Explore chords · Ukulele
D suspended 4th chord on ukulele (Dsus4)
Also called or written Dsus4, Dsus or D Suspended
D suspended 4th is built from D, G, and A. The open voicing needs only two fingers, making it a beginner-friendly shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, 4, 5
How do you play a D suspended 4th chord on ukulele?
D suspended 4th is played in open position as × 2 3 0: index finger on the C string at fret 2 and middle finger on the E string at fret 3. The A string rings open. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 1 | D (1) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (4) |
| 1 (A) | open | — | A (5) |
BeginnerMuting string 4 while fretting two adjacent strings cleanly is the main challenge for beginners.
Dsus4/G inversion
D suspended 4th is played at the 5th fret as 7 7 5 5: ring finger on the G string at fret 7, pinky finger on the C string at fret 7, index finger on the E string at fret 5 and middle finger on the A string at fret 5.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7 | 3 | D (1) |
| 3 (C) | 7 | 4 | G (4) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 1 | A (5) |
| 1 (A) | 5 | 2 | D (1) |
Open · 0-2-3-0
D suspended 4th is played in open position as 0 2 3 0: index finger on the C string at fret 2 and middle finger on the E string at fret 3. The G and A strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (4) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 1 | D (1) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (4) |
| 1 (A) | open | — | A (5) |
Open · 2-2-3-0
D suspended 4th is played in open position as 2 2 3 0: index finger on the G string at fret 2, middle finger on the C string at fret 2 and ring finger on the E string at fret 3. The A string rings open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (5) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 2 | D (1) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 3 | G (4) |
| 1 (A) | open | — | A (5) |
Why it sounds like that
D suspended 4th uses the formula 1, 4, 5, replacing the major third with a perfect fourth. The perfect fourth between D and G creates the suspended quality. Compared to D major, the F♯ is raised to G.
What goes wrong with D suspended 4th?
- Letting string 4 ring out adds a low G that alters the intended bass note.
- Pressing too hard with the index finger can mute string 2.
- The middle finger may accidentally touch string 1, choking the open A.
When to use it
D suspended 4th works as a passing chord in D major progressions like I–IV–V–I (D–G–A–D). It suits folk, pop, and rock styles where a suspended sound adds movement. Use it to delay resolution to D major.
Changing to and from D suspended 4th
- Move to D major by lifting the middle finger and placing it on string 2 fret 2 while keeping the index finger on string 3 fret 2.
Which voicing to use
The open position is easiest for beginners. The 5th fret voicing offers a higher register with the same D bass note. The Dsus4/G inversion places G in the bass for a softer sound.
Other D chords
Common questions
How is D suspended 4th written?
D suspended 4th is written as Dsus or Dsus4. The symbol Dsus is common shorthand, while Dsus4 explicitly shows the fourth.
What is the difference between D suspended 4th and D suspended 2nd?
D suspended 4th replaces the third with a perfect fourth (G), while D suspended 2nd uses a major second (E). Both create tension but resolve differently.
Can D suspended 4th be used in minor keys?
Yes, D suspended 4th appears in G major and E natural minor. In E natural minor, it functions as the VII chord with a suspended fourth.