Dsus4

Q: What notes are in the Dsus4 chord?

The Dsus4 chord (D Sus4) contains: D, G, A. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Dsus4 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 Dsus4 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 Dsus4?

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 Sus4

Octaves

Musical context

ChordDsus4D Sus4

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 Sus4
Symbol: Dsus4
Root: D
Quality: Sus4

Chord notes

1Droot

4Gperfect 4th

5Aperfect 5th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: iiSubdominant (ii)C major
Stability / tension: Moderate tension — suspension awaits resolution
Most common resolutions: DD Major DmD Minor
Unstable degrees: 3F#
4G
resolves down to the 3rd
Main resolution: Dsus4source
DD Major
The suspended 4th in Dsus4 pulls down to the 3rd, resolving to D major or minor.
Other resolutions: Dsus4source
Deceptive resolution
DmD Minor
Dsus4 can resolve to minor instead of major — the 4th drops to the minor 3rd.
Dsus4source
No resolution needed
In modal music, a sus chord may remain an independent sonority without 4–3 or 2–3 motion; with no 3rd, it defines neither major nor minor quality.
Dsus4source
Jazz reharmonization
D7sus4D 7sus4
In jazz, 7sus4 may retain its dominant bass and minor 7th without immediately resolving the 4th to the 3rd; it may also move to another sus chord.
Dsus4source
Functional resolution
GG Major
A sus chord can move up a 4th or down a step, functioning as a suspension from degrees other than the tonic.

Features

Character: No 3rd, with 4th-degree tension
Characteristic interval: Fourth instead of 3rd (4)
Description: The 4th replaces the 3rd, so the chord defines neither major nor minor quality. In a typical sus4 resolution, the 4th descends to the 3rd.
Application: Pop and rock (sus4 → major)
Pause before resolution
Building tension

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1D(D4)Bass

root

v2G(G4)P4from D

v3A(A4)M2from G

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleD Minor pentatonic ScaleD In (Japanese)ScaleD Yo (Japanese)ScaleG Major pentatonic ScaleG Yo (Japanese)ScaleG Akebono (Japanese)ScaleG Hirajoshi (Japanese)ScaleA Minor pentatonic ScaleA Iwato (Japanese)ScaleC Major pentatonic

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Dsus4 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 Ionian (major)Scale to improvise over this chord ChordD MajorA nearby chord on the same root — compare the sound PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions ChordD Sus2Another related chord to practise

Recommended for you

D MajorA chord that sounds close

D Sus2A chord that sounds close

D 7sus4A chord that sounds close

D Ionian (major)A scale related to this chord

D DorianA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

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

Open Trainer

Test yourself

(Press any key to start)

What notes are in the Dsus4 chord?

How do I build Dsus4 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Dsus4 found in?

What can I substitute for Dsus4?