Chord reference · four-note chord
D7sus4 chord (D dominant seventh suspended fourth)
For a quick answer, the notes in D7sus4 are D, G, A, C. The diagrams below show the same pitch set on piano and guitar.
D7sus4 chord notes and interval formula
The formula 1–4–5–♭7 means the chord is measured from D using the root, perfect fourth, perfect fifth, and minor seventh. In semitone numbers from the root, the pattern is 0–5–7–10.
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Root | 0 | D |
| 4 | Perfect Fourth | 5 | G |
| 5 | Perfect Fifth | 7 | A |
| ♭7 | Minor Seventh | 10 | C |
How to play D7sus4 on piano
Start with the notes in root position from low to high: D – G – A – C. Right hand 1–2–3–5; left hand 5–3–2–1 is a useful starting point, but black-key combinations and melodic movement may make another fingering more comfortable.
For a cleaner accompaniment, place the root in the left hand and play the remaining tones in the right. With extended chords, keep the third and seventh because they identify the chord quality most clearly.
How to play D7sus4 on guitar
Try the shape x-5-0-0-1-5 in standard tuning, read from low E to high E. The sounding-string details are: E mute; A fret 5: D; D open: D; G open: G; B fret 1: C; E fret 5: A. Keep every note clear and release pressure from strings marked “x.”
This is one voicing, not the only correct shape. The chord remains D7sus4 whenever the essential pitch classes are present; doubling, omission, and bass-note choice change the voicing rather than the basic chord name.
D7sus4 inversions and slash chords
Inversions keep the same notes but place a different chord tone in the bass. They are useful for smoother bass lines, compact keyboard movement, and alternative guitar voicings.
| Position | Symbol | Notes low to high | Bass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root position | D7sus4 | D – G – A – C | D |
| 1st inversion | D7sus4/G | G – A – C – D | G |
| 2nd inversion | D7sus4/A | A – C – D – G | A |
| 3rd inversion | D7sus4/C | C – D – G – A | C |
What D7sus4 sounds like and where it fits
The D dominant seventh suspended fourth chord is open with dominant tension. A 7sus4 chord combines suspended openness with dominant tension. The fourth often resolves to the third, but many styles hold the suspension as a stable sonority.
D7sus4 compared with similar chords
Small interval changes create different chord names. Use this table to avoid confusing D7sus4 with nearby structures.
| Chord | Quality | Formula | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| D7 | Dominant Seventh | 1–3–5–♭7 | D, F♯, A, C |
| Dsus4 | Suspended Fourth | 1–4–5 | D, G, A |
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the D7sus4 chord?
The D7sus4 chord contains D, G, A, C. Its interval formula is 1–4–5–♭7.
How do you play D7sus4 on piano?
Play D, G, A, C together. A practical root-position fingering is right hand 1–2–3–5; left hand 5–3–2–1; adjust the fingering to your hand and musical context.
How do you play D7sus4 on guitar?
One compact standard-tuning shape is x-5-0-0-1-5 from the low E string to the high E string. An “x” means mute that string.
What does the symbol D7sus4 mean?
The root is D. The suffix 7sus4 identifies a dominant seventh suspended fourth structure with the formula 1–4–5–♭7.
How many inversions does D7sus4 have?
A 4-note chord has 4 closed-position arrangements when every chord tone is retained: root position plus 3 inversions. Extended practical voicings may omit notes.