The Asus2 chord, often referred to as A suspended 2nd, presents a captivating and somewhat ambiguous sound on the guitar. Its beauty lies in its versatility, capable of substituting both major and minor chords rooted in A. This makes the Asus2 a valuable addition to any guitarist’s chord vocabulary, allowing for subtle yet impactful variations in your playing.
While the Asus2 chord shares the root note of A with the standard A major and A minor chords, it offers a distinct sonic flavor. It lacks the bright cheerfulness of an A major or the somber moodiness of an A minor, residing somewhere intriguingly in between. This “suspended” quality introduces a unique color to chord progressions, injecting a sense of anticipation or reflection that can elevate your music beyond typical chord sequences.
Sometimes, traditional chord progressions, while theoretically sound, can feel predictable or lack a certain spark. The Asus2 chord provides a fantastic avenue to “riff” on familiar chord structures. By substituting an A or Am with Asus2, you can subtly reshape the harmonic landscape of a song, potentially discovering a more compelling and nuanced sound that perfectly complements the melody and feel you’re aiming for. Let’s delve deeper into understanding and playing this expressive chord.
Easily Playing the Asus2 Chord on Your Guitar
The most common and beginner-friendly method for playing the Asus2 chord involves a simple two-finger configuration. This accessibility makes it a great chord for guitarists of all levels to learn and incorporate into their playing.
To form the Asus2 chord, begin by placing your index finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (the 4th string from the thickest). Next, position your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (the 3rd string). Ensure your fingers are pressing down just behind the fret to get a clear sound. Finally, strum downwards from the A string (the 5th string), encompassing five strings in total. This straightforward finger placement yields a rich and substantial Asus2 chord, proving that complex sounds can arise from simple techniques.
- Index finger: 2nd fret of the D (4th) string
- Middle finger: 2nd fret of the G (3rd) string
Strum five strings down from the A string to voice the Asus2 chord.
Decoding the Notes Within the Asus2 Chord
The Asus2 chord is constructed from three distinct notes:
A, B, and E
The formation of the Asus2 chord adheres to the standard formula for creating suspended second chords. This formula involves:
- Root Note: The fundamental note of the chord, in this case, A.
- 2nd Note of the Root Scale: The second degree of the A major scale, which is B.
- 5th Note of the Root Scale: The fifth degree of the A major scale, which is E.
This combination of the root, the 2nd, and the 5th, omitting the 3rd, is what gives the suspended chord its characteristic open and unresolved sound, distinct from both major and minor triads.
Exploring Songs That Feature the Asus2 Chord
The Asus2 chord possesses a unique evocative quality. It avoids sounding overtly happy or sad, yet it certainly doesn’t fall into the realm of neutral or bland. Instead, it tends to evoke feelings of contemplation, reflection, and a nuanced emotionality that can lean towards either positive or negative sentiments depending on the musical context. This versatility allows it to appear across diverse genres and within many well-known songs. Listening to examples and then practicing the Asus2 yourself will solidify your understanding of its sonic character and applications.
Asus2 in Rock Music
Reflecting the wistful and subtly angsty nature of the Asus2 chord, Nickelback’s hit “How You Remind Me” strategically uses the chord in this anthem of self-questioning after a relationship ends. The Asus2 enhances the reflective and slightly melancholic mood of the song.
Similarly, the Rolling Stones’ timeless classic, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” incorporates the Asus2 chord to underscore the complex emotions of reflection, pain, and the persistent search for hope amidst disappointment. The chord adds depth to the song’s introspective and philosophical lyrics.
Mr. Mister’s 1985 hit, “Broken Wings,” also features the Asus2, adding an unexpected harmonic edge to this introspective ballad. The chord contributes to the song’s yearning and slightly unresolved emotional landscape.
The Asus2 chord isn’t limited to ballads; it also finds its place in more upbeat rock songs. Bad Company’s “Rock n’ Roll Fantasy” and Stone Temple Pilots’ “Interstate Love Song” both utilize the Asus2 effectively. In these tracks, the chord’s ambiguous tonality – neither strictly major nor minor – is used to its full potential, adding a layer of complexity and interest to these energetic tunes.
Asus2 in Pop Music
Think back to the quintessential 80s prom or school dance. Even if you didn’t experience the era of puffy sleeves and big hair firsthand, The Outfield’s “Your Love” perfectly embodies the cheerful ballads that filled gymnasiums at such events. Since its original 1985 release, this song has been covered by a diverse array of artists, including Wyclef Jean, Katy Perry, and the metalcore/electronica band I See Stars, showcasing its enduring appeal and adaptability. Even The Outfield themselves re-recorded it for a fabric softener commercial, further cementing its ubiquity.
While 80s pop is often associated with upbeat and bouncy rhythms, Suzanne Vega’s “Luka” presents an acoustic buoyancy that subtly contrasts with its somber lyrical content about child abuse. The Asus2 chord in this song acts as a poignant bridge, musically representing the delicate balance between innocence and its loss.
Asus2 in Country Music
Listen for the Asus2 chord in Blake Shelton’s wistful track, “Came Here to Forget,” a song that reflects on a past breakup while hinting at moving forward. The Asus2 works flawlessly in this context, capturing the sentiment of shrugging off regrets and embracing the present moment, even if temporarily.
Asus2 in Folk Music
“9 Crimes,” a modern folk masterpiece by Damien Rice, masterfully employs the Asus2 to intensify the emotional depth of this slow, ethereal duet. The chord punctuates the sparse instrumental arrangement, leaning into the sadder spectrum of the Asus2’s versatile sonic palette, adding to the song’s poignant and melancholic atmosphere.
Now that you’ve explored the diverse applications of the Asus2 chord and understand its construction, experiment with it in your own playing. Mastering this easy-to-play yet expressive chord will undoubtedly enrich your guitar skills and musical vocabulary.
