Chord reference · triad
Gsus4 chord (G suspended fourth)
The Gsus4 chord contains 3 written tones: G, C, D. Its interval formula is 1–4–5.
Gsus4 chord notes and interval formula
The formula 1–4–5 means the chord is measured from G using the root, perfect fourth, and perfect fifth. In semitone numbers from the root, the pattern is 0–5–7.
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Root | 0 | G |
| 4 | Perfect Fourth | 5 | C |
| 5 | Perfect Fifth | 7 | D |
How to play Gsus4 on piano
Start with the notes in root position from low to high: G – C – D. Right hand 1–3–5; left hand 5–3–1 is a useful starting point, but black-key combinations and melodic movement may make another fingering more comfortable.
For a cleaner accompaniment, place the root in the left hand and play the remaining tones in the right. With extended chords, keep the third and seventh because they identify the chord quality most clearly.
How to play Gsus4 on guitar
Try the shape 3-3-0-0-3-3 in standard tuning, read from low E to high E. The sounding-string details are: E fret 3: G; A fret 3: C; D open: D; G open: G; B fret 3: D; E fret 3: G. Keep every note clear and release pressure from strings marked “x.”
This is one voicing, not the only correct shape. The chord remains Gsus4 whenever the essential pitch classes are present; doubling, omission, and bass-note choice change the voicing rather than the basic chord name.
Gsus4 inversions and slash chords
Inversions keep the same notes but place a different chord tone in the bass. They are useful for smoother bass lines, compact keyboard movement, and alternative guitar voicings.
| Position | Symbol | Notes low to high | Bass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root position | Gsus4 | G – C – D | G |
| 1st inversion | Gsus4/C | C – D – G | C |
| 2nd inversion | Gsus4/D | D – G – C | D |
What Gsus4 sounds like and where it fits
The G suspended fourth chord is suspended and expectant. The fourth replaces the third and usually wants to move down to the major third. It is also common as a stable color in rock, folk, worship, and modal harmony.
Gsus4 compared with similar chords
Small interval changes create different chord names. Use this table to avoid confusing Gsus4 with nearby structures.
| Chord | Quality | Formula | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| G | Major | 1–3–5 | G, B, D |
| Gsus2 | Suspended Second | 1–2–5 | G, A, D |
| G7sus4 | Dominant Seventh Suspended Fourth | 1–4–5–♭7 | G, C, D, F |
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the Gsus4 chord?
The Gsus4 chord contains G, C, D. Its interval formula is 1–4–5.
How do you play Gsus4 on piano?
Play G, C, D together. A practical root-position fingering is right hand 1–3–5; left hand 5–3–1; adjust the fingering to your hand and musical context.
How do you play Gsus4 on guitar?
One compact standard-tuning shape is 3-3-0-0-3-3 from the low E string to the high E string. An “x” means mute that string.
What does the symbol Gsus4 mean?
The root is G. The suffix sus4 identifies a suspended fourth structure with the formula 1–4–5.
How many inversions does Gsus4 have?
A 3-note chord has 3 closed-position arrangements when every chord tone is retained: root position plus 2 inversions. Extended practical voicings may omit notes.