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G suspended 2nd chord on guitar (Gsus2)
Also called or written Gsus2 or G
G suspended 2nd contains G, A, and D. The open shape is a beginner-friendly grip that uses three fretted notes and three open strings.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 5
- Root positionG–A–DGsus23-0-0-0-3-3
- First inversionA–D–GGsus2/A×-0-0-0-3-3
- Second inversionD–G–AGsus2/D×-×-0-2-3-3
How do you play a G suspended 2nd chord on guitar?
G suspended 2nd is played in open position as 3 0 0 0 3 3: index finger on the low E string at fret 3, middle finger on the B string at fret 3 and ring finger on the high e string at fret 3. The A, D and G strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 3 | 1 | G (1) |
| 5 (A) | open | — | A (2) |
| 4 (D) | open | — | D (5) |
| 3 (G) | open | — | G (1) |
| 2 (B) | 3 | 2 | D (5) |
| 1 (e) | 3 | 3 | G (1) |
BeginnerThe hardest part is fretting the 6th, 2nd, and 1st strings while keeping the open strings clear.
Open · 3-0-0-2-3-3
G suspended 2nd is played in open position as 3 0 0 2 3 3: middle finger on the low E string at fret 3, index finger on the G string at fret 2, ring finger on the B string at fret 3 and pinky finger on the high e string at fret 3. The A and D strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (1) |
| 5 (A) | open | — | A (2) |
| 4 (D) | open | — | D (5) |
| 3 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (2) |
| 2 (B) | 3 | 3 | D (5) |
| 1 (e) | 3 | 4 | G (1) |
10th fret
G suspended 2nd is played at the 10th fret as × 10 12 12 10 10: barre your index finger across fret 10, ring finger on the D string at fret 12 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 12. The low E string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | 10 | 1 (barre) | G (1) |
| 4 (D) | 12 | 3 | D (5) |
| 3 (G) | 12 | 4 | G (1) |
| 2 (B) | 10 | 1 (barre) | A (2) |
| 1 (e) | 10 | 1 (barre) | D (5) |
Gsus2/A inversion · ×-0-0-0-3-3
G suspended 2nd is played in open position as × 0 0 0 3 3: index finger on the B string at fret 3 and middle finger on the high e string at fret 3. The A, D and G strings ring open. The low E string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | open | — | A (2) |
| 4 (D) | open | — | D (5) |
| 3 (G) | open | — | G (1) |
| 2 (B) | 3 | 1 | D (5) |
| 1 (e) | 3 | 2 | G (1) |
Gsus2/A inversion · ×-0-0-2-3-3
G suspended 2nd is played in open position as × 0 0 2 3 3: index finger on the G string at fret 2, middle finger on the B string at fret 3 and ring finger on the high e string at fret 3. The A and D strings ring open. The low E string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | open | — | A (2) |
| 4 (D) | open | — | D (5) |
| 3 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (2) |
| 2 (B) | 3 | 2 | D (5) |
| 1 (e) | 3 | 3 | G (1) |
Why it sounds like that
G suspended 2nd is built from the formula 1, 2, 5. The major second interval between G and A replaces the third, giving the chord its suspended quality. Compare this with G major, which uses B instead of A.
What goes wrong with G suspended 2nd?
- Flattening the index finger so it touches the 5th string and deadens the open A.
- Letting the middle finger touch the 3rd string and deaden the open G.
When to use it
G suspended 2nd works in G major progressions like G–C–D–G, the I–IV–V–I. It also fits the I–V–vi–IV in G major: G–D–E minor–C. Use it in folk, pop, and country when you want a suspended color before resolving to G major.
Changing to and from G suspended 2nd
- Move to G major by lifting the index finger and placing it on the 5th string, 2nd fret.
- Slide the shape down two frets to the 1st fret to reach F suspended 2nd.
Which voicing to use
The open position is the easiest and most common. The 10th fret version is a barre shape with the same voicing higher up. The Gsus2/A inversions put the second in the bass, creating a softer, less grounded sound.
Other G chords
Common questions
How do I write G suspended 2nd?
G suspended 2nd is written as G or Gsus2.
What is the difference between G suspended 2nd and G add 9?
G suspended 2nd omits the third entirely, leaving only G, A, and D. G add 9 includes the major third B along with the ninth A, so it sounds fuller and more resolved.
Can G suspended 2nd be used in place of G minor?
G suspended 2nd has no third, so it is neither major nor minor. It can substitute for G minor in some contexts, but it will sound more open and less dark.