The G Suspended 2nd chord is a three-note chord made up of G, A, and D. It is built from a root, major second, and perfect fifth.
Construction
G Suspended 2nd = Root + Major 2nd + Perfect 5th = G · A · D
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| G | Root | 1 |
| A | Major 2nd | 2 |
| D | Perfect 5th | 5 |
G Suspended 2nd Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | G – A – D |
| 1st Inversion | A – D – G |
| 2nd Inversion | D – G – A |
Key Signature
A Suspended 2nd chord is built from symmetrical or ambiguous intervals, so it doesn’t belong to a single key and has no key signature of its own.
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes G – A – D aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
G Suspended 2nd — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the G Suspended 2nd chord on piano?
The G Suspended 2nd chord contains the notes G – A – D. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the G Suspended 2nd chord?
The G Suspended 2nd chord (Gsus2) contains: G (root), A (major 2nd), and D (perfect fifth). The major 2nd replaces the third entirely — there is no major or minor third, giving this chord its open, floating quality.
How does G Suspended 2nd differ from G Major or G Minor?
Both G Major and G Minor have a third (E or Eb for C-based chords). G Suspended 2nd replaces that third with a major 2nd (A). This suspension creates ambiguity — the chord is neither major nor minor and has a bright, airy sound often used for colour and transition.
What does "suspended" mean in music?
"Suspended" means the third has been replaced (suspended) by another note — in this case, the 2nd degree. The suspension creates tension that traditionally resolves back to the third (moving from A to the major or minor third). In pop music, suspended chords often remain unresolved for their pleasant, neutral sound.
How is G Suspended 2nd used in music?
Sus2 chords are widely used in pop, rock, and folk as colour chords that avoid defining major or minor quality. Gsus2 works before or after a G Major chord in the same harmonic context, creating a shimmer effect. It also appears at phrase endings for an open, unresolved feeling.
What songs use suspended 2nd chords?
Suspended chords are everywhere in pop: Every Breath You Take (Police) uses sus chords throughout. Pinball Wizard (The Who) opens with sus4 chords. Somebody That I Used to Know (Gotye) uses sus2 for its characteristically open sound. The floating quality of sus2 chords suits introspective and atmospheric music.
Can I use G Suspended 2nd and G Major together?
Yes — alternating between Gsus2 and G Major is a very common pop technique. The movement G–A–D → G–(major 3rd)–D creates a shimmer with only one note changing. This single-note movement is the basis of many recognisable piano and guitar parts.