D SUS4 - PIANO
Chord composition
| I | IV | V |
|---|---|---|
| Root | Perfect fourth | Perfect fifth |
| D | G | A |
ALL ABOUT THE D SUS4 CHORD
Chord Composition
The D Sus4 chord is composed of 3 notes :
- D (Root)
- G (Perfect fourth)
- A (Perfect fifth)
These notes form a suspended chord with the fourth, generating tension that calls for resolution.
How to play D Sus4 on piano
The sus4 chord D 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 piano:
- Classic riffs: sus4-major alternation creates rock identity
- Dynamic strumming: accentuates the sus4 → major resolution
- Overdrive: distortion amplifies the tense character
Common uses of D 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).