How to play A♭ Suspended 2nd on guitar
These shapes are for standard tuning (E A D G B E). The first is the easiest, and the others sit in different positions on the neck. Playing in another tuning? Pick it above the diagrams and the shapes are redrawn for it.
Shape 1: 411144
- Lay your index finger flat across the 3rd to 5th strings at fret 1 (a barre).
- Press the 6th string (E) at fret 4.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 4.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 4.
Shape 2: xx6344 (from fret 3)
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 6.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 3.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 4.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 4.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
Shape 3: xx6896 (from fret 6)
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 6.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 8.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 9.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 6.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the lowest (thickest) to the highest, with x meaning that string is not played and 0 meaning it rings open.
Notes in A♭ Suspended 2nd
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| A♭ | 1 (root) |
| B♭ | 2 |
| E♭ | 5 |
The formula for A♭ Suspended 2nd (sus2) is 1 2 5: take the root, then the scale degrees listed. In the G♯ spelling the notes are G♯ A♯ D♯.
When to use A♭sus2
Suspended 2nd chords have no third, so they sound open and unresolved, neither major nor minor. They are popular in pop and rock for a modern, airy sound.
Other A♭ chords
A♭, G♯m, A♭7, A♭maj7, G♯m7, A♭sus4, G♯°, A♭+, A♭add9, A♭6, G♯ø7
Other suspended 2nd chords on guitar
Csus2, D♭sus2, Dsus2, E♭sus2, Esus2, Fsus2, F♯sus2, Gsus2, Asus2, B♭sus2, Bsus2
Frequently asked questions
How do you play A♭ Suspended 2nd on guitar?
The easiest A♭sus2 shape on guitar is 411144 (Lay your index finger flat across the 3rd to 5th strings at fret 1 (a barre). Press the 6th string (E) at fret 4. Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 4. Press the 1st string (e) at fret 4.)
What notes are in A♭ Suspended 2nd?
A♭ Suspended 2nd (A♭sus2) contains the notes A♭ B♭ E♭. The formula is 1 2 5.
Is A♭ the same as G♯?
Yes. A♭ and G♯ are two names for the same pitch, so A♭ Suspended 2nd and G♯ Suspended 2nd sound identical and use the same guitar shapes. Written as G♯sus2 the notes are spelled G♯ A♯ D♯.
How many guitar shapes are there for A♭sus2?
There are many. This page shows 3 common ones at different positions, easiest first. Moving a barre shape up the neck gives the same chord type on other roots.
See A♭ Suspended 2nd on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.