G#sus2 Suspended 2nd Chord

Replaces the third with a major second. Open, unresolved, modern sound.

G#sus2 Chord — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

The G#sus2 (Suspended 2nd) chord consists of the notes G#, A#, D#. It is constructed from the root note G# using the suspended 2nd interval formula (0–2–7 semitones).

Formula: 0 – 2 – 7
Notes
G# – A# – D#
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 2 – 7
Type
Triad

G#sus2 on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the G#sus2 chord.

R
G# (Root (R))
2
A# (Major 2nd / 9th)
3
D# (Perfect 5th)

G#sus2 on Guitar

The G#sus2 chord uses notes G#, A#, D#. Build a voicing by finding these notes on any strings — root on the 6th string is a common starting point for barre chord shapes.

Interval Analysis

Degree Interval Name Semitones Note in G#
Root Root (R) 0 G#
3rd Major 2nd / 9th 2 A#
5th Perfect 5th 7 D#

About the G# Suspended 2nd Chord

The G#sus2 chord (G# Suspended 2nd) consists of 3 notes: G#, A#, D#. Replaces the third with a major second. Open, unresolved, modern sound.

To build any suspended 2nd chord, apply intervals of 0, 2, 7 semitones above the root. Starting from G#: the notes land on G#, A#, D#.

Playing G#sus2 on Piano

Press G#, A#, D# simultaneously. In root position, G# is lowest. First inversion places A# in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses D# as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using G#sus2

  • I–IV–V: G#sus2 – C#sus2 – D#sus2 (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: G#sus2 – D# – Fm – C# (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: G#sus2 – Fm – C# – D# (50s progression)

The G#sus2 Chord in Context

The G#sus2 (Suspended 2nd) chord features a distinctive replaces the third with a major second. open, unresolved, modern sound. built from the intervals 0–2–7. It provides rich harmonic color and tension across pop, jazz, classical, and contemporary compositions.

Knowledge Base & FAQs

G#sus2 Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

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What notes are in the G#sus2 chord?

The G# Suspended 2nd chord contains: G#, A#, D#.

These notes are derived by applying the suspended 2nd interval formula (0–2–7 semitones) to the root note G#.

What is the G#sus2 chord used for?

Replaces the third with a major second.

Open, unresolved, modern sound. The G#sus2 chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of G# major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.

How do you play G#sus2 on piano?

On piano, play G#, A#, D# simultaneously.

In root position, G# is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has A# lowest, second inversion has D# lowest.

How many notes are in a suspended 2nd chord?

A suspended 2nd chord has 3 notes: G#, A#, D# (in G#).

It is a triad — the most fundamental chord type.

What is the difference between G# major and G# minor?

The G# major chord (G#–C–D#) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound.

The G# minor chord (G#–B–D#) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.

What key does G#sus2 belong to?

G#sus2 naturally serves as the I chord in the key of G# major.

It also appears as IV in the key of D# major, and as V in the key of C# major.

Can I play G#sus2 on ukulele?

Yes.

The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The G#sus2 chord notes (G#, A#, D#) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.

What chords go well with G#sus2?

In the key of G# major, G#sus2 pairs naturally with C# major (IV), D# major (V), and Fm (vi).

The classic I–IV–V (G#sus2–C#–D#) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.

What is a chord inversion of G#sus2?

An inversion places a non-root note in the bass.

G#sus2 root position: G# in bass. First inversion: A# in bass. Second inversion: D# in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.

How do I memorize the notes in a suspended 2nd chord?

Remember the formula: 0–2–7 semitones from root.

For G#sus2: start on G#, add 2 semitones, then 7 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any suspended 2nd chord.