The Asus2 chord, also known as the A suspended 2nd chord, is a fascinating and versatile chord on the guitar. It’s known for being relatively easy to play, yet possessing a unique sonic character that sets it apart. This distinctive sound comes from its suspended nature, allowing it to often substitute both major and minor chords sharing the same root note, which in this case is A.
The Asus2 can be used in place of a standard A major or A minor chord. While it offers a different flavor compared to these more common chords, the Asus2 provides a refreshing and unexpected twist within chord progressions. Sometimes, traditional chord sequences, even when theoretically sound, might lack a certain something. The Asus2 offers a way to subtly “riff” on a more established chord, tweaking the harmony to potentially fit more seamlessly within a particular song or musical passage. Let’s delve deeper into understanding and playing this intriguing chord.
Getting Your Fingers on the Asus2 Chord
The Asus2 chord doesn’t carry the bright, cheerful vibe of an A major, nor the somber mood of an Am. It occupies a space in between, offering a more ambiguous and reflective tonality.
The most straightforward and popular method for playing the Asus2 chord involves just two fingers. Simply position your index finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (the 4th string). Then, place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (the 3rd string). Strum downwards across the top five strings, starting from the A string. This simple fingering produces a full and resonant Asus2 chord, surprisingly impactful for its ease of play.
- Index finger: 2nd fret of the D (4th) string
- Middle finger: 2nd fret of the G (3rd) string
Decoding the Asus2 Chord: Notes and Theory
The Asus2 chord is built from three fundamental notes:
A, B, and E
The construction of the Asus2 chord adheres to the standard formula for suspended second chords:
- Root Note: The foundation of the chord, which is A in this case.
- 2nd Note of the Root Scale: The second degree of the A major scale, which is B. This “suspended” 2nd replaces the 3rd degree, which is typical in major or minor chords, creating its unique sound.
- 5th Note of the Root Scale: The fifth degree of the A major scale, which is E. This provides stability and reinforces the root.
This specific combination of notes is what gives the Asus2 its characteristic suspended and open sound, distinct from both major and minor tonalities.
The Emotional Landscape of the Asus2: Genre and Song Examples
The Asus2 chord is far from neutral; it makes a statement whenever it appears in music. It doesn’t sound overtly joyful nor distinctly melancholic. Instead, it evokes a sense of reflection, a contemplative mood that can lean towards either positive or negative emotions, depending on the musical context. You can hear this unique quality across various genres in many well-known songs. Listening to these examples and trying out the Asus2 yourself will truly unlock its potential.
Rock Anthems and Asus2
Reflecting the wistful, yet slightly edgy nature of the Asus2, Nickelback’s hit “How You Remind Me” prominently features the chord in its anthem of self-doubt after a failed relationship. The Asus2 here enhances the questioning and introspective mood of the song.
Similarly, The Rolling Stones’ timeless classic “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” utilizes the Asus2 to underscore the poignant mix of reflection and resilience, capturing the struggle to find hope amidst disappointment. The chord adds a layer of depth to the song’s emotional core.
Mr. Mister incorporated the Asus2 chord into their 1985 ballad, “Broken Wings.” In this context, it introduces an unexpected harmonic color to the introspective and yearning feel of the song, making it more emotionally complex.
The Asus2 also finds its place in more upbeat rock tracks. Bad Company’s “Rock n’ Roll Fantasy” and Stone Temple Pilots’ “Interstate Love Song” both showcase the chord within faster tempos. In these songs, the Asus2’s ambiguous tonality, neither fully major nor minor, is used to its full potential, adding a unique flavor to these uptempo tunes and preventing them from sounding too predictable.
Pop Sensibilities with Asus2
Conjure up images of 1980s proms and school dances, and you might recall the sound of The Outfield’s “Your Love”. This quintessential 80s ballad, often heard echoing in gymnasiums, perfectly exemplifies a cheerful yet slightly melancholic pop sound. The Asus2 contributes to this nuanced emotion. Interestingly, its enduring appeal is evidenced by covers from artists as diverse as Wyclef Jean, Katy Perry, and the metalcore band I See Stars. Even The Outfield themselves re-recorded it for a fabric softener commercial, proving its broad appeal.
While 80s pop is often associated with upbeat and bouncy rhythms, Suzanne Vega’s “Luka” uses an acoustic lightness in the music that sharply contrasts with its serious subject matter of child abuse. The Asus2 chord in this song acts as a bridge, musically representing the delicate balance between innocence and its loss, adding a layer of poignant complexity to the song’s narrative.
Country and Folk Infusion of Asus2
Listen for the Asus2 chord in Blake Shelton’s reflective country song “Came Here to Forget,” a song that looks back at heartbreak and forward to new beginnings. The chord is perfectly placed here to capture the feeling of shrugging off regret, moving on, and embracing the present moment, adding a touch of wistful acceptance to the song’s theme.
In the realm of modern folk, Damien Rice’s masterpiece “9 Crimes,” a slow and ethereal duet, uses the Asus2 to intensify its emotional impact. The chord punctuates the sparse instrumentation, leaning into the sadder, more vulnerable end of the Asus2’s versatile sonic spectrum, enhancing the raw emotionality of the song.
Now that you’ve explored the diverse applications of the Asus2 chord and understand its construction, experiment with it in your own playing. Master this easy-to-play yet expressive chord, and unlock new dimensions in your guitar playing and songwriting.
To expand your chord vocabulary further, consider exploring a comprehensive guitar chord library. And if you are looking for structured guitar lessons, you might want to check out platforms like Fender Play (free trial available).
