How to play E Suspended 2nd on ukulele
These shapes are for standard GCEA tuning. 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: 4422
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 2nd strings at fret 2 (a barre).
- Press the 4th string (G) at fret 4.
- Press the 3rd string (C) at fret 4.
Shape 2: 9677 (from fret 6)
- Press the 4th string (G) at fret 9.
- Press the 3rd string (C) at fret 6.
- Press the 2nd string (E) at fret 7.
- Press the 1st string (A) at fret 7.
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the string nearest your face to the highest, with x meaning that string is not played and 0 meaning it rings open.
Notes in E Suspended 2nd
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| E | 1 (root) |
| F♯ | 2 |
| B | 5 |
The formula for E Suspended 2nd (sus2) is 1 2 5: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use Esus2
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 E chords
E, Em, E7, Emaj7, Em7, Esus4, E°, E+, Eadd9, E6, Eø7
Other suspended 2nd chords on ukulele
Csus2, D♭sus2, Dsus2, E♭sus2, Fsus2, F♯sus2, Gsus2, A♭sus2, Asus2, B♭sus2, Bsus2
Frequently asked questions
How do you play E Suspended 2nd on ukulele?
The easiest Esus2 shape on ukulele is 4422 (Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 2nd strings at fret 2 (a barre). Press the 4th string (G) at fret 4. Press the 3rd string (C) at fret 4.)
What notes are in E Suspended 2nd?
E Suspended 2nd (Esus2) contains the notes E F♯ B. The formula is 1 2 5.
How many ukulele shapes are there for Esus2?
There are many. This page shows 2 common ones at different positions, easiest first. Moving a barre shape up the neck gives the same chord type on other roots.
See E Suspended 2nd on guitar, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full ukulele chord library.