Also written Gsus4, Gsus or G Suspended
contains G, C, D. G suspended 4th is a beginner shape with one open string and a compact three-fret reach.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
G suspended 4th is built 1, 4, 5 from G: G, C, D. The perfect 4th from G to C replaces the major 3rd, so the chord has no leading tone and no tritone. Compare G major, which uses B instead of C.
G suspended 4th works as a passing chord in G major, often between G major and C major in the I–IV–V–I progression (G–C–D–G). It suits folk and pop strumming where the open G string adds brightness. Try it before G major or C major.
The default voicing at 0-2-3-3 puts D in the bass, giving a suspended feel. The 5-2-3-3 shape moves D to the bass but higher on the neck. Use the 12-12-10-10 voicing when you need C in the bass for a different inversion.
G suspended 4th is played in open position as 0 2 3 3: index finger on the C string at fret 2, middle finger on the E string at fret 3 and ring finger on the A string at fret 3. The G string rings open.
Tip — The hardest part is fretting the E and A strings at fret 3 without touching the open G string.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (1) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 1 | D (5) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (1) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 3 | C (4) |
G suspended 4th is played at the 2nd fret as 5 2 3 3: pinky finger on the G string at fret 5, index finger on the C string at fret 2, middle finger on the E string at fret 3 and ring finger on the A string at fret 3.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5 | 4 | C (4) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 1 | D (5) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (1) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 3 | C (4) |
G suspended 4th is played at the 10th fret as 12 12 10 10: barre your index finger across fret 10, middle finger on the G string at fret 12 and ring finger on the C string at fret 12.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 12 | 2 | G (1) |
| 3 (C) | 12 | 3 | C (4) |
| 2 (E) | 10 | 1 (barre) | D (5) |
| 1 (A) | 10 | 1 (barre) | G (1) |
G suspended 4th is played at the 7th fret as 7 7 8 ×: index finger on the G string at fret 7, middle finger on the C string at fret 7 and ring finger on the E string at fret 8. The A string stays muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7 | 1 | D (5) |
| 3 (C) | 7 | 2 | G (1) |
| 2 (E) | 8 | 3 | C (4) |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
G suspended 4th is played in open position as 5 0 3 5: middle finger on the G string at fret 5, index finger on the E string at fret 3 and ring finger on the A string at fret 5. The C string rings open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5 | 2 | C (4) |
| 3 (C) | open | — | C (4) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 1 | G (1) |
| 1 (A) | 5 | 3 | D (5) |
G suspended 4th is written Gsus or Gsus4.
G suspended 4th raises the 3rd to C, while G suspended 2nd lowers it to A. Both omit the major 3rd, but the 4th creates a stronger pull toward the 3rd.
G suspended 4th can replace G major briefly to delay resolution. It works best when the next chord is G major or C major.