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)

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

Alternative Open (x00233)

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

Barre Shape (10th fret)

e|--10---| B|--10---| G|--12---| D|--12---| A|--10---| E|---x---|

Drop D Power

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

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).