The Dsus Guitar Chord, also known as the D suspended chord, is a versatile and evocative chord used in countless songs across genres. Understanding suspended chords like Dsus2 and Dsus4 can significantly expand your guitar playing and songwriting palette. This guide will break down the Dsus chord family, explaining their theory, sound, and how to play them on your guitar.
Understanding Suspended Chords: Dsus2 vs Dsus4
Suspended chords, often shortened to “sus chords,” are unique because they replace the major or minor third of a standard chord with either a major second (sus2) or a perfect fourth (sus4) interval. This substitution creates a characteristic “suspended” or unresolved sound, adding a layer of harmonic interest and tension compared to regular major or minor chords.
In the case of the Dsus family, we’re dealing with chords built on the root note D. Let’s explore the specifics of Dsus2 and Dsus4:
Dsus2 Chord Explained
The Dsus2 chord is formed by replacing the third of a D major chord with a major second.
- Notes of the Dsus2 chord: D, E, A
- Intervals: Root (D), Major Second (E), Perfect Fifth (A)
Notice that the Dsus2 chord omits the third (F#) of a D major chord and instead includes an E. This creates a bright, airy, and open sound. The absence of the third, which defines major or minor tonality, gives the Dsus2 chord its suspended quality. It often feels like it wants to resolve to a D major chord, but its beauty lies in its unresolved tension.
Alt text: Piano diagram showing the Dsus2 chord with notes D, E, and A highlighted.
Dsus4 Chord Explained
The Dsus4 chord is created by replacing the third of a D major chord with a perfect fourth.
- Notes of the Dsus4 chord: D, G, A
- Intervals: Root (D), Perfect Fourth (G), Perfect Fifth (A)
Here, the Dsus4 chord substitutes the F# with a G. This results in a sound that is also suspended but possesses a slightly different character compared to Dsus2. The perfect fourth creates a stronger sense of suspension and anticipation, often resolving downwards to a major or minor chord. Dsus4 chords are frequently used to create a feeling of yearning or unresolved emotion in music.
Alt text: Piano chord visualization for Dsus4, indicating the notes D, G, and A.
Playing Dsus Chords on Guitar: Chord Diagrams
Now, let’s bring these suspended D chords to the guitar fretboard. Below you’ll find common chord diagrams for both Dsus4 and Dsus2, including open chord shapes and barre chord variations.
Dsus4 Guitar Chord Diagrams
Here are a few ways to play the Dsus4 guitar chord:
Open Position Dsus4:
X - muted string
O - open string
Dsus4 (Open)
e|--3--|
B|--3--|
G|--2--|
D|--0--|
A|--0--|
E|--X--|Finger positions for Open Dsus4:
- Open D string
- Open A string
- 2nd fret of G string (Index finger)
- 3rd fret of B string (Ring finger)
- 3rd fret of high e string (Pinky finger)
This open Dsus4 is a bright and resonant voicing, excellent for strumming and fingerpicking.
Barre Chord Dsus4 (5th Fret)
Dsus4 (Barre - 5th Fret)
e|--8--|
B|--8--|
G|--7--|
D|--5--|
A|--5--|
E|--5--|
(Barre across 5th fret)Finger positions for Barre Dsus4:
- Barre across all strings at the 5th fret (Index finger)
- 7th fret of G string (Ring finger)
- 8th fret of B string (Pinky finger)
- 8th fret of high e string (Pinky finger)
This barre chord version allows you to move the Dsus4 shape up and down the neck to create suspended chords in different keys.
Alt text: Guitar chord chart for Dsus4 open position, showing finger placement on the fretboard.
Dsus2 Guitar Chord Diagrams
Let’s explore shapes for the Dsus2 guitar chord:
Open Position Dsus2:
X - muted string
O - open string
Dsus2 (Open)
e|--0--|
B|--3--|
G|--2--|
D|--0--|
A|--0--|
E|--X--|Finger positions for Open Dsus2:
- Open high e string
- Open D string
- Open A string
- 2nd fret of G string (Index finger)
- 3rd fret of B string (Middle finger)
This open Dsus2 is another common and beautiful voicing, often used in folk and acoustic music.
Barre Chord Dsus2 (5th Fret)
Dsus2 (Barre - 5th Fret)
e|--5--|
B|--8--|
G|--7--|
D|--5--|
A|--5--|
E|--5--|
(Barre across 5th fret)Finger positions for Barre Dsus2:
- Barre across all strings at the 5th fret (Index finger)
- 7th fret of G string (Ring finger)
- 8th fret of B string (Pinky finger)
- 5th fret of high e string (Index finger – part of barre)
This barre chord form gives you flexibility to play Dsus2 and other sus2 chords in different positions on the guitar neck.
Alt text: Dsus2 guitar chord diagram in open position, illustrating finger positions on the guitar neck.
Incorporating Dsus Chords into Your Playing
Dsus chords are fantastic for adding color and depth to your guitar playing. Experiment with:
- Chord Progressions: Try substituting a Dsus4 or Dsus2 for a D major chord in common progressions.
- Transitions: Use Dsus chords to create smooth transitions between other chords, building anticipation.
- Songwriting: Dsus chords can evoke feelings of longing, reflection, or unresolved emotion in your songs.
By mastering the Dsus guitar chord family, you’ll unlock a richer harmonic palette and enhance your guitar playing repertoire. Practice these shapes, listen to how they sound, and start incorporating them into your music today!
