Open Csus2 chords: 5 shapes you need to know

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With its low C tuning on your sixth string, open Csus2 is a powerful tuning, used to great effect by powerhouse acoustic folk players such as Martin Simpson

Martin Simpson
Martin Simpson uses open Csus2 tuning on tracks such as Buckets of Rain (Image credit: Future / Olly Curtis)

Here is an open tuning that is actually very similar to Gsus4 – and the fresh perspective it offers on the instrument is transformative.

The only difference is that for this tuning we’ll drop the sixth string another tone down to C. It’s quite remarkable how two tunings that share the same notes can be applied in different ways.

Just think how different drop D feels compared to standard tuning on electric guitar and you’ll see what we mean!

1. Csus2

(Image credit: Future)

The low C is deep and full here, and it sounds especially good in when played on a dreadnought or jumbo.

2. Dm11

(Image credit: Future)

This chord is created by simply moving the last shape up two frets. Try other fret positions, too.

3. Gadd11/D

(Image credit: Future)

This shape resembles a standard-tuned powerchord, but it’s a much richer-sounding Gadd11/D chord.

4. Am11

(Image credit: Future)

This chord is easy and sounds great. Keeping the sixth string muted gives a more focused bottom-end.

5. G7sus4

(Image credit: Future)

Sus chords sound great on acoustic – just look at how many tunings are based on them! This 7sus4 shape is no different.

Jon Bishop
Jon Bishop

Jon Bishop is a UK-based guitarist and freelance musician, and a longtime contributor to Guitar Techniques and Total Guitar. He's a graduate of the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford and is touring and recording guitarist for British rock 'n' roll royalty Shakin’ Stevens.