DB SUS4 - GUITAR
Bass position 4
Bass position 9
Chord composition
| I | IV | V |
|---|---|---|
| Root | Perfect fourth | Perfect fifth |
| C# | F# | G# |
ALL ABOUT THE DB SUS4 CHORD
Chord Composition
The Db Sus4 chord is composed of 3 notes :
- C# (Root)
- F# (Perfect fourth)
- G# (Perfect fifth)
These notes form a suspended chord with the fourth, generating tension that calls for resolution.
How to play Db Sus4 on guitar
The sus4 chord Db Sus4 replaces the third with the perfect fourth, creating tension that naturally calls for resolution to the major chord.
- Tension and resolution: the fourth naturally wants to descend to the major third
- Classic rock: sus4-major riffs define rock sound (The Who, Led Zeppelin)
- Extended power chords: adding the fourth to power chords
- Tonal ambiguity: neither major nor minor, creates suspense
The perfect fourth (5 semitones) creates a soft dissonance demanding resolution, making the chord perfect for creating harmonic movement.
Rock techniques
For sus4 chords on guitar:
- Classic riffs: sus4-major alternation creates rock identity
- Dynamic strumming: accentuates the sus4 → major resolution
- Overdrive: distortion amplifies the tense character
Common uses of Db Sus4
The sus4 chord is a rock pillar:
- Classic rock: iconic riffs ("Pinball Wizard", "The Ocean")
- Resolution delay: delays the arrival of the major chord
- Folk and country: melodic ornaments
- Gospel and soul: characteristic cadences
Musical styles
Classic rock: defines 70s sound (The Who, Led Zeppelin).
Pop-rock: adds movement and energy.
Country and folk: ornaments and transitions.
Gospel: plagal cadences (IV-I and IVsus4-I).