and is often referred to as the “home base” of the music.
    2. The second degree of the scale is called the Supertonic. It’s typically used as a passing note between the tonic and other scale degrees, and it adds a sense of movement to the melody or harmony.
    3. The third degree of the scale is called the Mediant. It’s located halfway between the tonic and dominant notes and helps to establish whether the scale is major or minor.
    4. The fourth degree of the scale is called the Subdominant. It’s often used as a complementary harmony to the dominant and adds a sense of tension and resolution to the music.
    5. The fifth degree of the scale is called the Dominant. It generates tension and a sense of expectation, and it’s typically resolved by returning to the tonic.
    6. The sixth degree of the scale is called the Submediant. It’s often utilized as a transition between the dominant and tonic, and it provides a sense of stability and restfulness to the music.
    7. The seventh degree of the scale is called the Leading tone. It’s located one half step below the tonic and produces a strong sense of tension and a desire to resolve to the tonic. It’s often used to create a sense of resolution and finality in the melody or harmony.

     

    Asus2 in A Major

    The Asus2 chord may not be the best fit in this position, but it can still be used along with the A Maj7 chord (or any other kind of A major chord) to create movement in a chord progression. The Asus2 chord can suspend the A Major chord or the subsequent chord.

    I ii iii IV V vi vii
    A Maj7 B min7 C# min7 D Maj7 E7 F# min7 G#m7b5

     

    Asus2 Chord Progressions as I degree
    ii V I
    ii V I
    B min7 E7 Asus2 | A Maj7
    I IV V
    I IV V
    Asus2 | A Maj7 D Maj7 E7

     

     I V vi IV
    I V vi IV
    Asus2 | A Maj7 E7 F# min7 D Maj7

     

    I IV vi V
    I IV vi V
    Asus2 | A Maj7 D Maj7 F# min7 E7

     

    Asus2 in E Major

    Let’s find out how the Asus2 chord sounds in the E major scale as a substitution or variation of the A Maj7 chord on the IV degree.

    I ii iii IV V vi vii
    E Maj7 F# min7 G# min7 A Maj7 B7 C# min7 D#m7b5

     

    Asus2 Chord Progressions as IV degree
    I IV V
    I IV V
    E Maj7 Asus2 | A Maj7 B7

     

     I V vi IV
    I V vi IV
    E Maj7 B7 C# min7 Asus2 | A Maj7

     

    I IV vi V
    I IV vi V
    E Maj7 Asus2 | A Maj7 C# min7 B7

     

    Asus2 in D Major

    In the key of D Major, the fifth degree features an A7 chord. Adding an Asus2 chord can create tension and expectation, leading to a resolution on the dominant chord.

    I ii iii IV V vi vii
    D Maj7 E min7 F# min7 G Maj7 A7 B min7 C#m7b5

     

    Asus2 as V degree – Chord Progressions
    ii V I
    ii V I
    E min7 Asus2 | A7 D Maj7
    I IV V
    I IV V
    D Maj7 G Maj7 Asus2 | A7

     

     I V vi IV
    I V vi IV
    D Maj7 Asus2 | A7 B min7 G Maj7

     

    I IV vi V
    I IV vi V
    D Maj7 G Maj7 B min7 Asus2 | A7

     

     I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    D Maj7 G Maj7 E min7 Asus2 | A7 F# min7 B min7 E min7 Asus2 | A7

     

    Asus2 in F# Minor

    Try experimenting with chord progressions featuring an AMaj7 on the III degree of the F# minor scale, and try playing an Asus2 before or after the AMaj7 to see how it sounds.

    i ii III iv v VI VII
    F# min7 G#m7b5 A Maj7 B min7 C# min7 D Maj7 E7

     

    Asus2 Chord Progressions as III degree
    i III
    i III
    F# min7 Asus2 | A Maj7

     

    i III VII VI
    i III VII VI
    F# min7 Asus2 | A Maj7 E7 D Maj7

     

    i III iv v
    i III iv v
    F# min7 Asus2 | A Maj7 B min7 C# min7

     

    i III ii v
    i III ii v
    F# min7 Asus2 | A Maj7 G#m7b5 C# min7

     

    I iii vi V
    i III VI iv
    F# min7 Asus2 | A Maj7 D Maj7 B min7

     

    Circle Progression
    i iv VII III VI ii V7 i
    F# min7 B min7 E7 Asus2 | A Maj7 D Maj7 G#m7b5 C#7 F# min7

     

    Asus2 in C# Minor

    In the C# minor key, the VI degree chord is an A major chord. You can use an Asus2 chord as a variation or substitution of this chord. Try using the Asus2 chord before or after the A major chord in your chord progressions to add interest and variation.

    i ii III iv v VI VII
    C# min7 D#m7b5 E Maj7 F# min7 G# min7 A Maj7 B7

     

    Asus2 Chord Progressions as VI degree
    i VI VII
    i VI VII
    C# min7 Asus2 | A Maj7 B7

     

    i v VI VII
    i v VI VII
    C# min7 G# min7 Asus2 | A Maj7 B7

     

    i III VII VI
    i III VII VI
    C# min7 E Maj7 B7 Asus2 | A Maj7

     

    Circle Progression
    i iv VII III VI ii V7 i
    C# min7 F# min7 B7 E Maj7 Asus2 | A Maj7 D#m7b5 G#7 C# min7

     

    Asus2 in B Minor

    Let’s explore the use of Asus2 as a leading tone chord in the key of B minor. As the leading tone chord, Asus2 can create tension and lead the listener’s ear to the tonic chord, which is B minor in this case.

    i ii III iv v VI VII
    B min7 C#m7b5 D Maj7 E min7 F# min7 G Maj7 A7

     

    Asus2 as VII degree – Chord Progressions
    i VI VII
    i V VII
    B min7 F# min7 Asus2 | A7

     

    i v VI VII
    i v VI VII
    B min7 F# min7 G Maj7 Asus2 | A7

     

    i III VII VI
    i III VII VI
    B min7 D Maj7 Asus2 | A7 G Maj7

     

    Circle Progression
    i iv VII III VI ii V7 i
    B min7 E min7 Asus2 | A7 D Maj7 G Maj7 C#m7b5 F#7 B min7

     

    Asus2 in G Major

    In the key of G Major, the supertonic chord is an A minor. However, we can use an Asus2 chord as a variation or substitution for the Am chord to add some tonal color and interest to a chord progression.

    I ii iii IV V vi vii
    G Maj7 A min7 B min7 C Maj7 D7 E min7 F#m7b5

     

    Asus2 Chord Progressions as ii degree
    ii V I
    ii V I
    Asus2 | A min7 D7 G Maj7

     

    I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    G Maj7 C Maj7 Asus2 | A min7 D7 B min7 E min7 Amin7 | Asus2 D7

     

    Asus2 in F Major (Non diatonic)

    In the key of F Major, the Asus2 chord can be used as a non-diatonic substitution for the A minor chord on the III degree, adding a different tonal color to the progression. However, it is important to be aware that the Asus2 chord contains a natural B that could clash with the Bb or the natural C found in the F Major scale.

    I ii iii IV V vi vii
    F Maj7 G min7 A min7 Bb Maj7 C7 D min7 Em7b5

     

    Asus2 Chord Progressions as iii degree
    I iii IV V
    I iii IV V
    F Maj7 Asus2 | A min7 Bb Maj7 C7

     

    I iii ii V
    I iii ii V
    F Maj7 Asus2 | A min7 G min7 C7

     

    I iii vi IV
    I iii vi IV
    F Maj7 Asus2 | A min7 D min7 Bb Maj7

     

    Asus2 in C Major

    Let’s explore how the Asus2 chord can function as a submediant chord in the key of C major. You can try incorporating it into chord progressions that feature an Am chord on the VI degree.

    I ii iii IV V vi vii
    C Maj7 D min7 E min7 F Maj7 G7 A min7 Bm7b5

     

    Asus2 as vi degree – Chord Progressions
    I iii vi V
    I iii vi V
    C Maj7 E min7 Asus2 | A min7 G7

     

    I vi ii V
    I vi ii V
    C Maj7 Asus2 | A min7 D min7 G7

     

    I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    C Maj7 F Maj7 D min7 G7 E min7 Asus2 | A min7 D min7 G7

     

    Asus2 in A Minor

    When using the Asus2 chord in the key of A minor, it can be a variation of the traditional Am chord. It creates a more ambiguous sound due to its suspended nature, but it can be used to add tension to a chord progression.

    i ii III iv v VI VII
    A min7 Bm7b5 C Maj7 D min7 E min7 F Maj7 G7

     

    Asus2 Chord Progressions as i degree
    i VI VII
    i VI VII
    Asus2 | A min7 F Maj7 G7

     

    Chromatic modulation
    i isus2 isus4 i
    A min

    (A, C, E)

    		 Asus2

    (A, B, E)

    		 Asus4

    (A, D, E)

    		 A min

    (A, C, E)

     

    i iv VI VII
    i iv VI VII
    Asus2 D min7 F Maj7 G7

     

    Asus2 in E Minor

    In the E minor key, the IV degree is A major, which can be replaced or varied with an Asus2 chord.

    i ii III iv v VI VII
    E min7 F#m7b5 G Maj7 A min7 B min7 C Maj7 D7

     

    Asus2 Chord Progressions as iv degree
    iv III VI VII
    iv III VI VII
    Asus2 | A min7 G Maj7 C Maj7 D7

     

    i iv VI v
    i iv VI v
    E min7 Asus2 | A min7 C Maj7 B min7

     

    Asus2 in D Minor (Non Diatonic)

    As an alternative or substitution for the v degree chord (A minor chord) in the key of D minor, you may use an Asus2 chord. However, note that the Asus2 chord is non-diatonic in this key due to the presence of a natural B, while the D minor scale includes a B flat and a natural C. Therefore, it’s generally advisable to avoid using the Asus2 chord in this context, but don’t hesitate to experiment and see how it sounds to your liking.

    i ii III iv v VI VII
    D min7 Em7b5 F Maj7 G min7 A min7 Bb Maj7 C7

     

    Asus2 as v degree – Chord Progressions
    i iv VI v
    i iv VI v
    D min7 G min7 Bb Maj7 Asus2 | A min7

     

    i v VI VII
    i v VI VII
    D min7 Asus2 | A min7 Bb Maj7 C7

     

    i VI v iv
    i VI v iv
    D min7 Bb Maj7 Asus2 | A min7 G min7

     

    Alternative Names for Asus2 Chord

    • Asus2
    • Asus(2)
    • A add2(no3)
    • A add2(omit3)
    • A Suspended 2nd

     

    Conclusion

    While the chord progressions and examples in this post offer a comprehensive overview of common uses for the Asus2 chord, space constraints prevent a full exploration of advanced harmony topics. These include chord progressions based on scales, modal interchange, and jazz harmony. However, readers are encouraged to continue their studies to gain a deeper understanding of the harmonic possibilities beyond the basics presented here.

    I hope this post has been informative and helpful in your music theory journey. Keep exploring and creating music, and don’t forget to have some fun along the way!

     

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