D7sus4

Q: What notes are in the D7sus4 chord?

The D7sus4 chord (D 7sus4) contains: D, G, A, C. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build D7sus4 on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is D7sus4 found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for D7sus4?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

D 7sus4

Octaves

Musical context

ChordD7sus4D 7sus4

ArpeggioD majorBroken triad

ScaleD major7 notes

KeyD majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: D 7sus4
Symbol: D7sus4
Root: D
Quality: 7sus4

Chord notes

1Droot

4Gperfect 4th

5Aperfect 5th

b7Cminor 7th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: iiSubdominant (ii)C major
Stability / tension: High tension — requires resolution
Most common resolutions: GG Major EmE Minor
Unstable degrees: 3F#
4G
resolves down to the 3rd
6B
b7C
resolves down to the tonic 3rd
Main resolution: D7sus4source
GG Major
Dominant 7th D7 naturally resolves up a 4th to G. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.
Other resolutions: D7sus4source
Deceptive resolution
EmE Minor
Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.
D7sus4source
Modal resolution
CC Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
D7sus4source
Jazz reharmonization
G#7G# Dominant 7
Tritone substitution: D7 can be replaced by G#7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.
D7sus4source
Functional resolution
Dsus4D Sus4
The dominant can resolve beyond the tonic: moving to IV (subdominant) or to a suspension (sus4) are common alternatives in pop and folk music.

Features

Character: Dominant, with no 3rd and a 4th
Characteristic interval: Fourth (4), Minor 7th (b7)
Description: The 4th replaces the 3rd, so major quality is withheld, while the minor 7th preserves dominant colour. The 4th often descends to the 3rd of a dominant seventh chord.
Application: 4–3 suspension over dominant
Modal harmony
Funk and jazz

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1D(D4)Bass

root

v2G(G4)P4from D

v3A(A4)M2from G

v4C(C5)m3from A

Harmony

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.

ScaleC Major pentatonic ScaleC Yo (Japanese)ScaleC Akebono (Japanese)ScaleD Minor pentatonic ScaleG Yo (Japanese)ScaleA Minor pentatonic ScaleF Major pentatonic ScaleD Blues scale ScaleA Blues scale ScaleC Ionian (major)

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how D7sus4 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: BmB minor
Dominant: AA major
Subdominant: GG major
Key signature: 2 sharps (F#, C#)

What to learn next

ScaleD DorianScale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

D DorianA scale related to this chord

D PhrygianA scale related to this chord

D MixolydianA scale related to this chord

D Aeolian (natural minor)A scale related to this chord

D Blues scaleA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

Open Trainer

Test yourself

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What notes are in the D7sus4 chord?

How do I build D7sus4 on the keyboard?

Which keys is D7sus4 found in?

What can I substitute for D7sus4?