Db7sus4 Guitar Chord | Play, Hear and Practice Interactively
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The Db 7sus4 chord is a fascinating member of the suspended chord family, built from the notes Db, Gb, Ab, and Cb. These correspond to the intervals Root (1), Perfect Fourth (4), Perfect Fifth (5), and Minor Seventh (b7). Utilize the interactive fretboard tool at the top of this page to visually explore fingerings, hear the chord through chord or arpeggio playback, and get instant feedback on your playing accuracy with its real-time microphone feature.
As a suspended chord, the Db 7sus4 creates a unique sense of tension, lacking the typical major or minor third, which can add significant depth and color to your playing. To delve deeper into how these chords function harmonically, explore our guide on Suspended Chords. For a broader understanding of how all chords are built, our Chord Construction tutorial is an excellent resource. Once you're comfortable with the shape, focus on making your chord changes smooth for seamless transitions.
Below, you'll discover a comprehensive collection of Db 7sus4 chord diagrams, arranged from the simplest open positions to more complex movable shapes. You'll also find additional music theory insights, popular songs that feature this chord, and a list of keys where it commonly appears. But before you scroll down, take a moment to engage with the interactive tool above. Use the drum and BPM tool to practice in time, listen to the chord, and use the mic feedback to refine your technique. This hands-on practice is the quickest way to integrate this intriguing chord into your playing.
Notes of the Db 7sus4 chord:
How the Dominant Seventh Suspended Fourth chord is built:
How To Play The Db7sus4 chord on guitar
Position 1
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Position 2
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Position 3
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Position 4
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FAQ
What are the specific notes that form the Db 7sus4 chord?
The Db 7sus4 chord is comprised of the notes Db, Gb, Ab, and Cb. These are derived from its foundational intervals: the Root (Db), Perfect Fourth (Gb), Perfect Fifth (Ab), and Minor Seventh (Cb).
Why is it called a 'suspended' (sus) chord?
The Db 7sus4 chord is called 'suspended' because, like all suspended chords, it intentionally omits the third interval. Instead of a major or minor third, it uses a perfect fourth (Gb in this case), creating a sense of tension or anticipation that often feels like it needs to resolve.
How does the Db 7sus4 chord achieve a sound that is 'neither major nor minor'?
The characteristic 'neither major nor minor' sound of the Db 7sus4 chord comes from the absence of the third interval. The third is the note that defines a chord as either major or minor. By replacing it with a perfect fourth, the chord loses that specific major/minor quality, creating a unique, open, and often unresolved sound.
What is the significance of the 'b7' interval in the Db 7sus4 chord?
The 'b7' refers to the Minor Seventh interval. In the Db 7sus4 chord, this is the note Cb. The presence of the minor seventh adds a distinct 'dominant' quality to the suspended chord, contributing to its tension and its tendency to resolve to another chord, often a major or minor chord built on the root.
What is the key difference between a Db 7sus4 chord and a standard Db7 chord?
The primary difference lies in the third interval. A standard Db7 (dominant seventh) chord includes a major third, giving it its characteristic dominant sound. The Db 7sus4 chord, however, replaces this major third with a perfect fourth, which removes the major/minor quality and creates a 'suspended' tension that seeks resolution.