C♯ Suspended 2nd Chord (C#sus2, Dbsus2) on Piano
The C#sus2 chord (C# suspended 2nd) is built from 3 notes: C# – D# – G#. It is also written as Dbsus2.
Play these notes on a MIDI keyboard, your computer keyboard, or the on-screen keys and ChordKeys will name the chord back to you.
Notes and intervals
| Note | Degree | Interval from C# | Semitones |
|---|---|---|---|
| C# | 1 | root | 0 |
| D# | 2 | major 2nd | 2 |
| G# | 5 | perfect 5th | 7 |
Inversions
Rearranging which note sits at the bottom gives you 3 playable voicings of the same chord. Inversions let you move between chords with less hand movement.
| Voicing | Notes | Bass note |
|---|---|---|
| Root position | C# – D# – G# | C# in the bass |
| 1st inversion | D# – G# – C# | D# in the bass |
| 2nd inversion | G# – C# – D# | G# in the bass |
How the suspended 2nd chord is built
Every suspended 2nd chord uses the same interval formula: 1 (0 semitones), 2 (2 semitones), 5 (7 semitones). Starting on C# and applying that formula produces C#, D#, G#. Learn the formula once and you can build a suspended 2nd chord on any of the twelve roots.
Keys that contain C#sus2
Every note of C#sus2 belongs to these keys, so it will sit naturally in a progression written in any of them.
Other chords on C#
Suspended 2nd chords on other roots
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in a C#sus2 chord?
A C#sus2 chord contains the notes C#, D#, G#. Those are the 1, 2, 5 degrees measured from the root note C#.
How do you play C#sus2 on piano?
Place your thumb on C#, then add D# and G# above it. With a right hand in root position the common fingering is 1–3–5.
Is C#sus2 the same as Dbsus2?
Yes. C#sus2 and Dbsus2 are enharmonic equivalents — they sound identical and use the same piano keys. Which spelling you use depends on the key you are playing in.