Explore chords · Ukulele
G suspended 4th chord on ukulele (Gsus4)
Also called or written Gsus4, Gsus or G Suspended
G suspended 4th is built from G, C, and D. The open voicing uses three fingers and is a common beginner shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, 4, 5
- Root positionG–C–DGsus47-7-8-×
- First inversionC–D–GGsus4/C12-12-10-10
- Second inversionD–G–CGsus4/D0-2-3-3
How do you play a G suspended 4th chord on ukulele?
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.
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) | 3 | 3 | C (4) |
BeginnerFretting the E and A strings at the same fret with different fingers requires a clean arch to avoid muting.
Gsus4/C inversion · 12-12-10-10
G suspended 4th is played at the 10th fret as 12 12 10 10: ring finger on the G string at fret 12, pinky finger on the C string at fret 12, index finger on the E string at fret 10 and middle finger on the A string at fret 10.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 12 | 3 | G (1) |
| 3 (C) | 12 | 4 | C (4) |
| 2 (E) | 10 | 1 | D (5) |
| 1 (A) | 10 | 2 | G (1) |
Gsus4/C inversion · ×-12-10-10
G suspended 4th is played at the 10th fret as × 12 10 10: ring finger on the C string at fret 12, index finger on the E string at fret 10 and middle finger on the A string at fret 10. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 12 | 3 | C (4) |
| 2 (E) | 10 | 1 | D (5) |
| 1 (A) | 10 | 2 | G (1) |
Gsus4/D inversion · fret 2
G suspended 4th is played at the 2nd fret as × 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 stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 1 | D (5) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (1) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 3 | C (4) |
7th fret
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| 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 | — | — |
Why it sounds like that
The formula 1, 4, 5 replaces the third with a perfect fourth, removing major or minor quality. The fourth interval creates the suspended sound. Compare with G major, which has B instead of C.
What goes wrong with G suspended 4th?
- Let the ring finger flatten onto the E string, deadening it.
- Press the middle finger too hard, causing the C string to buzz.
When to use it
G suspended 4th works as a tonic substitute in G major, often in the I–IV–V–I progression: G–C–D–G. It suits folk and acoustic strumming where the open voicing adds brightness. Use it before a G major to create a lift.
Changing to and from G suspended 4th
- Move to G major by lifting the ring finger and placing the middle finger on the E string, fret 2.
Which voicing to use
The open position has G in the bass and is the easiest to grab. The Gsus4/C inversion puts C in the bass for a softer, less grounded sound. The Gsus4/D inversions place D in the bass, adding tension that wants to resolve upward.
Other G chords
Common questions
How is G suspended 4th written?
G suspended 4th is written Gsus or Gsus4. The symbol Gsus4 is the most explicit.
What is the difference between Gsus4 and Gsus2?
Gsus4 replaces the third with a fourth (C), while Gsus2 replaces it with a second (A). Gsus4 has a stronger pull to resolve to the major third.
Can I use G suspended 4th in place of G major?
Yes, but only when the melody does not need the major third. The suspension creates a floating quality that resolves when you return to G major.