If you’ve seen add 2 chords and sus 2 chords on sheet music when trying to learn a song, but weren’t sure what they were or how they are different, this lesson will clarify things for you. Although these chords have some similarities, they’re not quite the same.
Let’s first look at the music theory which explains these chords and then cover chord examples you can try on guitar!
Skill Builders Roadmap Focus · View Roadmap →
Your goal is to understand the difference between add 2 and sus 2 chords by focusing on what happens to the 3rd. Then play at least one example of each and listen for how removing or keeping the 3rd changes the sound. Use the other chord examples and charts as references.
Add 2 chords vs. Sus 2 chords
Here is the difference between add 2 chords and sus 2 chords:
- Add 2: Adds the 2nd scale degree to a Major triad, so the chord tones are 1, 2, 3, and 5. For example, C add 2 contains C, D, E, and G.
- Sus 2: Replaces the 3rd with the 2nd, so the chord tones are 1, 2, and 5. For example, C sus 2 contains C, D, and G.
Use the examples below as a reference: Choose one or two familiar roots and use those to practice the difference.
Add 2 chord examples
Note that add 2 chords can also be written as 2 chords. For example, C add 2 is the same as C 2.
C add 2 chord
Optional: add the pinky to the 1st string, 3rd fret. This is really useful for transitioning between other basic chords like G.
D add 2 chord
E add 2 chord
F add 2 chord
G add 2 chord
A add 2 chord
B add 2 chord
Easily look up guitar chords with the Essential Guitar Chords Chart!
This chart covers how to play:
- Major chords
- Minor chords
- Major 7 chords
- Minor 7 chords
- Dominant chords
- Half diminished chords
- Diminished chords
- Chords starting on all (12) root notes
- Over 80+ chords!
Chart of all Add 2 chords
| Add 2 chord | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C add 2 chord | C | D | E | G |
| D add 2 chord | D | E | F# | A |
| E add 2 chord | E | F# | G# | B |
| F add 2 chord | F | G | A | C |
| G add 2 chord | G | A | B | D |
| A add 2 chord | A | B | C# | E |
| B add 2 chord | B | C# | D# | F# |
| Db add 2 chord | Db | Eb | F | Ab |
| Eb add 2 chord | Eb | F | G | Bb |
| Gb add 2 chord | Gb | Ab | Bb | Db |
| Ab add 2 chord | Ab | Bb | C | Eb |
| Bb add 2 chord | Bb | C | D | F |
Sus 2 chord examples
C sus 2 chord
D sus 2 chord
Related: 6 ways to play a D sus 2 chord.
E sus 2 chord
Related: 6 ways to play an E sus 2 chord.
F sus 2 chord
G sus 2 chord
Related: 6 ways to play a G sus 2 chord.
A sus 2 chord
Related: 6 ways to play an A sus 2 chord.
B sus 2 chord
Chart of all Sus 2 chords
| Sus 2 chord | 1 | 2 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| C sus 2 chord | C | D | G |
| D sus 2 chord | D | E | A |
| E sus 2 chord | E | F# | B |
| F sus 2 chord | F | G | C |
| G sus 2 chord | G | A | D |
| A sus 2 chord | A | B | E |
| B sus 2 chord | B | C# | F# |
| Db sus 2 chord | Db | Eb | Ab |
| Eb sus 2 chord | Eb | F | Bb |
| Gb sus 2 chord | Gb | Ab | Db |
| Ab sus 2 chord | Ab | Bb | Eb |
| Bb sus 2 chord | Bb | C | F |
Go deeper: The next section explains the relationship between add 2 and add 9 chord names. It’s useful to understand when you encounter these symbols in music,
Add 2 vs add 9 chords
Lastly, it’s worth noting that you will see add 2 and add 9 used interchangeably. 9 refers to the 9th degree (beyond the octave root note), although it is essentially the same note as a 2nd degree. These kinds of references to chord extensions are commonly used in jazz chords. Add 2 and add 9 chords both include the 3rd of the chord and function the same way.
Included in Pro Membership ✨
Wrapping up
The easiest way to remember the difference is to look at the 3rd. An add 2 chord keeps the 3rd and adds the 2nd, giving you the chord tones 1, 2, 3, and 5. A sus 2 chord replaces the 3rd with the 2nd, giving you 1, 2, and 5.
Because the sus 2 chord leaves out the 3rd, it has a more open sound and doesn’t clearly define a Major or minor quality. Add 2 chords keep the 3rd, so they retain the chord’s Major or minor quality while adding a little more color.
Practice one pair of add 2 and sus 2 chords side by side until you can explain what changed and hear that they don’t sound quite the same. Then explore the other chord examples as you need them in songs and progressions.
Before continuing
You’re ready to continue when you can explain that an add 2 chord keeps the 3rd while adding the 2nd, a sus 2 chord replaces the 3rd with the 2nd, and you can play at least one example of each.
Next: Continue in the Skill Builders Roadmap to see where this skill fits and what to practice next.
📘 Get the free Practice Blueprint: Build better habits and make your progress more consistent. Download the free guide →