Chords
Dsus4
The 3rd swapped for a 4th — suspended and waiting.
D G A · 1 4 5
D1
G4
A5
A sus4 chord replaces the 3rd with the 4th, removing the major/minor identity and creating tension that wants to resolve back down.
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Every voicing on the neck
The idea
No 3rd — a 4th instead
Dsus4 is D G A — root, 4th and 5th, with no 3rd at all. Without the 3rd it is neither major nor minor: just suspended, waiting to resolve.
- Notes: R 4 5 = D G A.
- The 4th (G) replaces the 3rd — that's the suspension.
- No 3rd means no major/minor color.
Where it lives
Tension that resolves to the triad
The classic move is Dsus4 → D — the 4th (G) falling a half-step to the 3rd (F#). That resolution is one of the most satisfying sounds on guitar.
- Resolve Dsus4 → D by dropping the 4 to the 3.
- Great for intros, riffs and adding motion to a held chord.
- Pairs naturally with Dsus2 for a full open-D flavour.
Swap the 3rd for a 4th and the chord holds its breath — resolving that 4th back down is the whole point of a sus4.
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