Gbsus2 Piano Chord

Piano Diagram of Gbsus2 in Root Position

The Gbsus2 chord consists of three notes: Gb, Ab, and Db. This chord is known as a suspended second chord, where the third note of the chord is replaced by a major second. To play the Gbsus2 chord on a piano, simply replace the third note of a Gb major chord (Bb) with the major second (Ab). Keep reading to get a better grip on the music theory behind this chord.

 

 

Fingers Position

 

Gbsus2 Chord Inversions

 

The Gbsus2 chord has a total of 2 inversions:

 Piano Keyboard Diagrams

 

Gbsus2 Chord Equivalencies

An interesting detail about sus2 chords is that their 2nd inversion results in a sus4 chord. To clarify, when the 5th note of a sus2 chord becomes the root note, it transforms into a sus4 chord.

2nd Inversion of Gbsus2 = Dbsus4

For instance, if we take the Gbsus2 chord with the notes Gb, Ab, and Db and rearrange them so that Db becomes the root note, we end up with a Dbsus4 chord with the notes Db, Gb, and Ab. Therefore, the 2nd inversion of Gbsus2 is equivalent to Dbsus4.

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Music Theory and Harmony of Gbsus2

 

What are Suspended  Chords?

In suspended chords, the third note is replaced by either a major second or a perfect fourth. The resulting chords are called suspended second (sus2) or suspended fourth (sus4) chords, respectively. These chords create a unique and sometimes unresolved sound that can add tension and interest to a musical composition.

Suspended chords have a distinctive sound that sets them apart from major and minor chords. They are so-called because they temporarily suspend the listener’s expectation of hearing a major or minor stable chord. Instead, they feature a perfect fourth or major second interval in place of the third. Due to their “neutral nature”, suspended chords can sometimes be used as substitutes for both, major and minor chords.

 

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Building the Gbsus2 Chord: Different Approaches

Starting from the Gb major Scale

To build a sus2 chord, you can use the major scale as a guide and combine a root note, a major 2nd interval, and a perfect 5th interval. For example, to form a Gbsus2 chord, you can begin with the Gb major scale, which includes the notes Gb, Ab, Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, and F.

 

 

 

To create a Gbsus2 chord, apply the formula R, 2, 5 in the following manner:

1. Begin with the Root note, which is Gb.
2. Select the major 2nd interval, which is Ab, and add it to the chord.
3. Finally, add the 5th interval, which is Db.

By following this simple formula, you can create a sus2 chord from any major scale.

 

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by Combining Intervals

One method to create a suspended 2nd chord is by combining two specific intervals – a major 2nd, and a perfect 4th.

2 + 4 = sus2 Chords

To illustrate, let’s use the Gbsus2 chord as an example. By examining the intervals between the notes, we can see that Gb-Ab forms a major 2nd interval (a whole tone), and Ab-Db creates a perfect 4th interval.

 

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How to Use Gbsus2 in a Chord Progression

 

Suspended second (sus2) chords are neither major nor minor, making them a great option to create tension and suspense before resolving to major and minor chords.

The tables below show the harmonization of major and relative natural minor scales for keys that include Gb major (including Gb7 chords) and Gb minor chords in various positions and different harmonic roles.

 

Gbsus2 as Substitute of Gb Maj Chords

on Major Scales

• Tonic chord in Gb Major
• Subdominant chord in Db Major
• Dominant chord in B Major as F#sus2

 

on Natural minor Scales

• Mediant chord in Eb minor
• Submediant chord in Bb minor
• Leading tone chord in Ab minor

 

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Gbsus2 as Substitute of Gb min Chords

In the key of D Major and B minor, the note Ab can clash with the G and A notes that are part of those keys. While this doesn’t prevent you from using the Gbsus2 chord in those positions, it’s important to be aware that it can create a strong dissonance with the melody or other elements of the composition.

on Major Scales

• Supertonic chord in E Major as F#sus2
• Non Diatonic Mediant chord in D Major as F#sus2
• Submediant chord in A Major as F#sus2

 

on Natural minor Scales

• Tonic chord in F# minor as F#sus2
• Subdominant chord in C# minor as F#sus2
• Non Diatonic Dominant chord in B minor as F#sus2

 

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Gbsus2 Chord Function in Major and Minor Keys

Understanding Scale Degrees

When creating chords from a scale, each note in the scale is assigned a degree, which reflects its position in the scale. In the diatonic major scale, there are seven degrees, and each degree has a unique role in the overall harmony of the scale.

1. The first degree of the scale is called the Tonic, and it serves as the foundation for the scale. It provides a stable tonal center and is often referred to as the “home base” of the music.
2. The second degree of the scale is called the Supertonic. It’s typically used as a passing note between the tonic and other scale degrees, and it adds a sense of movement to the melody or harmony.
3. The third degree of the scale is called the Mediant. It’s located halfway between the tonic and dominant notes and helps to establish whether the scale is major or minor.
4. The fourth degree of the scale is called the Subdominant. It’s often used as a complementary harmony to the dominant and adds a sense of tension and resolution to the music.
5. The fifth degree of the scale is called the Dominant. It generates tension and a sense of expectation, and it’s typically resolved by returning to the tonic.
6. The sixth degree of the scale is called the Submediant. It’s often utilized as a transition between the dominant and tonic, and it provides a sense of stability and restfulness to the music.
7. The seventh degree of the scale is called the Leading tone. It’s located one half step below the tonic and produces a strong sense of tension and a desire to resolve to the tonic. It’s often used to create a sense of resolution and finality in the melody or harmony.

 

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Gbsus2 in Gb Major

The Gbsus2 chord can be used along with the Gb Maj7 chord (or any other kind of Gb major chord) on the first degree to create movement in a chord progression. The Gbsus2 chord can suspend the Gb Major chord or the subsequent chord.

 

Gbsus2 Chord Progressions as I degree

ii V I

I IV V

 

 I V vi IV

 

I IV vi V

 

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Gbsus2 in Db Major

Let’s find out how the Gbsus2 chord sounds in the Db major scale as a substitution or variation of the Gb Maj7 chord on the IV degree.

 

Gbsus2 Chord Progressions as IV degree

I IV V

 

 I V vi IV

 

I IV vi V

 

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Gbsus2 in Cb Major

Check F# in B Major

 

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Gbsus2 in Eb Minor

Try experimenting with chord progressions featuring a Gb Maj7 on the III degree of the Eb minor scale, and try playing a Gbsus2 before or after the Gb Maj7 to see how it sounds.

 

Gbsus2 Chord Progressions as III degree

i III

 

i III VII VI

 

i III iv v

 

i III ii v

 

I iii vi V

 

Circle Progression

 

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Gbsus2 in Bb Minor

In the key of Bb minor, the VI degree chord is a Gb major chord. You can use a Gbsus2 chord as a variation or substitution of this chord. Try using the Gbsus2 chord before or after the Gb major chord in your chord progressions to add interest and variation.

 

Gbsus2 Chord Progressions as VI degree

i VI VII

 

i v VI VII

 

i III VII VI

 

Circle Progression

 

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Gbsus2 in Ab Minor

Let’s explore the use of Gbsus2 as a leading tone chord in the key of Ab minor. As the leading tone chord, Gbsus2 can create tension and lead the listener’s ear to the tonic chord, which is Ab minor in this case.

 

Gbsus2 as VII degree – Chord Progressions

i VI VII

 

i v VI VII

 

i III VII VI

 

Circle Progression

 

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Gbsus2 in Fb Major

Check F#sus2 in E Major

 

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Gbsus2 in Ebb Major (Non diatonic)

Check F#sus2 in D Major

 

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Gbsus2 in Bbb Major

Check F#sus2 in A Major

 

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Gbsus2 in Gb Minor

Check F#sus2 in F# minor

 

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Gbsus2 in Db Minor

Check F#sus2 in C# minor

 

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Gbsus2 in Cb Minor (Non Diatonic)

Check F#sus2 in B minor

 

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Alternative Names for Gbsus2 Chord

• Gbsus²
• Gbsus⁽²⁾
• Gb add2(no3)
• Gb add2(omit3)
• Gb Suspended 2nd

 

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Conclusion

While the chord progressions and examples in this post offer a comprehensive overview of common uses for the Gbsus2 chord, space constraints prevent a full exploration of advanced harmony topics. These include chord progressions based on scales, modal interchange, and jazz harmony. However, readers are encouraged to continue their studies to gain a deeper understanding of the harmonic possibilities beyond the basics presented here.

I hope this post has been informative and helpful in your music theory journey. Keep exploring and creating music, and don’t forget to have some fun along the way!