How to play the D7sus4 chord on guitar

The D7sus4 chord, pronounced "D seven sus four," is a unique variation of the standard D7 chord. It creates a sense of tension and anticipation by replacing the third with a perfect fourth interval. This chord is commonly used in genres like folk, rock, and blues to add musical interest and create smooth transitions between chords, making it a valuable tool for guitar players.

The D7sus4 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 5th fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a D7sus4 chord on your guitar:

1. Use your index finger to barre the strings at the 5th fret from the A (5th) string down to the high E (1st) string.
2. Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the G (3rd) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the A (5th) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the D (4th) string.

Strum all six strings together to play the D7sus4 chord. Make sure to apply enough pressure with your index finger to properly barre the strings at the 5th fret.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the D7sus4 chord, try this:

1. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st (high E) string.
2. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd (B) string.
3. Play only these two strings together, and you'll have a basic D7sus4 chord.

The D7sus4 chord is most commonly played as an open chord, but learning the barre chord version can be helpful when you need to quickly transition between chords or want a fuller sound.

Here's how to play a D7sus4 bar chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 5th fret, forming a barre.
2. Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
4. Strum all six strings from the 5th string (A) down.

The D7sus4 chord is a versatile dominant 7th chord that can add tension and resolution to a progression, creating a sense of anticipation and release. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the D7sus4 chord:

• I - IV - D7sus4 - I (D - G - D7sus4 - D): Used in "With or Without You" by U2
• I - V - vi - D7sus4 (D - A - Bm - D7sus4): Used in "Wonderwall" by Oasis
• I - VI - II - D7sus4 (D - B - Em - D7sus4)
• I - III - VI - D7sus4 (D - F#m - B - D7sus4)
• ii - V - I - D7sus4 (Em - A - D - D7sus4)

To master the D7sus4 chord, try strumming it repeatedly while focusing on clarity and precision. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you build muscle memory.

Another effective drill is to practice transitioning smoothly between D7sus4 and other common chords like G, A, and Bm. Work on seamlessly switching between these chords in various progressions, ensuring each transition is clean and well-timed.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the D7sus4 chord.

1. Hey Jude by The Beatles (D, G, A, A7, Bm, D7, D7sus4)
2. Free Fallin' by Tom Petty (D, Dsus2, D7sus4, G, A, Asus4)
3. Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton (G, D, C, D7sus4, C, D)
4. Iris by Goo Goo Dolls (D, A, Bm, G, D7sus4)
5. The Joker by Steve Miller Band (F, C, G, D7sus4)
6. Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett (D, G, A7, D7sus4)
7. The Weight by The Band (G, D, Em, D7sus4, C, G/B, Am)
8. Peaceful Easy Feeling by Eagles (E, A, G#m, B7, E7, D7sus4)
9. Rocky Mountain High by John Denver (D, G, A7, D7sus4)
10. The Boxer by Simon & Garfunkel (C, Am, G, F, C/G, D7sus4)