Dsus4 and Dsus2 on Guitar: The Two D Embellishments

Dsus4 and Dsus2 are the two suspended versions of D major. Both are one-finger variations of the standard D shape. Both add color without adding complexity. Both show up constantly in pop, folk, and rock.

A suspended chord replaces the 3rd of the chord (the note that determines major or minor) with either the 2nd (sus2) or the 4th (sus4). The result is a chord that sounds neither major nor minor but suspended between the two.

Dsus4 Fingering

• 1st string (high E): 3rd fret, pinky
• 2nd string (B): 3rd fret, ring finger
• 3rd string (G): 2nd fret, middle finger
• 4th string (D): open
• Strings 5 and 6: do not play

Strum strings 1 through 4. Notice this is a regular D major shape with the pinky added on the 3rd fret of the 1st string. The pinky raises the high F sharp to G, which is the suspended 4th. The chord wants to fall back to D major.

Dsus2 Fingering

• 1st string (high E): 2nd fret, ring finger
• 2nd string (B): open
• 3rd string (G): 2nd fret, middle finger
• 4th string (D): open
• Strings 5 and 6: do not play

Strum strings 1 through 4. Same D major shape but the ring finger lifts off the B string. The open B is the suspended 2nd. The chord sounds open and unresolved.

The D-Dsus4-Dsus2 Hammer-On Trick

Most pop songs that use suspensions cycle through D, Dsus4, and Dsus2 with hammer-ons and pull-offs. Hold a D shape. Add the pinky on the 3rd fret of the 1st string (Dsus4). Lift the pinky and the ring finger off the 2nd string (Dsus2). Put them back (D). Repeat.

This is the trick in "Wonderwall", "Free Fallin'", "Patience" by Guns N' Roses, and dozens of other songs.

Songs That Use D Suspensions

• "Wonderwall". The Dsus4-A7sus4 progression in the chorus.
• "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty. The hammer-on trick on D and A.
• "Patience" by Guns N' Roses. Dsus2 and Dsus4 throughout the intro.
• "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen.

Why Suspended Chords Work

The suspended 4th creates tension that wants to resolve down to the 3rd (back to D major). The suspended 2nd creates tension that wants to resolve up to the 3rd. Both pull strongly toward the home chord, which makes them useful for embellishment without changing the underlying harmony.

Pop and folk lean on suspensions because they let a single chord stretch over multiple bars without sounding repetitive.

FAQ: Dsus4 and Dsus2 Questions

What does "sus" mean in a chord name?

Suspended. The 3rd of the chord is replaced (suspended) by either the 2nd (sus2) or the 4th (sus4). The chord becomes neither major nor minor.

Is Dsus4 the same as D7?

No. Dsus4 has G as the suspended 4th. D7 has C as the dominant 7th. Different chords, different sounds.

Should I always play D-Dsus4-Dsus2 instead of just D?

No. The hammer-on trick is an embellishment, not a default. Use it when the song has time to breathe. In faster, denser songs, just play D.

Why does Dsus4 sound "stuck"?

The suspended 4th creates a tension that wants to resolve. Until you play the resolution (back to D major), the chord feels unfinished.

Can I do the same suspension trick on other chords?

Yes. Asus4-A and Asus2-A work similarly. Esus4-E and Csus4-C also work. The suspension trick is one of the most portable embellishments in pop guitar.