A phrase in C minor
- Cm
- A♭sus2
- G7
- Cm
Hear A♭sus2 in a tonic–chord–dominant–tonic phrase. Its role depends on its position, not just its quality.
Discover the chord. Understand the music.
Explore notes on guitar or piano, uncover their harmony, and turn your ideas into practice.
Selected:A♭3B♭3E♭4
- Root
- 3rd / sus
- 5th
- 7th
- 6th / extensions
A♭sus2
A♭ suspended second
2 readings
The third is replaced by a major second for an airy, open sound.
- Chord tones
- A♭1 · RootB♭2 · 3rdE♭5 · 5th
- Formula
- 1–2–5
- Root / bass
- A♭ / A♭
- Notes played (low → high)
- A♭3 · B♭3 · E♭4
Other valid readings — choose the root you hear:
A♭sus2 · suspended second
How to Use This Chord
Sound & role
An open sound that can delay the third and its resolution.
Genre examples
Pop
Folk
Rock
Examples of musical settings, not restrictions or claims about how often this chord appears.
Connection & passing potential
No specific chromatic passing use is established by these notes alone. A passing function requires a starting chord, a destination and voice movement.
Diatonic context · example keys
Every chord tone fits these example keys. Other keys may also fit; the chord root is not assumed to be the tonic.
C minor · VIsus2
natural minor
D♭ major · Vsus2
major