G sus4 (Gsus4) chord on piano

Sus4 chord (a perfect fourth instead of the third) on G: the notes of the Gsus4 chord are G – C – D.

Root position: G4 – C5 – D5

What the Gsus4 chord sounds like

In a sus4 chord a perfect fourth replaces the third. The fourth is 'suspended' and usually resolves down to the third (sus4 → major), a classic move at cadences.

Notes of the Gsus4 chord

Degree	Note	Interval from the root
1	G	root
4	C	perfect fourth (5 semitones)
5	D	perfect fifth (7 semitones)

Root position and inversions

An inversion uses the same notes, with a different note at the bottom. When you change chords, choosing the nearest inversion keeps your hand almost still.

Root position

G4 – C5 – D5

1st inversion

C5 – D5 – G5

2nd inversion

D5 – G5 – C6

Which keys is it in?

The Gsus4 chord is built from the notes of these keys (for minor keys, both the natural and the harmonic minor are considered):

G major: Isus4 (tonic)
G minor: Isus4 (tonic)
C major: Vsus4 (dominant)
C minor: Vsus4 (dominant)
D minor: IVsus4 (subdominant)
E♭ major: IIIsus4
B♭ major: VIsus4
F major: IIsus4
A minor: VIIsus4
E minor: IIIsus4

Similar chords and substitutes

If Gsus4 is too hard, or you want a different colour in the same spot, these chords are worth a try.

Substitutes (by function)

G – resolves the suspension to major
Gm – or to minor

Same notes

Csus2 – the same notes with a different root

Richer versions

G7sus4 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
G11 – the same chord plus 3 colour notes

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the Gsus4 chord?

G, C, D. The root is G; the intervals of the other notes from the root: perfect fourth, perfect fifth.

How do I play the Gsus4 chord on piano?

In root position, the right hand usually plays with fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb, middle finger, little finger); four-note chords with fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5. The left hand mirrors this: 5, 3, 1. In an inversion the top or bottom note moves to the other side, so your hand moves less when you change chords.

How is the Gsus4 chord written?

The chord symbol is Gsus4, and its full name is G sus4.