Gsus2 chord
Gsus2 is G, A and D: 1–2–5 built on G. Here it is on guitar, piano and ukulele. Tap Play on any of them.
On guitar
3-0-0-2-3-3 · open · medium
- Notes
- G · A · D
- Formula
- 1 · 2 · 5
- First shape
- 3-0-0-2-3-3
Gsus2 on guitar: every shape, finger by finger
On piano
root position · G–A–D · right hand 1-3-5
- Notes
- G · A · D
- Formula
- 1 · 2 · 5
Gsus2 on piano: fingering and inversions
On ukulele
0-2-3-0 · open · easy
- Notes
- G · A · D
- Formula
- 1 · 2 · 5
- First shape
- 0-2-3-0
Where Gsus2 usually goes next
Three changes cover most of what Gsus2 does in songs.
- Gsus2 → G (resolves up to the third)
Guitar: Gsus2 (3-0-0-2-3-3) to G (3-2-0-0-0-3): your middle finger stays put, the index finger goes to the A string, 2nd fret, the ring finger slides across to the high E string at the same fret. The two chords share G and D, which is why the change sounds smooth.
Piano: Gsus2 to G: play G in root position (G–B–D) and G and D stay under the same fingers, while A moves up to B. G - Gsus2 → C (IV in G major)
Guitar: Gsus2 (3-0-0-2-3-3) to C (x-3-2-0-1-0): the index finger goes to the B string, 1st fret, the middle finger goes to the D string, 2nd fret, move the ring finger to the A string, 3rd fret. Everything moves: lift the whole hand and place the new shape in one go. The two chords share G, which is why the change sounds smooth.
Piano: Gsus2 to C: play C in 2nd inversion (G–C–E) and G stays under the same finger, while A moves up to C and D up to E. C - Gsus2 → D (V in G major)
Guitar: Gsus2 (3-0-0-2-3-3) to D (x-x-0-2-3-2): your index and ring fingers stay put, the middle finger goes to the high E string, 2nd fret. An easy one to get up to speed. Listen for A and D, which stay put while the rest moves.
Piano: Gsus2 to D: play D in 1st inversion (F♯–A–D) and A and D stay under the same fingers, while G moves down to F♯. D
Guitar with a capo: capo 5, Dsus2 shape; capo 7, Csus2 shape. Ukulele with a capo: capo 5, Dsus2 shape; capo 7, Csus2 shape.
How Gsus2 is built
Gsus2 replaces the third with the second, so it is neither major nor minor. It sounds open and airy, and it often resolves to G or Gm, or simply rings as a color of its own.
Start on G, count 2 half steps up to A then 5 half steps up to D.
| Note | Role | Half steps | Hear it |
|---|---|---|---|
| G | root | 0 | |
| A | major second | 2 | |
| D | perfect fifth | 7 |
Keys and progressions with Gsus2
No major or natural minor key contains Gsus2 as one of its own chords; it turns up as a passing chord on the way somewhere else.
Chords close to Gsus2
- Gsus2 and G differ by one note: A in Gsus2, B in G. They share G and D. G
- Gsus2 and Gsus4 differ by one note: A in Gsus2, C in Gsus4. They share G and D. Gsus4
Chords that share most of their notes with Gsus2: Dsus4, Gadd9, G9, Csus2, D, Dm.
Every G chord
Gsus2 chord: questions
What notes are in the Gsus2 chord?
G, A and D. Gsus2 is built 1–2–5 from G: A is the major second and D is the perfect fifth.
How do you play Gsus2 on guitar?
The usual shape is 3-0-0-2-3-3 (open). All 3 guitar shapes.
How do you play Gsus2 on piano?
Play G, A and D with right-hand fingers 1-3-5. G sits between the first two black keys of the three. Inversions and left hand.
How do you play Gsus2 on ukulele?
0-2-3-0 in standard GCEA tuning. More ukulele shapes.
What key is Gsus2 in?
No major or natural minor key contains Gsus2 as one of its own chords; it turns up as a passing chord on the way somewhere else.
What's the difference between Gsus2 and G?
Gsus2 and G differ by one note: A in Gsus2, B in G. They share G and D.
Every diagram on this page is generated from the notes G, A and D and checked automatically so the sound matches the drawing. Updated September 2026.