G7sus guitar chord in detail

G7sus is similar to a G7 chord except the major third is replaced by the perfect 4th, and therefore does not contain the tritone B-F that exists in C major. However, it still has a strong tendency to resolve to C major because it has the “F” of the tritone. C major is one of the major scales that build a G7sus chord.

Here are the intervals and notes in the chord:

G7sus chord tones: G-C-D-F
G7sus intervals: Root, perfect 4th, perfect 5th, minor 7th = R-P4-P5-m7 = 1-4-5-♭7

It resolves best to C major but also to G, Gm or back a whole step to F. You can also use it before a G7 chord or in place of a m7 chord in a ii-V-I progression. For example, try substituting a Dm7 with a G7sus since there is only one note different between those 2 chords.

Similar to the G7sus chord are the chords G9sus & G13sus. They resolve the same as G7sus. Here are those chords in detail:

G9sus chord tones: G-C-D-F-A
G9sus intervals: R-P4-P5-m7-M2 = 1-4-5-♭7-9
Equivalent chords: G9sus = Dm11 = F6 add9

G13sus chord tones: G-C-D-F-E
G13sus intervals: R-P4-P5-m7-M6 = 1-4-5-♭7-13
Equivalent chord: G13sus = C add9/11

Scales that build a G7sus chord

The 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th scale degrees of the major scale all build 7sus chords. For the note G that would be:

1. F major: G is the 2nd scale degree or Dorian mode
2. E♭ major: G is the 3rd scale degree or the Phrygian mode
3. C major: G is the 5th scale degree or the Mixolydian mode
4. B♭ major: G is the 6th scale degree or the Aeolian mode/Natural minor.

You can also build a G7sus chord from the harmonic and melodic minor scales. The 5th scale degree from both scales builds a 7sus chord but so does the 2nd scale degree of the melodic minor scale.

1. C harmonic minor: G is the 5th scale degree or the Phrygian Dominant mode
2. F melodic minor: G is the 2nd scale degree or the Dorian b2/Phrygian M6 mode
3. C melodic minor: G is the 5th scale degree or the Mixolydian b6 mode.

Open G7sus guitar chords

I have 4 open G7sus guitar chords, 5 G13sus chords but only 2 G9sus chords. Check the Beatles songs’ Come Together for an example of a G7sus and The Long and Winding Road for a G9sus.  I don’t have any examples of a 13sus chord.

 

 

 

Favorite voicings

G7sus: Take your pick because they all sound great.
G9sus: #2 sounds great but I don’t like #1, and of course, you have to use your thumb.
G13sus: I think #’s 1 and 5 sound the best.

Final Thoughts

Add some variety into your songwriting and replace a G7 or Gm7 with a G7sus chord. Also, try the G9sus and G13sus chords to really impress your guitar friends. As with all suspended chords, remember that they are accent chords and rarely last more than one measure. As you work the chords into songs you’ll get a feel for how to use them.

If you like these suspended chords, then take a look at the following two articles of mine:

34 Suspended Chords In The Key Of C Major
Suspended Chords: Dominant 7 Sus4 Chords (C Major Scale)

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