G Suspended 4th Guitar Chord (Gsus4)
G suspended 4th is a three-note chord built from G (the root), C (the perfect fourth), and D (the perfect fifth). It sounds open and unresolved on purpose: the fourth wants to fall to the third, and that pull is the whole point. Strum Gsus4 into G major and you will hear one of rock’s favorite moves. Below are 4 ways to play it in standard tuning, easiest shape first.
Gsus4 chord shapes — standard tuning
How to play it
Place your index finger on the B (2nd) string at fret 1, your middle finger on the low E (6th) string at fret 3, your ring finger on the A (5th) string at fret 3, and your pinky finger on the high E (1st) string at fret 3. Let the D (4th) and G (3rd) strings ring open. Strum all six strings.
Once that shape is comfortable, try the other 3 voicings above — same notes, different neck positions and textures.
Notes in this chord
| Symbol | Interval | Note |
|---|---|---|
| R | root | G |
| 4 | perfect fourth | C |
| 5 | perfect fifth | D |
Keep exploring
Other tunings
Open the interactive chord charts to see Gsus4 in open G, drop D, DADGAD, and more tunings.
More G chords
Nearby suspended 4th chords
Gsus4 FAQ
What notes are in Gsus4?
Gsus4 contains G, C, and D — the root (G), the perfect fourth, and the perfect fifth.
Is Gsus4 a barre chord?
Not necessarily. The easiest Gsus4 shape (3-3-0-0-1-3) needs no barre — it uses 4 fingers plus open strings. Barre versions exist too, starting at fret 10, and are handy when you want to move the same grip to other keys.
What is the easiest way to play Gsus4 on guitar?
Start with the open position shape 3-3-0-0-1-3. Place your index finger on the B (2nd) string at fret 1, your middle finger on the low E (6th) string at fret 3, your ring finger on the A (5th) string at fret 3, and your pinky finger on the high E (1st) string at fret 3. Let the D (4th) and G (3rd) strings ring open. Strum all six strings.