D#sus4 Piano Chord

Piano Diagram of D#sus4 in Root Position

The D# suspended fourth (D#sus4) chord consists of three notes: D#, G#, and A#. It’s called a “suspended 4” chord because the third note of the chord is replaced with a perfect fourth. To play the D#sus4 chord on a piano, you would start with a D# major chord and replace the third note F_x (F “double sharp”, which is equivalent to G), with the fourth note G#. Further reading will give you a better understanding of the music theory principles behind this chord.

 

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Fingers Position

 

D#sus4 Chord Inversions

 

The D#sus4 chord has a total of 2 inversions:

 Piano Keyboard Diagrams

D#sus4 Chord Equivalencies

An interesting detail about sus4 chords is that their 1st inversion results in a sus2 chord. To clarify, when the 4th note of a sus4 chord becomes the root note, it transforms into a sus2 chord.

1st Inversion of D#sus4 = G#sus2

For instance, if we take the D#sus4 chord with the notes D#, G#, and A# and rearrange them so that G# becomes the root note, we end up with a G#sus2 chord with the notes G#, A#, and D#. Therefore, the 1st inversion of D#sus4 is equivalent to G#sus2.

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Music Theory and Harmony of D#sus4

 

What are Suspended  Chords?

Suspended chords are a type of chord in which the third note is replaced by either a major second or a perfect fourth. These resulting chords are called suspended second (sus2) or suspended fourth (sus4) chords, respectively. These chords create a unique and sometimes unresolved sound that can add tension and interest to a musical composition.

Suspended chords have a distinct sound that sets them apart from major and minor chords. They are called suspended chords because they temporarily suspend the listener’s expectation of hearing a major or minor stable chord. Instead, they feature a perfect fourth or major second interval in place of the third. Due to their “neutral nature,” suspended chords can sometimes be used as substitutes for both major and minor chords.

 

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Building the D#sus4 Chord: Different Approaches

 

D# major is a theoretical key with 9 sharps (two double sharps and five single sharps), making it impractical to use due to the high number of accidentals. Musicians often use its enharmonic equivalent, Eb major, which has only three flats. However, let’s see how to build a D#sus4 starting from the D# major scale.

Starting from the D# major Scale

To build a sus4 chord, you can use the major scale as a guide and combine a root note, a perfect 4th interval, and a perfect 5th interval.

 

 

 

To create a D#sus4 chord, apply the formula R, 4, 5 in the following manner:

1. Begin with the Root note, which is D#.
2. Select the 4th interval, which is G#, and add it to the chord.
3. Finally, add the 5th interval, which is A#.

By following this simple formula, you can create a sus4 chord from any major scale.

 

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by Combining Intervals

One method to create a suspended 4th chord is by combining two specific intervals – a perfect 4th, and a major 2nd.

4 + 2 = sus4 Chords

To illustrate, let’s use the D#sus4 chord as an example. By examining the intervals between the notes, we can see that D#-G# forms a perfect 4th interval, and G#-A# creates a major second interval (a whole tone).

 

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How to Use D#sus4 in a Chord Progression

 

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

In the following tables, you will find the harmonization of the major and relative natural minor scales for keys that include D# major and D# minor chords in various positions and different harmonic roles.

 

D#sus4 as Substitute of D# Maj Chords

In the key of A# Major and G minor, the 4th note G# can clash with the G and the A notes that is present in those keys. While this doesn’t prevent you from using the D#sus4 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

• Tonic chord in Eb Major as Ebsus4
• Non Diatonic Subdominant chord in Bb Major as Ebsus4
• Dominant chord in Ab Major as Ebsus4

 

on Natural minor Scales

• Mediant chord in C minor as Ebsus4
• Non Diatonic Submediant chord in G minor as Ebsus4
• Leading tone chord in F minor as Ebsus4

 

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D#sus4 as Substitute of D# min Chords

While the D#sus4 chord can be used as a substitute or variation for D# minor 7th chords, it’s important to note that a D#7sus4 chord would be a better fit due to the presence of the minor 7th.

on Major Scales

• Supertonic chord in C# Major
• Mediant chord in B Major
• Submediant chord in F# Major

 

on Natural minor Scales

• Tonic chord in D# minor
• Subdominant chord in A# minor
• Dominant chord in G# minor

 

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D#sus4 in D# Major

Check Ebsus4 in Eb Major

 

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D#sus4 in A# Major (Non Diatonic)

Check Ebsus4 in Bb Major

 

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D#sus4 in G# Major

Check Ebsus4 in Ab Major

 

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D#sus4 in B# Minor

Check Ebsus4 in C minor

 

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D#sus4 in F_x Minor (Non Diatonic)

Check Ebsus4 in G minor

 

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D#sus4 in E# Minor

Check Ebsus4 in F minor

 

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D#sus4 in C# Major

In the key of C# Major, the supertonic chord is a D# minor. However, we can use a D#sus4 chord as a variation or substitution for the D#m chord to add some tonal color and interest to a chord progression.

 

D#sus4 Chord Progressions as ii degree

ii V I

 

I IV ii V iii vi ii V

 

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D#sus4 in B Major

In the key of B Major, the D#sus4 chord can be used on the III degree.

 

D#sus4 Chord Progressions as iii degree

I iii IV V

 

I iii ii V

 

I iii vi IV

 

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D#sus4 in F# Major

Let’s explore how the D#sus4 chord can function as a submediant chord in the key of F# major. You can try incorporating it into chord progressions that feature a D#m chord on the VI degree.

 

D#sus4 as vi degree – Chord Progressions

I iii vi V

 

I vi ii V

 

I IV ii V iii vi ii V

 

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D#sus4 in D# Minor

When using the D#sus4 chord in the key of D# minor, it can be a great variation for the traditional D#m chord. It creates a more ambiguous sound due to its suspended nature, but it can be used to add tension to a chord progression.

 

D#sus4 Chord Progressions as i degree

i VI VII

 

Modulation

Use your left hand to play the D# root note, and your right hand to play the remaining notes of the chord.

 

i iv VI VII

 

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D#sus4 in A# Minor

In A# minor scale, the IV degree is D# major, which can be replaced or varied with a D#sus4 chord.

 

D#sus4 Chord Progressions as iv degree

iv III VI VII

 

i iv VI v

 

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D#sus4 in G# Minor

In the key of G# minor, the D#sus4 chord can be used on the v (fifth) degree.

 

D#sus4 as v degree – Chord Progressions

i iv VI v

 

i v VI VII

 

i VI v iv

 

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Alternative Names for D#sus4

• D#sus4
• D#sus⁽⁴⁾
• D# add4(no3)
• D# add4(omit3)
• D# Suspended 4th

 

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Conclusion

While the chord progressions and examples in this post offer a comprehensive overview of common uses for the D#sus4 chord, space constraints prevent a full exploration of advanced harmony topics. These include chord progressions based on scales, modal interchange, and jazz harmony. However, I encourage readers to continue studying and exploring to gain a deeper understanding of the harmonic possibilities beyond the basic concepts presented here. You can unlock a wide range of musical expressions and expand your creativity.

So keep exploring and creating music, and don’t forget to have some fun along the way!