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G suspended 2nd chord on bass (Gsus2)
Also called or written Gsus2 or G
G suspended 2nd is built from G, A, and D. The open shape with one fretted note is a beginner-friendly voicing.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 5
- Root positionG–A–DGsus23-0-0-0
- First inversionA–D–GGsus2/A5-5-5-7
- Second inversionD–G–AGsus2/D10-12-12-12
How do you play a G suspended 2nd chord on bass?
G suspended 2nd is played in open position as 3 0 0 0: index finger on the E string at fret 3. The A, D and G strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3 | 1 | G (1) |
| 3 (A) | open | — | A (2) |
| 2 (D) | open | — | D (5) |
| 1 (G) | open | — | G (1) |
BeginnerFretting the E string at fret 3 while leaving the A string open requires a clean arch.
Open · A on top
G suspended 2nd is played in open position as 3 0 0 2: middle finger on the E string at fret 3 and index finger on the G string at fret 2. The A and D strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (1) |
| 3 (A) | open | — | A (2) |
| 2 (D) | open | — | D (5) |
| 1 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (2) |
Gsus2/A inversion
G suspended 2nd is played at the 5th fret as 5 5 5 7: barre your index finger across fret 5 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 7.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5 | 1 (barre) | A (2) |
| 3 (A) | 5 | 1 (barre) | D (5) |
| 2 (D) | 5 | 1 (barre) | G (1) |
| 1 (G) | 7 | 4 | D (5) |
Gsus2/D inversion
G suspended 2nd is played at the 10th fret as 10 12 12 12: index finger on the E string at fret 10, middle finger on the A string at fret 12, ring finger on the D string at fret 12 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 12.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10 | 1 | D (5) |
| 3 (A) | 12 | 2 | A (2) |
| 2 (D) | 12 | 3 | D (5) |
| 1 (G) | 12 | 4 | G (1) |
Why it sounds like that
G suspended 2nd uses the formula 1, 2, 5, replacing the third with a major second. The interval between G and A creates the suspended quality. Contrast it with G major, which contains B instead of A.
What goes wrong with G suspended 2nd?
- Letting the index finger flatten and mute the A string.
- Pressing too hard and bending the E string sharp.
When to use it
G suspended 2nd works as a substitute for G major in the I–IV–V–I progression G–C–D–G. It suits folk, rock, and ambient passages where the third is left open.
Changing to and from G suspended 2nd
- Move to G major by fretting the E string at fret 3 and the A string at fret 2.
- Move to C major by fretting the A string at fret 3 and leaving the D and G strings open.
Which voicing to use
The open G suspended 2nd shape puts G in the bass for a grounded sound; the Gsus2/A inversion at fret 5 puts A in the bass for a floating feel.
Other G chords
Common questions
How is G suspended 2nd written?
G suspended 2nd is written as G or Gsus2. The root is G, and there are no alternate symbols or enharmonic names.
What is the difference between G suspended 2nd and G add 9?
G suspended 2nd omits the third entirely, leaving G, A, and D. G add 9 includes the major third B along with the ninth A.
Can G suspended 2nd be played in a higher register?
Yes, the Gsus2/A inversion at fret 5 repeats the shape with A in the bass. The Gsus2/D inversion at fret 10 puts D in the bass.