C#sus2 Piano Chord

Piano Diagram of C#sus2 in Root Position

The C#sus2 chord consists of three notes: C#, D#, and G#. 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 C#sus2 chord on a piano, simply replace the third note of a C# major chord (E#) with the major second (D#). Keep reading to get a better grip on the music theory behind this chord.

 

 

Fingers Position

 

C#sus2 Chord Inversions

 

The C#sus2 chord has a total of 2 inversions:

 Piano Keyboard Diagrams

 

C#sus2 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 C#sus2 = G#sus4

For instance, if we take the C#sus2 chord with the notes C#, D#, and G# and rearrange them so that G# becomes the root note, we end up with a G#sus4 chord with the notes G#, C#, and D#. Therefore, the 2nd inversion of C#sus2 is equivalent to G#sus4.

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Music Theory and Harmony of C#sus2

 

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.

 

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Building the C#sus2 Chord: Different Approaches

Starting from the C# 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 a C#sus2 chord, you can begin with the C# major scale, which includes the notes C#, D#, E#, F#, G#, A#, and B#.

 

 

 

To create a C#sus2 chord, apply the formula R, 2, 5 in the following manner:

1. Begin with the Root note, which is C#.
2. Select the major 2nd interval, which is D#, and add it to the chord.
3. Finally, add the 5th interval, which is G#.

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

 

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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 C#sus2 chord as an example. By examining the intervals between the notes, we can see that C#-D# forms a major 2nd interval (a whole tone), and D#-G# creates a perfect 4th interval.

 

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How to Use C#sus2 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 C# major (including C#7 chords) and C# minor chords in various positions and different harmonic roles.

 

C#sus2 as Substitute of C# Maj Chords

on Major Scales

• Tonic chord in C# Major
• Subdominant chord in Ab Major as Dbsus2
• Dominant chord in F# Major

 

on Natural minor Scales

• Mediant chord in A# minor
• Submediant chord in E# minor as Dbsus2
• Leading tone chord in D# minor

 

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C#sus2 as Substitute of C# min Chords

In the key of A Major and F# minor, the note D# can clash with the natural D or the E that is present in those keys. While this doesn’t prevent you from using the C#sus2 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

• Supertonic chord in B Major
• Non Diatonic Mediant chord in A Major
• Submediant chord in E Major

 

 

on Natural minor Scales

• Tonic chord in C# minor
• Subdominant chord in G# minor
• Non Diatonic Dominant chord in F# minor

 

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C#sus2 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.

 

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C#sus2 in C# Major

The C#sus2 chord can be used along with the C# Maj7 chord (or any other kind of C# major chord) on the first degree to create movement in a chord progression. The C#sus2 chord can suspend the C# Major chord or the subsequent chord.

 

C#sus2 Chord Progressions as I degree

ii V I

I IV V

 

 I V vi IV

 

I IV vi V

 

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C#sus2 in G# Major

Check Dbsus2 in Ab Major

 

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C#sus2 in F# Major

In the key of F# Major, the fifth degree it features a C#7 chord. Adding a C#sus2 chord can create tension and expectation, leading to a resolution on the dominant chord.

 

C#sus2 as V degree – Chord Progressions

ii V I

 

I IV V

 

 I V vi IV

 

I IV vi V

 

 I IV ii V iii vi ii V

 

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C#sus2 in A# Minor

Try experimenting with chord progressions featuring a C# Maj7 on the III degree of the A# minor scale, and try playing a C#sus2 before or after the C# Maj7 to see how it sounds.

 

C#sus2 Chord Progressions as III degree

i III

 

i III VII VI

 

i III iv v

 

i III ii v

 

I iii vi V

 

Circle Progression

 

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C#sus2 in E# Minor

Check Dbsus2 in F minor

 

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C#sus2 in D# Minor

Let’s explore the use of C#sus2 as a leading tone chord in the key of D# minor. As the leading tone chord, C#sus2 can create tension and lead the listener’s ear to the tonic chord, which is D# minor in this case.

 

C#sus2 as VII degree – Chord Progressions

i VI VII

 

i v VI VII

 

i III VII VI

 

Circle Progression

 

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C#sus2 in B Major

In the key of B Major, the supertonic chord is a C# minor. However, we can use a C#sus2 chord as a variation or substitution for the C#m chord to add some tonal color and interest to a chord progression.

 

C#sus2 Chord Progressions as ii degree

ii V I

 

I IV ii V iii vi ii V

 

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C#sus2 in A Major (Non diatonic)

In the key of A Major, the C#sus2 chord can be used as a non-diatonic substitution for the C# minor chord on the III degree, adding a different tonal color to the progression. However, it’s important to be aware that the C#sus2 chord contains a D# that could clash with the natural D or the E present in the A Major scale.

 

C#sus2 Chord Progressions as iii degree

I iii IV V

 

I iii ii V

 

I iii vi IV

 

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C#sus2 in E Major

Let’s explore how the C#sus2 chord can function as a submediant chord in the key of E major. You can try incorporating it into chord progressions that feature a C#m chord on the VI degree.

 

C#sus2 as vi degree – Chord Progressions

I iii vi V

 

I vi ii V

 

I IV ii V iii vi ii V

 

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C#sus2 in C# Minor

When using the C#sus2 chord in the key of C# minor, it can be a variation of the traditional C#m chord. It creates a more ambiguous sound due to its suspended nature, but it can be used to add tension to a chord progression.

 

C#sus2 Chord Progressions as i degree

i VI VII

 

Chromatic modulation

 

i iv VI VII

 

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C#sus2 in G# Minor

In the G# minor key, the IV degree is C# major, which can be replaced or varied by a C#sus2 chord.

 

C#sus2 Chord Progressions as iv degree

iv III VI VII

 

i iv VI v

 

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C#sus2 in F# Minor (Non Diatonic)

As an alternative or substitution for the v degree chord (C# minor) in the key of F# minor, you may use a C#sus2 chord. However, note that the C#sus2 chord is non-diatonic in this key due to the presence of D#, while the F# minor scale includes a natural D and an E. Therefore, it’s generally advisable to avoid using the C#sus2 chord in this context, but don’t hesitate to experiment and see how it sounds to your liking.

 

C#sus2 as v degree – Chord Progressions

i iv VI v

 

i v VI VII

 

i VI v iv

 

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Alternative Names for C#sus2 Chord

• C#sus²
• C#sus⁽²⁾
• C# add2(no3)
• C# add2(omit3)
• C# Suspended 2nd

 

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Conclusion

While the chord progressions and examples in this post offer a comprehensive overview of common uses for the C#sus2 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!