How to play the Ebsus2 chord on guitar

The Ebsus2 chord, pronounced "E flat suspended second," is a unique guitar voicing that adds a dreamy, open sound to progressions. Notable for its use of the second scale degree instead of the third, this chord is often found in genres like folk, indie, and alternative rock. With its ability to create an ethereal atmosphere, the Ebsus2 is a favorite among songwriters seeking to evoke emotion.

The Ebsus2 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 6th fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a Ebsus2 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger on the 6th fret of the 1st (high E), 2nd (B), 3rd (G), 4th (D), and 5th (A) strings, forming a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

Strum all six strings down in one smooth motion, making sure each string rings out clearly.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Ebsus2 chord, try this:

1. Place your index finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.
2. Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Play only these two strings together.

This simplified version requires just two fingers and two strings.

Playing the Ebsus2 chord as a barre chord can be useful when you need a fuller, richer sound or want to transition smoothly between chords in a progression.

Here's how to play an Ebsus2 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 6th fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your ring finger on the 8th fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 8th fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Strum all six strings from low to high.

The Ebsus2 chord adds a dreamy and floating feel to chord progressions, often used in genres like indie, folk, and alternative rock to create an ethereal atmosphere. Some common Ebsus2 chord progressions include:

• I - Isus2 - IV - V (Eb - Ebsus2 - Ab - Bb)
• vi - IV - I - Isus2 (Cm - Ab - Eb - Ebsus2)
• I - vi - Isus2 - V (Eb - Cm - Ebsus2 - Bb)
• Isus2 - vi - IV - V (Ebsus2 - Cm - Ab - Bb)
• I - Isus2 - iii - vi (Eb - Ebsus2 - Gm - Cm)

To master the Ebsus2 chord, try playing the individual notes (Eb, F, Bb) one at a time, focusing on clean execution and tone. Once comfortable, practice transitioning between each note in a fluid motion.

Another effective drill is to play the Ebsus2 chord in various rhythmic patterns, such as quarter notes, eighth notes, or even syncopated rhythms. This will help develop muscle memory and make the chord feel more natural to play in different musical contexts.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Ebsus2 chord.

1. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (Am, C, D, F, G, Am7, Dsus4, Fsus2, A7sus4, Fm)
2. Blackbird by The Beatles (G, A, B7, C, D, E, F, A7, Am, Eb, Bbm)
3. Nothing Else Matters by Metallica (Em, Dsus2, Cadd9, Asus2, Am)
4. Fast Car by Tracy Chapman (C, G, Em, D, Am)
5. Iris by Goo Goo Dolls (D, Dsus2, Cadd9, G, A, Asus2)
6. Red House by Jimi Hendrix (Bb7, C7, G7, Eb7, F7, D7, Cm7, Gm7)
7. Dear Prudence by The Beatles (D, Dsus4, G, A, Asus4, C, Csus2)
8. Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles (D, G, A, Bm, Fm, C)
9. The Scientist by Coldplay (F, Fsus2, Dm, Bb, C, Csus2, Am)
10. Under The Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers (D, Dsus2, Bm, F#m, G, A, Gm)