How to play the Absus2 chord on guitar

The Absus2 chord, pronounced "A-flat suspended second", is a unique and intriguing guitar chord. It's formed by playing an Ab major triad and replacing the major third with the second scale degree. This creates a sense of tension and ambiguity, making it a favorite in jazz, funk, and R&B music for adding color and complexity to chord progressions.

The Absus2 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 1st fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a Absus2 chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across all six strings on the 1st fret.
2. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd (B) string.

To strum this chord, start by playing all six strings together in a downward motion. You can then alternate between downstrokes and upstrokes to create a rhythmic pattern.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Absus2 chord, try playing an Ab major chord without the second (sus2) note. Place your first finger on the 4th fret of the low E string, third finger on the 6th fret of the A string, and fourth finger on the 6th fret of the high E string.

I apologize, but there is no standard Absus2 barre chord shape that is widely used or considered the most popular version. The Absus2 chord is an uncommon chord and does not have a commonly recognized barre chord shape.

The Absus2 chord, also known as the suspended 2nd chord, is commonly used to add tension and a sense of anticipation in chord progressions. These progressions often evoke a dreamy, floating, or unresolved emotional feel. Here are some popular Absus2 chord progressions:

• I - Isus2 - IV - V (C - Csus2 - F - G) Used in "Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman and "Wonderwall" by Oasis
• I - Isus2 - iii - IV (C - Csus2 - Em - F) Used in "Daughter" by Pearl Jam
• vi - Isus2 - IV - V (Am - Csus2 - F - G)
• ii - Isus2 - vi - V (Dm - Csus2 - Am - G)
• I - IV - Isus2 - V (C - F - Csus2 - G) Used in "Iris" by The Goo Goo Dolls

To master the Absus2 chord, start by strumming the individual notes (Ab, Bb, and Eb) slowly and cleanly. Focus on each note ringing out clearly before moving on to the next. Once you're comfortable playing the notes separately, practice transitioning between them seamlessly.

Next, try playing the notes together as a chord, concentrating on your timing and rhythm. Strum the chord repeatedly, keeping a steady tempo. Gradually increase your speed while maintaining accuracy. Incorporate the Absus2 chord into simple progressions or songs to develop your muscle memory and familiarity with the chord shape.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Absus2 chord.

1. Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana (F5, Absus2, Bbsus2, Gbsus2)
2. All Along the Watchtower by Bob Dylan (Am, G, F, Absus2)
3. Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers (D, F#, Bm7, G, A, Absus2)
4. Creep by Radiohead (G, B, C, Cm)
5. Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix (E7#9, G#7, Absus2, A7sus4, B7sus4)
6. Behind Blue Eyes by The Who (Em, G, Absus2, Am, C, B7, Em7)
7. Blackbird by The Beatles (G, A7sus4, Absus2, B7sus4, C)
8. Scar Tissue by Red Hot Chili Peppers (Absus2, Bbsus2, Cm7, Absus2/C)
9. My Hero by Foo Fighters (Absus2, Ebsus2, Bbsus2, Db5)
10. The Wind Cries Mary by Jimi Hendrix (Absus2, Bbsus2, Ebmaj7, Dm7)