Shapes of things… Sus2
A 'passing' chord or a tonality in its own right? Both…
The Pretenders circa 1980, from L-R: Chrissie Hynde, Pete Farndon and James Honeyman Scott © Michael Ochs Archives/Corbis
The chord: Sus2
Used by: The Pretenders
Song: Brass In Pocket
Context: Asus2, as the second chord in the intro - dat, dat, dat, 'daaah' - and verses. Low to high strings: X 0 2 2 0 0
Did you know?
The sus2 (and sus4) are so named because the 3rd in the chord is suspended (not used) in favour of the 2nd (or 4th). It's different to somewhat similar sounding add9 chords because in these the 3rd remains. Often used as a 'passing' chord (as in Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles) or, as in these songs below, as a tonality in its own right
Also spotted in:
The Police's De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da (Opening chord, low to high strings: X 0 2 4 0 X
Don't Dream It's Over by Crowded House (Dsus2 as first chord of verse). Low to high strings: X 5 7 7 5 5
Get the MusicRadar Newsletter
Want all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here.
Foo Fighters' hit single Learn To Fly (Bsus2 as first verse chord). Low to high: X 2 4 4 2 2
"It's a job many of us guitarists and bassists put off – or even avoid entirely – but it's surprising how much of a difference it makes": How to clean your guitar better
"Everything being diatonic is not some sort of requirement or restriction on things sounding good": Fans and music theory experts unpick Nirvana's About a Girl