Explore chords · Ukulele
G suspended 2nd chord on ukulele (Gsus2)
Also called or written Gsus2 or G
G suspended 2nd contains G, A, and D. The open shape uses all four strings and is one of the easiest suspended chords on ukulele.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 5
How do you play a G suspended 2nd chord on ukulele?
G suspended 2nd is played in open position as 0 2 3 0: index finger on the C string at fret 2 and middle finger on the E string at fret 3. The G and A strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (1) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 1 | D (5) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (1) |
| 1 (A) | open | — | A (2) |
BeginnerFretting two strings while keeping the open strings ringing is the hardest part.
5th fret · ×-7-5-5
G suspended 2nd is played at the 5th fret as × 7 5 5: ring finger on the C string at fret 7, index finger on the E string at fret 5 and middle finger on the A string at fret 5. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 7 | 3 | G (1) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 1 | A (2) |
| 1 (A) | 5 | 2 | D (5) |
Gsus2/D inversion · 2-2-3-0
G suspended 2nd is played in open position as 2 2 3 0: index finger on the G string at fret 2, middle finger on the C string at fret 2 and ring finger on the E string at fret 3. The A string rings open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (2) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 2 | D (5) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 3 | G (1) |
| 1 (A) | open | — | A (2) |
5th fret · 7-7-5-5
G suspended 2nd is played at the 5th fret as 7 7 5 5: ring finger on the G string at fret 7, pinky finger on the C string at fret 7, index finger on the E string at fret 5 and middle finger on the A string at fret 5.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7 | 3 | D (5) |
| 3 (C) | 7 | 4 | G (1) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 1 | A (2) |
| 1 (A) | 5 | 2 | D (5) |
Why it sounds like that
G suspended 2nd is built from the formula 1, 2, 5. The major 2nd between G and A replaces the major 3rd of G major, giving it an open, unresolved quality. Compare it with G major to hear the difference.
What goes wrong with G suspended 2nd?
- Pressing the C string too hard and bending it sharp.
- Flattening the middle finger onto the E string and choking the note.
- Accidentally touching the open G or A string and damping the note.
When to use it
G suspended 2nd works as a passing chord in G major progressions like G–C–D–G (I–IV–V–I). It suits folk and pop where the open strings add a bright, ringing quality.
Changing to and from G suspended 2nd
- Move to G major by lifting the middle finger and fretting the E string at the 3rd fret with the ring finger while keeping the index finger on the C string.
Which voicing to use
The open shape keeps G in the bass for a root-position sound. The Gsus2/A inversion at the 2nd fret puts A in the bass and works when the bass line moves stepwise.
Other G chords
Common questions
How does G suspended 2nd differ from G major?
G suspended 2nd replaces the major 3rd (B) with the major 2nd (A). G major has a stable, resolved sound, while G suspended 2nd feels open and unresolved.
Can G suspended 2nd be played with all four strings?
Yes, the open shape uses all four strings. It is a beginner-friendly voicing that rings brightly.
What is the difference between G suspended 2nd and G suspended 4th?
G suspended 2nd uses the 2nd (A), while G suspended 4th uses the 4th (C). Both omit the 3rd, but the suspended 2nd has a tighter, more dissonant sound.