Dsus4 Chord on Guitar: How To Play the D Suspended Fourth chord
Welcome to our tutorial on the D sus4 chord, a beautiful and versatile member of the suspended chords family. This chord, composed of the notes D, G, and A, is built using the intervals 1, 4, and 5, also known as the Root, Perfect Fourth, and Perfect Fifth respectively.
Unlike many other chords, the D sus4 does not contain a third interval, which gives it its distinctive suspended sound. This makes it a favorite among guitarists for its ability to create tension and release in music. For a deeper understanding of how these intervals work together to create the unique sound of the D sus4, check out our tutorial about fretboard intervals.
To fully grasp the D sus4 chord, it's crucial to understand its position within the larger context of guitar chords. We recommend exploring our comprehensive tutorial about guitar chords of all types. This will provide a strong foundation for understanding how the D sus4 fits into the wider guitar chord landscape.
As you progress in your guitar journey, you'll find that the D sus4 chord can be used in a variety of musical genres and contexts. To see how this chord can be applied in different musical scenarios, take a look at our tutorial about suspended guitar chords.
Learning to play the D sus4 chord is a significant step in becoming an accomplished guitarist. This tutorial will guide you through chord diagrams and fretboard patterns, showing you the tones that compose this chord, and help you master the D sus4. So, grab your guitar and let's get started!
Notes in the D sus4 chord:
How the Suspended Fourth chord is built:
How To Play The Dsus4 chord on guitar
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You can also use this accessible chords page with written diagrams instruction.
Position 1
Open
Position 2
Open
Position 3
Barre
Movable
Position 4
Barre
Movable
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FAQ
What notes are in a D sus4 chord?
The D sus4 chord is composed of three distinct notes: D (the root), G (the perfect fourth above D), and A (the perfect fifth above D).
Which intervals define the D sus4 chord?
The D sus4 chord is characterized by the Root, a Perfect Fourth, and a Perfect Fifth. These intervals are represented as 1, 4, and 5 when counting from the root note D.
Why does the D sus4 chord have a unique 'suspended' sound?
The D sus4 chord sounds 'suspended' because it deliberately omits the third interval (which would make it major or minor). Replacing the third with a perfect fourth creates a distinct unresolved quality, building tension and anticipation in the music.
How is a D sus4 chord different from a standard D major or D minor chord?
The main difference is the absence of the third interval. While D major and D minor chords include a major or minor third respectively, the D sus4 replaces this with a perfect fourth, resulting in a more open, unresolved sound that often implies movement or resolution.
When should I use a D sus4 chord in my guitar playing?
You can effectively use the D sus4 chord to create a feeling of tension and release in your music. It's often employed to build anticipation before resolving to a D major or D minor chord, adding a dynamic and expressive element to your progressions across many genres.