Also 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.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tip — Fretting the E string at fret 3 while leaving the A string open requires a clean arch.
| 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) |
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.
| 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) |
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.
| 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) |
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.
| 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) |
G suspended 2nd is written as G or Gsus2. The root is G, and there are no alternate symbols or enharmonic names.
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.
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.