A state-space method is proposed to analyze the aerodynamically coupled flutter problems of long-span bridges based on the modal coordinates of structure. The theory about complex modes is applied in this paper. The general governing equation of the system is converted into a complex standard characteristic equation in a state space format, which contains only two variables. The proposed method is a single-parameter searching method about reduced velocity, and it need not choose the participating modes beforehand and has no requirement for the form of structure damping matrix. The information about variations of system characteristics with reduced velocity and wind velocity can be provided. The method is able to find automatically the lowest critical flutter velocity and give relative amplitudes, phases and energy ratios of the participating modes in the flutter motion. Moreover, the flutter analysis of Jiangyin Yangtse suspension bridge with 1385 m main span is performed. The proposed method has proved reliable in its methodology and efficient in its use.