An in-depth study of the fragmentation pathway of guanosine was conducted by using an in-source collision-induced dissociation high-mass accuracy tandem mass spectrometry experiment. The equivalent of MS 4 data, a level of information normally achieved on ion trap instruments, was obtained on a Q-TOF mass spectrometer. The combination of the features of high-resolution, accuracy, and in-source CID permitted the unambiguous elucidation of the different fragmentation pathways. Furthermore the elemental compositions of the product ions generated were assigned and their mutual genealogical relationships established. Formerly proposed dissociation pathways of guanosine were revisited and elaborated on more deeply. Furthermore, the presence of H 2 O in the collision cell of several tandem MS instruments was demonstrated and its effect on the product ion spectra investigated. The neutral gain of H 2 O by particular fragments of guanosine was experimentally proven by using argon, saturated with H 2 18 O, as the collision gas. Data indicating the occurrence of more complex reactions in the collision cell as a result of the presence of H 2 O were produced, specifically relating to neutral gain/neutral loss sequences. In silico calculations supported the experimental observation of neutral gain by guanosine fragments and predicted a similar behavior for adenosine. The latter was subsequently experimentally confirmed.