How to Play G7sus on the Guitar

Ah, the G7sus chord—a wonderfully complex and versatile chord that adds a unique flavor to your playing. If you’re a guitarist looking to expand your repertoire, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll unravel the mysteries of the G7sus chord and explore how you can incorporate it into your music.

What is a G7sus Chord, Anyway?

To understand the G7sus chord, let’s break down its components. A G7sus chord is essentially a G7 chord with a suspended fourth. In simpler terms, we’re taking the third note of the chord and replacing it with the fourth. This gives it a suspended, unresolved sound, which can add tension and intrigue to your music.

• G (Root): The foundation of the chord.
• C (Fourth): This replaces the B, which is the third in a standard G7 chord.
• D (Fifth): Completes the major triad.
• F (Seventh): Adds the bluesy feel typical of a seventh chord.

When you play it, the G7sus chord sounds like it’s holding its breath, waiting for something. It creates an expectation, a musical tension that begs for resolution. It’s this quality that makes it such a powerful tool in your guitar-playing arsenal.

Getting Your Fingers in Position

Let’s tackle the physical aspect of playing the G7sus chord. If you’re familiar with basic chord shapes, you’re already on the right track. The G7sus is a slight variation, and once you get the hang of it, it will feel as natural as any other chord.

• Index Finger: Place it on the first fret of the B string (C note).
• Middle Finger: Hold the third fret on the low E string (G note).
• Ring Finger: Press down on the third fret of the A string (C note).
• Pinky Finger: Occupy the third fret of the D string (G note).

Make sure your fingers are arching enough to avoid muting the other strings unintentionally. Strum from the E string down to the D string, allowing the open G string to ring out. This should give you the full, rich sound of the G7sus chord.

Why Use a G7sus Chord?

The G7sus chord isn’t just a pretty sound; it serves specific musical purposes. Its unresolved nature makes it perfect for transitions and creating tension in your compositions. Imagine you’re writing a song that builds up to a climactic point. The G7sus chord can be your go-to for leading into that epic moment.

Moreover, it adds a distinct texture to your playing. Whether you’re working on a ballad or a heavy metal riff, the G7sus chord can provide that unexpected twist that makes your music stand out. It’s like adding a dash of spice to a dish—it elevates the entire flavor profile.

Incorporating G7sus into Metal and Beyond

Now, let’s talk about how you can use the G7sus chord in different musical contexts, especially in metal subgenres. Given its tension and unique sound, it fits well into the dark, dramatic themes often found in metal.

• Metalcore and Deathcore: Use the G7sus in breakdowns to add an unexpected twist. Its unresolved nature can make the transition into a heavy riff feel even more impactful.
• Progressive Metal: Experiment with time signatures and the G7sus chord to create complex, layered compositions. It can serve as the perfect bridge between different sections of a song.
• Black Metal: Incorporate the G7sus chord into atmospheric passages to enhance the eerie and haunting quality of your music.
• Djent: Use the G7sus in conjunction with polyrhythms to create mind-bending grooves that keep the listener guessing.

Even outside of metal, the G7sus chord can find its place in genres like blues, jazz, and rock. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to any guitarist’s toolkit.

Rhythm and Timing: Nailing the Groove

Playing the G7sus chord is one thing, but integrating it into your playing with tight rhythm and timing is another. This is especially crucial in fast-paced genres like metal, where precision is key.

Start by practicing the chord slowly, using a metronome to keep your timing consistent. Focus on clean transitions between chords, ensuring that each note rings out clearly. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.

Once you’ve nailed the timing, experiment with different strumming patterns and picking techniques. Try alternate picking to add a percussive quality to your playing, or use palm muting to create a chugging effect. The G7sus chord can sound vastly different depending on how you approach it rhythmically, so don’t be afraid to explore.

Adding Dynamics and Expression

Dynamics and expression are what make your playing come alive. They add depth and emotion to your music, turning a simple chord progression into a captivating story.

With the G7sus chord, you can experiment with dynamics by varying your attack. Play softly to create a sense of mystery, or strum aggressively to convey urgency. You can also use techniques like hammer-ons and pull-offs to add embellishments and create movement within the chord.

Consider using slides to transition into the G7sus chord from another chord. This can create a smooth, fluid motion that adds to the overall feel of your playing. Remember, it’s not just about playing the right notes—it’s about how you play them.

Creating Tension and Release

The G7sus chord is all about tension, which is why it’s so effective in creating musical drama. But tension is only half of the equation; the release is equally important. Knowing how to resolve the tension in a satisfying way is key to using the G7sus chord effectively.

One way to resolve the tension is by moving from the G7sus to a G7 chord. This simple change can provide a sense of closure, resolving the suspended fourth back to the third. Alternatively, you can resolve to a C major chord, which shares some of the same notes and provides a more harmonious ending.

Experiment with different resolutions to see what feels right for the mood you’re trying to create. Sometimes, the unexpected resolution can be the most satisfying, so don’t hesitate to try something unconventional.

Exploring Variations of the G7sus Chord

Once you’re comfortable with the basic G7sus chord, it’s time to explore some variations. These can add even more depth and color to your music. Here are a few to get you started:

• G7sus2: This variation replaces the fourth with a second. It has a more open, airy sound.
• G7sus4add9: By adding a ninth to the G7sus4, you create a richer, more complex chord.
• G7sus4/E: This inversion uses E as the bass note, giving the chord a different tonal center.

These variations can be used in place of the standard G7sus chord to add variety to your playing. Experiment with them in different musical contexts to see how they change the feel of your music.

Practice Makes Perfect

As with any new skill, practice is key to mastering the G7sus chord. Set aside time each day to work on the chord, focusing on different aspects each session. One day, you might focus on clean transitions, while another day, you might work on dynamics and expression.

Consider recording yourself playing the G7sus chord in different contexts. This can help you identify areas for improvement and track your progress over time. Plus, it’s a great way to share your music with others and get feedback.

Remember, learning guitar is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and keep pushing yourself to improve.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a deep dive into the G7sus chord and how to use it to enhance your guitar playing. Whether you’re playing metal, rock, or any other genre, this chord can add a unique flavor to your music. At Riffhard, we’ve got lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists to help you incorporate techniques like this into your playing. Keep practicing, and most importantly, have fun with it!