Gsus2 Chord

This page dives into the Gsus2 chord for guitar—its voicings, compatible scales and modes, plus where it shines in iconic songs. Gsus2 (G • A • D) delivers that open, suspended vibe perfect for building tension or dreamy atmospheres.

Chord Voicings & Tablature

Common ways to play Gsus2

Open Position (300233)

Alternative Open (x00233)

Barre Shape (10th fret)

Drop D Power

Scales & Modes That Fit Perfectly

Gsus2 avoids the third, so it works beautifully in both major and minor contexts. Here are essential scales with easy open-position ascending tabs.

Major Family Modes

• G Ionian (Major): G A B C D E F# G
  

  e|-----------------------3-5-|
  B|-------------------3-5-----|
  G|---------------2-4---------|
  D|-----------2-4-------------|
  A|-----2-3-5-----------------|
  E|-3-5-----------------------|

• G Dorian: G A Bb C D E F G
  

  e|-----------------------1-3-|
  B|-------------------1-3-----|
  G|---------------0-2---------|
  D|-----------0-2-------------|
  A|-----0-2-3-----------------|
  E|-3-5-----------------------|

• G Mixolydian: G A B C D E F G
  

  e|-------------------------3-5-|
  B|---------------------3-5-----|
  G|-----------------2-4---------|
  D|-----------2-4-5-------------|
  A|-----2-3-5-------------------|
  E|-3-5-------------------------|

Minor Family Modes

• G Aeolian (Natural Minor): G A Bb C D Eb F G
  

  e|---------------------------1-3-|
  B|-----------------------1-3-----|
  G|-----------------0-2-3---------|
  D|-----------0-2-3---------------|
  A|-----0-2-3---------------------|
  E|-3-5---------------------------|

• G Phrygian: G Ab Bb C D Eb F G
  

  e|-----------------------------1-3-|
  B|-------------------------1-3-----|
  G|-------------------0-1-3---------|
  D|-------------0-1-3---------------|
  A|-------0-2-3---------------------|
  E|-1-3-4---------------------------|

• G Locrian: G Ab Bb C Db Eb F G
  

  e|-----------------------------1-3-|
  B|-------------------------1-3-----|
  G|-------------------0-1-3---------|
  D|-------------0-1-3---------------|
  A|-------0-2-3---------------------|
  E|-1-3-4---------------------------|

Pentatonics

• G Major Pentatonic: G A B D E
  

  e|-------------------0-3-|
  B|---------------0-3-----|
  G|-----------0-2---------|
  D|-------0-2-------------|
  A|---2-5-----------------|
  E|-3---------------------|

• A Minor Pentatonic (relative fit): A C D E G
  

  e|---------------0-3-|
  B|-----------1-3-----|
  G|-------0-2---------|
  D|---0-2-------------|
  A|-0-----------------|
  E|-------------------|

Gsus2 in Legendary Songs

The suspended openness makes it a favorite for emotional depth:

• "The Rain Song" by Led Zeppelin – Atmospheric Gsus2 layers.
• "Everlong" by Foo Fighters – Drop D Gsus2 drives the iconic riff.
• "If It Makes You Happy" by Sheryl Crow – Sus2 variations throughout.
• "Pictures of You" by The Cure – Dreamy suspended chords amplify the nostalgia.
• "Homeward Bound" by Simon & Garfunkel – Folk tension with sus chords including Gsus2.
• "Wonderwall" by Oasis – Classic sus2 shapes (easy to adapt to G).