Skip to content
Home » SUSPENDED CHORDS » 9sus4 » D9sus4 Piano Chord – Charts, Harmony and Music Theory

D9sus4 Piano Chord

    Piano Diagram of D9sus4 in Root Position

    D 9sus4 Chord - Root Position - Piano Diagram

    The D9sus4 chord is a suspended dominant 9th chord built upon the key of D. It’s made by the root note D, the perfect 4th G, the perfect 5th A, the minor 7th C, and the major 9th E. Keep reading to gain a deeper understanding of the music theory behind this chord.

     


    Structure of D9sus4

    Notes

    D, G, A, C, E

    Intervals

    R, 4, 5, m7, 9

     How to play a D9sus4

    You can start by playing the root note D with your left hand. Then, with your right hand, you can play the 4th G, the minor 7th C, and the 9th note E. You can add the 5th, A, to get a little bit of dissonance.

    D + (G, C, E)

    This will result in a simplified D9sus4 chord that consists of the root note, perfect 4th, minor 7th, and the 9th notes only.

    Another simple way to voice this chord is to play the root note with your left hand and an A min7 chord with your right hand.

    D + Am7 =

    D + (A, C, E, G) =

    D9sus4

    This voicing is essentially the second inversion of a 9sus4 chord without the root note, which is equivalent in sound to a minor 7th chord built on the 5th note from the root.

     

    D9sus4 Chord Inversions

     

    The D9sus4 chord has a total of 4 inversions:

    Root Position: D G A C E
    1st Inversion: G A C D E
    2nd Inversion: A C D E G
    3rd Inversion: C D E G A
    4th Inversion: E G A C D

    Piano Keyboard Diagrams

    D 9sus4 Chord - Root Position - Piano Diagram

    D9sus4 Chord – Root Position

    Chord Inversions on Piano

    While chord inversions are a fundamental concept in music theory, the diagrams that show the sequence of notes in a complex chord on a piano keyboard may not necessarily be practical for playing. This is because proper chord voicings involve distributing the notes of the chord across different octaves and positions on the keyboard. This can be very different from the basic shape of the chord’s inversions. Therefore, the diagrams of chord inversions are mainly intended to show the sequence of notes on the piano keyboard for music theory purposes, rather than for practical playing.


    Music Theory and Harmony of D9sus4

    What are Suspended  Chords?

    Suspended chords are a type of chord where the third note is replaced by either a major second or a perfect fourth. This creates sus2 and sus4 chords, which have a unique and sometimes unresolved sound that adds tension and interest to music. These chords can be used as substitutes for major and minor chords because of their neutral nature.

    The 9sus4 chord is a more intricate version of the sus4 chord, featuring a minor 7th and 9th note in addition to the perfect fourth. This chord is commonly used in jazz and blues music to add complexity and interest to chord progressions. It is often used as a substitute for dominant 7th chords. Read on to learn how to build a D9sus4 chord, or scroll down to see where it can be used in different keys and degrees.

     


    Building the D9sus4 Chord: Different Approaches

    Starting from a Major Scale

    To create a 9sus4 chord, you can use the Major scale as a reference by combining a Root, a 4th, a 5th, a minor 7th, and a 9th.

    In this case, to build a D9sus4 let’s start from the D Major scale, which includes the notes D, E, F#, G, A, B, and C#.

     

    D Major Diatonic Scale up to 13th

    D Major Scale

     

    D Major Diatonic Scale up to 13th Keyless Notation

    D Major Scale – Keyless Notation

     

    Apply the formula R, 4°, 5°, m7°, 9° to get a D9sus4 chord.

    1. Select the Root note, which is D.
    2. Pick the 4th note, which is G.
    3. Add the 5th note, which is A.
    4. To add the 7th note, we need to use a minor 7th interval, which means we must use a flat seventh. In the D Major scale, the 7th note is C# (C#), so the minor 7th is C.
    5. Lastly, include the 9th note of the D Major scale, which is E.

     


    by Combining Intervals

    To build a 9sus4 chord, you can stack together a perfect 4th, a whole-tone (or major 2nd), a minor 3rd, and a major 3rd.

    4 + 2 + m3 + 3 = 9sus4 Chords

    In fact, when building a D9sus4 chord, you can see that D-G is a perfect 4th, G-A is a major 2nd, A-C is a minor 3rd, and C-E is a major 3rd.

     


    How to Use D9sus4 in a Chord Progression

     

    Suspended chords have a unique quality that sets them apart from major and minor chords. They are neither major nor minor, which makes them a useful tool for creating tension and suspense in a musical composition before resolving to a stable major or minor chord.

    To use a D9sus4 chord in a chord progression, you can refer to the following tables, which show the most common positions where the chord can be found or used. However, it’s important to note that, since this chord features a minor 7th, it cannot be used with Maj7 chords, such as sus2 or sus4 chords. Nonetheless, it can be used on dominant chords and in all positions where a D min7 is present.

    D9sus4 as Substitute of D7

    D9sus4 can be used as a substitute for D7 in major and minor keys. In G major, D7 can be replaced with D9sus4 in the V position. Similarly, in the E minor key, D7 can be substituted with D9sus4 in the VII position.

     

    on Major Scales

    Major Scales I ii iii IV V vi vii
    G G Maj7 A min7 B min7 C Maj7 D7 ⇒ D9sus4 E min7 F#m7b5
    • Dominant chord in G Major

     

    on Natural minor Scales

    Minor Scales i ii III iv v VI VII
    E E min7 F#m7b5 G Maj7 A min7 B min7 C Maj7 D7 ⇒ D9sus4
    • Leading tone chord in E minor

     


    D9sus4 as Substitute of D min7

    D9sus4 chord can be used as a substitute for D minor chords in various major and minor keys. Note that in the key of Bb Major and G minor, the note E can clash with the Eb notes that are part of those keys. While this doesn’t prevent you from using the D9sus4 chord in those positions, it’s important to be aware that it can create a strong dissonance with the melody or other elements of the composition.

     

    on Major Scales

    Major Scales I ii iii IV V vi vii
    C C Maj7 D min7 ⇒ D9sus4 E min7 F Maj7 G7 A min7 Bm7b5
    Bb Bb Maj7 C min7 D min7 ⇒ D9sus4 Eb Maj7 F7 G min7 Am7b5
    F F Maj7 G min7 A min7 Bb Maj7 C7 D min7 ⇒ D9sus4 Em7b5
    • Supertonic chord in C Major
    • Non Diatonic Mediant chord in Bb Major
    • Submediant chord in F Major

     

    on Natural minor Scales

    Minor Scales i ii III iv v VI VII
    D D min7 ⇒ D9sus4 Em7b5 F Maj7 G min7 A min7 Bb Maj7 C7
    A A min7 Bm7b5 C Maj7 D min7 ⇒ D9sus4 E min7 F Maj7 G7
    G G min7 Am7b5 Bb Maj7 C min7 D min7 ⇒ D9sus4 Eb Maj7 F7
    • Tonic chord in D minor
    • Subdominant chord in A minor
    • Non Diatonic Dominant chord in G minor

     


    D9sus4 Chord Function in Major and Minor Keys

    Understanding Scale Degrees

    When creating chords from a scale, each note in the scale is assigned a degree, which reflects its position in the scale. In the diatonic major scale, there are seven degrees, and each degree has a unique role in the overall harmony of the scale.

    1. The first degree of the scale is called the Tonic, and it serves as the foundation for the scale. It provides a stable tonal center and is often referred to as the “home base” of the music.
    2. The second degree of the scale is called the Supertonic. It’s typically used as a passing note between the tonic and other scale degrees, and it adds a sense of movement to the melody or harmony.
    3. The third degree of the scale is called the Mediant. It’s located halfway between the tonic and dominant notes and helps to establish whether the scale is major or minor.
    4. The fourth degree of the scale is called the Subdominant. It’s often used as a complementary harmony to the dominant and adds a sense of tension and resolution to the music.
    5. The fifth degree of the scale is called the Dominant. It generates tension and a sense of expectation, and it’s typically resolved by returning to the tonic.
    6. The sixth degree of the scale is called the Submediant. It’s often utilized as a transition between the dominant and tonic, and it provides a sense of stability and restfulness to the music.
    7. The seventh degree of the scale is called the Leading tone. It’s located one half step below the tonic and produces a strong sense of tension and a desire to resolve to the tonic. It’s often used to create a sense of resolution and finality in the melody or harmony.

     


    D9sus4 in G Major

    When playing in the key of G Major, the fifth degree of the scale is D7. However, substituting it with a D9sus4 chord can introduce a feeling of anticipation and suspense, which can be resolved by returning to the dominant chord or by moving to another degree of the scale.

    I ii iii IV V vi vii
    G Maj7 A min7 B min7 C Maj7 D7 E min7 F#m7b5

     

    D9sus4 as V degree – Chord Progressions
    ii V I
    ii V I
    A min7 D9sus4 | D7 G Maj7

    You can experiment with different ways of playing the D9sus4 chord in the key of G Major. For example, you could play just the D9sus4 chord, or split the measure in half and play both the D9sus4 and D7 chords. Another option is to invert the order of the chords, playing the D7 chord first and then resolving to the D9sus4 chord.

    I IV V
    I IV V
    G Maj7 C Maj7 D9sus4 | D7

     

     I V vi IV
    I V vi IV
    G Maj7 D9sus4 | D7 E min7 C Maj7

     

    I IV vi V
    I IV vi V
    G Maj7 C Maj7 E min7 D9sus4 | D7

     

     I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    G Maj7 C Maj7 A min7 D9sus4 | D7 B min7 E min7 A min7 D9sus4 | D7

     


    D9sus4 in E Minor

    In E minor, the seventh degree of the scale features a D7 chord. By incorporating a D9sus4 chord in this position, you can generate a feeling of expectation and tension, which prepares the listener for the eventual resolution to the tonic chord. You can experiment with playing just the D9sus4 chord or combining it with the D7 chord.

    i ii III iv v VI VII
    E min7 F#m7b5 G Maj7 A min7 B min7 C Maj7 D7

     

    D9sus4 as VII degree – Chord Progressions
    i VI VII
    i V VII
    E min7 B min7 D9sus4 | D7

     

    i v VI VII
    i v VI VII
    E min7 B min7 C Maj7 D7 | D9sus4

     

    i III VII VI
    i III VII VI
    E min7 G Maj7 D9sus4 | D7 C Maj7

     

    Circle Progression
    i iv VII III VI ii V7 i
    E min7 A min7 D9sus4 | D7 G Maj7 C Maj7 F#m7b5 B7 E min7

     


    D9sus4 in C Major

    In C Major, the second chord of the scale is typically a D minor. However, substituting it with a D9sus4 chord can introduce some color and tonal intrigue to a chord progression.

    I ii iii IV V vi vii
    C Maj7 D min7 E min7 F Maj7 G7 A min7 Bm7b5

     

    D9sus4 Chord Progressions as ii degree
    ii V I
    ii V I
    D9sus4 | Dm7 G7 C Maj7

     

    I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    C Maj7 F Maj7 D9sus4 | Dm7 G7 E min7 A min7 Dm7 | D9sus4 G7

     


    D9sus4 in A# Major (Non Diatonic)

    When playing in A# Major key, you can use the D9sus4 chord as a non-diatonic substitution for the D minor chord on the III degree. However, it’s essential to note that the D9sus4 chord includes an E, which may clash with the D# note present in the A# Major scale.

    I ii iii IV V vi vii
    Bb Maj7 C min7 D min7 Eb Maj7 F7 G min7 Am7b5

     

    D9sus4 Chord Progressions as iii degree
    I iii IV V
    I iii IV V
    Bb Maj7 D9sus4 | Dm7 Eb Maj7 F7

     

    I iii ii V
    I iii ii V
    Bb Maj7 D9sus4 | Dm7 C min7 F7

     

    I iii vi IV
    I iii vi IV
    Bb Maj7 D9sus4 | Dm7 G min7 Eb Maj7

     


    D9sus4 in F Major

    In the key of F Major, you can use the D9sus4 chord as a replacement for the VI degree chord, where a D minor chord would typically be played.

    I ii iii IV V vi vii
    F Maj7 G min7 A min7 Bb Maj7 C7 D min7 Em7b5

     

    D9sus4 as vi degree – Chord Progressions
    I iii vi V
    I iii vi V
    F Maj7 A min7 D9sus4 | Dm7 C7

     

    I vi ii V
    I vi ii V
    F Maj7 D9sus4 | Dm7 G min7 C7

     

    I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    F Maj7 Bb Maj7 G min7 C7 A min7 D9sus4 | Dm7 G min7 C7

     


    D9sus4 in D Minor

    In the key of D minor, incorporating the D9sus4 chord can add variation to the traditional Dm chord typically used in the key.

    i ii III iv v VI VII
    D min7 Em7b5 F Maj7 G min7 A min7 Bb Maj7 C7

     

    D9sus4 Chord Progressions as i degree
    i VI VII
    i VI VII
    D9sus4 | Dm7 Bb Maj7 C7

     

    i iv VI VII
    i iv VI VII
    D9sus4 G min7 Bb Maj7 C7

     


    D9sus4 in A Minor

    When playing in the key of A minor, you can try using the D9sus4 chord as a substitution or variation for the D major chord on the IV degree.

    i ii III iv v VI VII
    A min7 Bm7b5 C Maj7 D min7 E min7 F Maj7 G7

     

    D9sus4 Chord Progressions as iv degree
    iv III VI VII
    iv III VI VII
    D9sus4 | Dm7 C Maj7 F Maj7 G7

     

    i iv VI v
    i iv VI v
    A min7 D9sus4 | Dm7 F Maj7 E min7

     


    D9sus4 in G Minor (Non Diatonic)

    In the key of G minor, you can use the D9sus4 chord as an alternative or substitution for the v degree chord (D minor chord). However, it’s important to note that the D9sus4 chord contains an E, which is not diatonic to the G minor scale that includes a D#. As a result, it’s generally recommended to avoid using the D9sus4 chord in this context, but it’s worth experimenting to see if it suits your desired sound.

    i ii III iv v VI VII
    G min7 Am7b5 Bb Maj7 C min7 D min7 Eb Maj7 F7

     

    D9sus4 as v degree – Chord Progressions
    i iv VI v
    i iv VI v
    G min7 C min7 Eb Maj7 D9sus4 | Dm7

     

    i v VI VII
    i v VI VII
    G min7 D9sus4 | Dm7 Eb Maj7 F7

     

    i VI v iv
    i VI v iv
    G min7 Eb Maj7 D9sus4 | Dm7 C min7

     


    9sus4 and 11th Chords: Similarities and Differences

    9sus4 chords share almost the same notes as 11th chords. The only difference is the presence of the 3rd in 11th chords.

    D9sus4 = D, G, A, C, E

    D11 = D, F#, A, C, E, G

    However, it is important to note that a 4th is not the same as an 11th, even if they are the same note. There is an octave of difference between them. This distinction may not matter when playing an inversion of the chord, but it is still important to be aware of.

     


     

    Alternative D9sus4 Chord Nomenclature

    • D9 sus4
    • D7(9sus4)
    • D9sus 4th
    • D nine suspended 4th
    • D ninth suspended fourth
    • D Dominant ninth suspended 4

     


    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    INDEX