G suspended fourth chord (Gsus4)
The G suspended fourth chord (Gsus4) is a suspended chord: G, C and D (root, perfect fourth and perfect fifth). It has no third, so it is neither major nor minor.
It is the Isus4 in G major and the Vsus4 in C 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 fourth on guitar
There are 3 guitar voicings.
Frets from the 6th string to the 1st: x = not played, 0 = open string.
- Voicing 1: 3-3-0-0-1-3, open position, with G in the bass (fingers 2-3-0-0-1-4).
- Voicing 2: 3-5-5-5-3-3, movable E-shape barre chord at fret 3, with G in the bass.
- Voicing 3: x-10-12-12-13-10, movable A-shape barre chord at fret 10, with G in the bass.
Notes of the G suspended fourth chord on the fretboard
G suspended fourth has 3 notes: G, C 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) · C (8) · D (10)
- String 5 (A): C (3) · D (5) · G (10)
- String 4 (D): D (0) · G (5) · C (10) · D (12)
- String 3 (G): G (0) · C (5) · D (7) · G (12)
- String 2 (B): C (1) · D (3) · G (8)
- String 1 (E): G (3) · C (8) · D (10)
Formula and intervals of G suspended fourth
Its formula is 1-4-5; in semitones from the root, 0-5-7.
- G: Root, the note that gives the chord its name
- C: Perfect fourth (P4), 5 semitones above G
- D: Perfect fifth (P5), 7 semitones above G
G suspended fourth on ukulele
- Ukulele (G C E A): 0-2-3-3; it sounds G, D, G and C.
G suspended fourth on piano
- Keys: G4, C5 and D5.
Inversions of G suspended fourth
Each inversion puts a different note in the bass.
- Root position: G, C and D, with G in the bass.
- First inversion (Gsus4/C): C, D and G, with C in the bass.
- Second inversion (Gsus4/D): D, G and C, with D in the bass.
Keys that use G suspended fourth
G suspended fourth appears in 10 major and minor keys.
| Key | Degree | Function |
|---|---|---|
| G major (1 sharp) | Isus4 | Tonic |
| F major (1 flat) | IIsus4 | Supertonic |
| E♭ major (3 flats) | IIIsus4 | Mediant |
| C major (no sharps or flats) | Vsus4 | Dominant |
| B♭ major (2 flats) | VIsus4 | Submediant |
| G minor (2 flats) | Isus4 | Tonic |
| E minor (1 sharp) | IIIsus4 | Mediant |
| D minor (1 flat) | IVsus4 | Subdominant |
| C minor (3 flats) | Vsus4 | Dominant |
| A minor (no sharps or flats) | VIIsus4 | Subtonic |
Progressions with G suspended fourth
- Sus4 resolution in G major (Isus4–I): Gsus4 – G
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the G suspended fourth chord?
G, C and D: root, perfect fourth and perfect fifth. Its formula is 1-4-5.
Which keys use G suspended fourth?
Mainly as the Isus4 in G major and the Vsus4 in C major. In total it appears in 10 major and minor keys.
What does “sus” mean in G suspended fourth?
That the chord is suspended: the third is replaced by another note, leaving G, C and D (root, perfect fourth and perfect fifth). Without a third, it can move to either the major or the minor triad on the same root.