G suspended second chord (Gsus2)
The G suspended second chord (Gsus2) is a suspended chord: G, A and D (root, major second and perfect fifth). It has no third, so it is neither major nor minor.
It is the Isus2 in G major and the IVsus2 in D major, and it usually resolves to the major or minor chord on the same root.
Below: voicings, notes on the fretboard, ukulele, piano, inversions and progressions.
How to play G suspended second on guitar
There are 2 guitar voicings.
Frets from the 6th string to the 1st: x = not played, 0 = open string.
- Voicing 1: 3-0-0-0-3-3, open position, with G in the bass (fingers 2-0-0-0-3-4).
- Voicing 2: x-10-12-12-10-10, movable A-shape barre chord at fret 10, with G in the bass.
Notes of the G suspended second chord on the fretboard
G suspended second has 3 notes: G, A and D. This is where they fall on each string, from the nut to the 12th fret (fret number in parentheses):
- String 6 (E): G (3) · A (5) · D (10)
- String 5 (A): A (0) · D (5) · G (10) · A (12)
- String 4 (D): D (0) · G (5) · A (7) · D (12)
- String 3 (G): G (0) · A (2) · D (7) · G (12)
- String 2 (B): D (3) · G (8) · A (10)
- String 1 (E): G (3) · A (5) · D (10)
Formula and intervals of G suspended second
Its formula is 1-2-5; in semitones from the root, 0-2-7.
- G: Root, the note that gives the chord its name
- A: Major second (M2), 2 semitones above G
- D: Perfect fifth (P5), 7 semitones above G
G suspended second on ukulele
- Ukulele (G C E A): 0-2-3-0; it sounds G, D, G and A.
G suspended second on piano
- Keys: G4, A4 and D5.
Inversions of G suspended second
Each inversion puts a different note in the bass.
- Root position: G, A and D, with G in the bass.
- First inversion (Gsus2/A): A, D and G, with A in the bass.
- Second inversion (Gsus2/D): D, G and A, with D in the bass.
Keys that use G suspended second
G suspended second appears in 10 major and minor keys.
| Key | Degree | Function |
|---|---|---|
| G major (1 sharp) | Isus2 | Tonic |
| F major (1 flat) | IIsus2 | Supertonic |
| D major (2 sharps) | IVsus2 | Subdominant |
| C major (no sharps or flats) | Vsus2 | Dominant |
| B♭ major (2 flats) | VIsus2 | Submediant |
| G minor (2 flats) | Isus2 | Tonic |
| E minor (1 sharp) | IIIsus2 | Mediant |
| D minor (1 flat) | IVsus2 | Subdominant |
| B minor (2 sharps) | VIsus2 | Submediant |
| A minor (no sharps or flats) | VIIsus2 | Subtonic |
Progressions with G suspended second
- Sus2 resolution in G major (Isus2–I): Gsus2 – G
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the G suspended second chord?
G, A and D: root, major second and perfect fifth. Its formula is 1-2-5.
Which keys use G suspended second?
Mainly as the Isus2 in G major and the IVsus2 in D major. In total it appears in 10 major and minor keys.
What does “sus” mean in G suspended second?
That the chord is suspended: the third is replaced by another note, leaving G, A and D (root, major second and perfect fifth). Without a third, it can move to either the major or the minor triad on the same root.