The Gsus chord on guitar is a suspended chord. Gsus can either refer to Gsus 4 or Gsus 2, because suspended chords replace the 3rd of the chord with either the 2nd or 4th scale degree.
Tension and resolution are main concepts in music, and the G sus chord is utilized for just that; It is used to build tension to resolve back to G Major. In this article we will explain the theory behind both Gsus chords and include chord charts for different ways to play them. Read on to learn Gsus on guitar!
Gsus 4 Chord Theory
For the sake of simplicity, I will be explaining both chords separately, beginning with the more popular of the two, Gsus4.
- Gsus 4 contains 3 notes: G C D.
- Gsus 4 is created by replacing the 3rd of the G Major chord with the 4th, or B with C.
- Qualities of Gsus4 are dramatic, unstable, and tension building.
- The main function of the Gsus 4 chord is to create tension, this is because the 4th scale degree has a tendency to resolve downward to 3.
- Gsus4 is almost always played before G Major.
How To Play The Gsus4 Guitar Chord
When practicing these voices, try to resolve C down to B to create a G major chord!
Gsus 4 Open Chord
Just because a chord is in an open position, doesn’t make it easy!
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string.
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 6th string.
- Place your pinky on the 3rd fret of the 1st string.
Gsus 4 Barre Chord
- Place your 1st finger on the 3rd fret of the 6th string and barre.
- Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 5th string.
- Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 4th string.
- Place your pinky on the 6th fret of the 3rd string.
Other Ways To Play Gsus 4
Method 3
- Place your index finger on the 10th fret of the 5th string and barre.
- Place your middle finger on the 12th fret of the 4th string.
- Place your ring finger on the 12th fret of the 3rd string.
- Place your pinky on the 13th fret of the 2nd string.
Method 4
- Place your index finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string and barre.
- Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 4th string.
- Place your pinky on the 6th fret of the 3rd string.
Method 5
- Place your index finger on the 5th fret of the 4th string.
- Place your middle finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd string.
- Place your ring finger on the 8th fret of the 2nd string.
- Place your pinky on the 8th fret of the 1st string.
Method 6
- Place your index finger on the 12th fret of the 4th string and barre.
- Place your middle finger on the 13th fret of the 2nd string.
Gsus 2 Chord Theory
Now that you’ve learned the Gsus 4 chords, it’s time to learn the G sus 2 chords.
- Gsus 2 is made of 3 notes: G A D.
- Gsus 2 is created by replacing the 3rd of the chord with the 2nd. Or B with A.
- Qualities of Gsus 2 are more stable and dreamy.
- The Gsus 2 often resolves upwards to G major, however it is also used independently.
- Gsus 2 can in some cases replace G major.
How To Play The Gsus2 Guitar Chord
Now that you understand the theory behind the Gsus2, we can begin looking at some chord charts.
Gsus2 Open Chord
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string.
- Place your middle on the 3rd finger of the 6th fret.
- Place the ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string.
- Place your pinky 3rd fret on the 1st string.
Gsus 2 Barre Chord
- Place your index finger on the 10th fret of the 5th string and barre.
- Place your ring finger on the 12th fret of the 4th string.
- Place your pinky 12th fret of the 3rd string.
Other Ways To Play Gsus 2
Method 3
- Place your index finger on the 5th fret of the 4th string and barre.
- Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd string.
- Place your pinky on the 8th of the 2nd string.
Method 4
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string.
- Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string.
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string.
- Place your pinky on the 3rd fret of the 4th string.
Method 5
- Place your index finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string and barre.
- Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 2nd string.
- Place your pinky on the 10th fret of the 5th string.
Learn To Play Other Suspended Guitar Chords
| Letter | Suspended Chords |
|---|---|
| A | Asus2, Asus4 |
| B | Bsus2, Bsus4 |
| C | Csus2, Csus4 |
| D | Dsus2, Dsus4 |
| E | Esus2, Esus4 |
| F | Fsus2, Fsus4 |
| G | Gsus2, Gsus4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Gsus4 mean in guitar?
When you see Gsus 4 in tablature, all it means is that instead of playing the traditional G Major Chord (GBD), you play the chord tones, GCD.
What key is Gsus in?
G sus can be included in any of the keys that include the chord tones G C and D in the key signature. For example the Key of C and G.
What is the banned church chord?
A tritone is an interval of an augmented 4th, or a diminished 5th. The tritone was originally banned in many catholic spaces in the medieval ages, however many composers became edgy and used it purposely through their pieces in rebellion of this superstition and the church’s power.
Not only was the tritone’s sound too harsh and daunting to praise god, but it was also notoriously difficult to sing. Neither of the Gsus chords contain a tritone.
Related: A Sus Guitar Chords Made Easy!
Conclusion
Gsus chord may refer to Gsus 4 or Gsus 2. A Gsus 4 chord contains the tones GCD and the Gsus 2 contains the tones GAD.
While both can be used to resolve to G Major, Gsus2 is stable and pleasing enough to be played by itself or even in replacement of G Major.
Because Sus chords are so often used with major chords, when practicing you should try to resolve them to their respective major chords, and get used to hearing the sound of them played in that order. Have fun rockin’ out to Gsus!
Related: Guitar Chord Esus
