Dsus4 Ukulele Chord

Dsus4 is the D suspended fourth chord. It has three notes: D, G and A. The standard shape needs just two fingers, on the C string at the 2nd fret and the E string at the 3rd, with the G and A strings ringing open around them.

Two fingers: 2nd fret on the C string and 3rd on the E string, with the G and A strings ringing open.

How to play Dsus4 on ukulele, step by step

Index finger: 2nd fret, C string
Middle finger: 3rd fret, E string
Leave the G and A strings open. Strum all four strings.

Coming from plain D, keep the C string at the 2nd fret, move the E string finger up one, and let the G string go open. Practise the pair until the swap is one motion.

More ways to play Dsus4

There are 3 common Dsus4 shapes: the standard one at the top of the page, plus these further up the neck. You only ever need one. Tap any card to hear it.

Dsus4 ukulele chord diagram, frets 5 to 7, played 0755 — Frets 5 to 7

Dsus4 ukulele chord diagram, frets 7 to 10, played 0 7 10 0 — Frets 7 to 10

If it sounds wrong

The open A string dies: The middle finger on the E string tends to lean sideways as it reaches the 3rd fret. Arch it so the A string keeps ringing.
The E string buzzes: The finger usually sits too far behind the 3rd fret. Slide it up against the fret and press with the tip.
It sounds like plain D: Then the E string is still at the 2nd fret. The G at the 3rd fret is the suspension; check that finger moved.

What makes it a Dsus4

D · G · A 1 4 5

Sus4 means the third is suspended: replaced by the fourth. Dsus4 keeps the root and fifth of D (D and A) but plays G where the third, F♯, would be. The G hangs one half step above F♯ and wants to fall back onto it, which is why Dsus4 nearly always leads straight back to D.

Expect it in the keys of D, G and A, wherever a D chord sits long enough to need decorating. With two open strings in the standard shape, the ukulele version rings more than most sus chords do.

Dsus4 vs Dsus2

The two suspensions replace the third of D in opposite directions. Dsus4 pushes it up to G and creates tension that leans back toward D. Dsus2 drops it to E and sounds hollow and calm instead.

Songs cycle D, Dsus4, D, Dsus2 for whole verses on strummed instruments, and the move works just as well on four strings. Choose sus4 when you want pull, sus2 when you want air.

Dsus4 chord questions

Is Dsus4 a beginner chord?

Yes. Two fingers at the 2nd and 3rd frets with two open strings. Most players find it easier than the three finger D chord.

What does Dsus4 resolve to?

D major, almost always. The G falls one half step onto F♯ and the tension releases.

Is Dsus4 major or minor?

Neither. The third has been replaced by the fourth; the chord stays undecided until it resolves.

Do you strum all four strings?

Yes. The standard shape keeps the G and A strings open and uses all four strings in the strum.

Are Dsus4 and Dsus the same chord?

Yes. When a chart writes Dsus it means Dsus4.