G9sus4: guitar chord voicings, inversions, scales and arpeggios

G9sus4 (9sus4) is an interactive GuitarArcanum page with chord formula, intervals, voicings, inversions, triads, pentatonic patterns, scales and arpeggios on the fretboard.

Chord formula

Interval formula: 1 4 5 b7 9. A dominant with the 4th in place of the 3rd and a 9th added — an open, floating sound with no bite, since there's no 3rd.

Chord tones

The 4th replaces the 3rd, so there's no tritone and the chord sounds soft and open. The b7 and 9th give it jazz fullness.

Sound character

Open, floating and unresolved — the sound of fusion and modal jazz, like 'Maiden Voyage' and early Herbie Hancock.

Harmonic function

A soft dominant, or a stable chord in its own right. With no 3rd the pull is weaker, so it often just hangs.

Typical progressions

D9sus4 → C
G9sus4 (modal vamp)
D9sus4 – D9 (releasing the suspension)

Guitar voicing advice

An easy shape is a Bb triad over a C bass (Bb/C). With the root on the 5th string, stack 4 – b7 – 9 on top.

Compatible scales for G9sus4

Other chord qualities on the G root

Compare this chord with other qualities sharing the same root.