G Suspended Second Guitar Chord (Gsus2) | Easy Ways to Play It
Welcome to our tutorial on the G sus2 chord. This chord belongs to the family of suspended chords, which are unique in that they do not contain the third interval. Instead, the G sus2 is composed of the notes G, A, and D. The specific intervals that build this chord are the 1 (Root), 2 (Major Second), and 5 (Perfect Fifth). If you're new to the concept of intervals and how they build up chords, you might find our tutorial on chord construction helpful.
Understanding the fretboard intervals is key to mastering the G sus2 chord. As a refresher, the complete names of the music intervals are as follows: Root (1), Minor Second (b2), Major Second (2), Minor Third (b3), Major Third (3), Perfect Fourth (4), Diminished Fifth (b5), Augmented Fourth (#4), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Sixth (b6), Major Sixth (6), Diminished Seventh (bb7), Minor Seventh (b7), Major Seventh (7), Minor Ninth (b9), Major Ninth (9), Perfect eleventh (11), and Major thirteenth (13). You can dive deeper into this topic with our tutorial on fretboard intervals.
In this tutorial, we will provide you with chord diagrams and fretboard patterns that clearly show the tones composing the G sus2 chord. If you need a more comprehensive understanding of guitar chords of all types, make sure to check out our full tutorial on guitar chords. For those specifically interested in other suspended chords like the G sus2, our tutorial on suspended chords will be of great use.
Mastering the G sus2 chord is a stepping stone to more advanced chords and progressions. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep strumming!
Notes that compose the G sus2 chord:
Formula of the Suspended Second chord:
How To Play The G Suspended Second chord on guitar
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Position 1
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Position 2
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FAQ
What notes are used to build the G sus2 chord?
The G sus2 chord is constructed using three specific notes: G, A, and D. These notes correspond to the root (G), the major second (A), and the perfect fifth (D) of the G scale.
What does 'sus2' signify in the name of the G sus2 chord?
The 'sus2' in G sus2 means that the chord is 'suspended' because the typical third interval (which would be B for G major or Bb for G minor) is replaced by a major second interval (A). This substitution gives the chord a unique, open, and often unresolved quality.
What are the essential intervals that define the G sus2 chord's structure?
The G sus2 chord is fundamentally defined by its interval structure: the 1 (Root), the 2 (Major Second), and the 5 (Perfect Fifth). This specific combination distinguishes it from standard major or minor chords, which include a third interval.
Why is the G sus2 chord categorized as a 'suspended chord'?
The G sus2 chord is considered a 'suspended chord' because it deliberately omits the major or minor third interval, which is usually responsible for defining a chord's quality (major or minor). By replacing the third with a major second, the chord gains a 'suspended' quality, creating a sound that often implies a need for harmonic resolution.