Also written Dsus2 or D
D suspended 2nd contains D, E, and A. This beginner shape uses three open strings and one fretted note at fret 2.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
D suspended 2nd is built from the formula 1, 2, 5. The major 2nd from D to E replaces the major 3rd of D major, removing its major quality. The perfect 5th from D to A remains, so the chord sounds open and unresolved.
D suspended 2nd works in D major progressions like D–G–A–D (I–IV–V–I). It suits open, ringing bass lines in rock and folk, often substituting for D major to add motion.
The Dsus2/E inversion at fret 0 or 12 puts E in the bass for a floating, unresolved sound. The Dsus2/A inversion at fret 5 grounds the chord with A in the bass, making it more stable.
D suspended 2nd is played in open position as 0 0 0 2: index finger on the G string at fret 2. The E, A and D strings ring open.
Tip — The index finger must fret the G string at fret 2 without touching the open D string.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | open | — | E (2) |
| 3 (A) | open | — | A (5) |
| 2 (D) | open | — | D (1) |
| 1 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (5) |
D suspended 2nd is played at the 12th fret as 12 12 12 14: barre your index finger across fret 12 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 14.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 12 | 1 (barre) | E (2) |
| 3 (A) | 12 | 1 (barre) | A (5) |
| 2 (D) | 12 | 1 (barre) | D (1) |
| 1 (G) | 14 | 4 | A (5) |
D suspended 2nd is played at the 5th fret as 5 7 7 7: index finger on the E string at fret 5, middle finger on the A string at fret 7, ring finger on the D string at fret 7 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 7.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5 | 1 | A (5) |
| 3 (A) | 7 | 2 | E (2) |
| 2 (D) | 7 | 3 | A (5) |
| 1 (G) | 7 | 4 | D (1) |
D suspended 2nd is written as D or Dsus2.
D suspended 2nd replaces the major 3rd (F♯) of D major with the major 2nd (E). This removes the major quality and creates a suspended, unresolved sound.
D suspended 2nd appears in D natural minor, where the 2nd (E) is diatonic. It can substitute for D minor chords to add tension without a 3rd.