Dbsus4 Piano Chord

Piano Diagram of Dbsus4 in Root Position

The Db suspended fourth (Dbsus4) chord consists of three notes: Db, Gb, and Ab. It’s called a “suspended 4” chord because the third note of the chord is replaced with a perfect fourth. To play the Dbsus4 chord on a piano, you would start with a Db major chord and replace the third note F, with the fourth note Gb. Further reading will give you a better understanding of the music theory principles behind this chord.

 

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Fingers Position

 

Dbsus4 Chord Inversions

 

The Dbsus4 chord has a total of 2 inversions:

 Piano Keyboard Diagrams

Dbsus4 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 Dbsus4 = Gbsus2

For instance, if we take the Dbsus4 chord with the notes Db, Gb, and Ab and rearrange them so that Gb becomes the root note, we end up with a Gbsus2 chord with the notes Gb, Ab, and Db. Therefore, the 1st inversion of Dbsus4 is equivalent to Gbsus2.

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Music Theory and Harmony of Dbsus4

 

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 Dbsus4 Chord: Different Approaches

Starting from the Db 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 Dbsus4 chord, apply the formula R, 4, 5 in the following manner:

1. Begin with the Root note, which is Db.
2. Select the 4th interval, which is Gb, and add it to the chord.
3. Finally, add the 5th interval, which is Ab.

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 Dbsus4 chord as an example. By examining the intervals between the notes, we can see that Db-Gb forms a perfect 4th interval, and Gb-Ab creates a major second interval (a whole tone).

 

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How to Use Dbsus4 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 Db major and Db minor chords in various positions and different harmonic roles.

 

Dbsus4 as Substitute of Db Maj Chords

In the keys of Ab Major and F minor, the 4th note Gb can clash with the F and the natural G note that is present in those keys. While this doesn’t prevent you from using the Dbsus4 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 Db Major
• Non Diatonic Subdominant chord in Ab Major
• Dominant chord in Gb Major

 

on Natural minor Scales

• Mediant chord in Bb minor
• Non Diatonic Submediant chord in F minor
• Leading tone chord in Eb minor

 

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Dbsus4 as Substitute of Db min Chords

While the Dbsus4 chord can be used as a substitute or variation for Db minor 7th chords, it’s important to note that a Db7sus4 chord would be a better fit due to the presence of the minor 7th.

on Major Scales

• Supertonic chord in B Major as C#sus4
• Mediant chord in A Major as C#sus4
• Submediant chord in E Major as C#sus4

 

on Natural minor Scales

• Tonic chord in C# minor as C#sus4
• Subdominant chord in Ab minor
• Dominant chord in F# minor as C#sus4

 

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Dbsus4 Function in Major and Minor Keys

Understanding Scale Degrees

Scale degrees are essential for understanding the relationship between the notes in a scale and how they function within chords. The diatonic major scale consists of seven degrees, each with its unique role in creating the overall harmony of the scale.

1. The first degree of the scale is known as the Tonic, which serves as the anchor for the music. It establishes a stable tonal center that acts as the foundation for the scale.
2. The second degree is called the Supertonic, often used as a transitional note between the Tonic and other notes in the scale. It creates a sense of motion within the melody or harmony.
3. The third degree of the scale is the Mediant, which sits halfway between the Tonic and Dominant notes. It helps establish whether the scale is major or minor.
4. The fourth degree is called the Subdominant, used to complement the Dominant and add tension and resolution to the music.
5. The fifth degree is the Dominant, which creates tension and anticipation within the melody or harmony, typically resolved by returning to the Tonic.
6. The sixth degree is the Submediant, often employed as a transitional note between the Dominant and Tonic, adding a sense of stability and restfulness to the music.
7. The seventh degree is the Leading tone, located one half-step below the Tonic. It creates a strong sense of tension and a desire to resolve to the Tonic, frequently used to create a sense of resolution and finality in the melody or harmony.

 

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Dbsus4 in Db Major

The Dbsus4 chord can be used along with the Db Maj7 chord (or any other kind of Db major chord) to add color on the first degree. The Dbsus4 chord can suspend the Db Major chord or the subsequent chord.

 

Dbsus4 Chord Progressions as I degree

ii V I

I IV V

 

 I V vi IV

 

I IV vi V

 

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Dbsus4 in Ab Major (Non Diatonic)

Let’s explore the sound of the Dbsus4 chord in the key of Ab major, which can be used as a substitute or variation of the Db Maj7 chord on the IV degree. However, it’s important to note that the Dbsus4 contains a Gb which clashes with the the F and the G present in this key. So, since the Dbsus4 is not diatonic in this key, it may sound unusual or foreign to the overall tonality.

 

Dbsus4 Chord Progressions as IV degree

I IV V

 

 I V vi IV

 

I IV vi V

 

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Dbsus4 in Gb Major

In the key of Gb Major, the fifth degree it features a Db7 chord. Adding a Dbsus4 chord can create tension and expectation, leading to a resolution on the dominant chord. Note that using a Db7sus4 chord instead of a Dbsus4 would be a better option in this case.

 

Dbsus4 as V degree – Chord Progressions

ii V I

I IV V

 

 I V vi IV

 

I IV vi V

 

 I IV ii V iii vi ii V

 

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Dbsus4 in Bb Minor

Try experimenting with chord progressions featuring a Db Maj7 on the III degree of the Bb minor scale, and try playing a Dbsus4 before or after the Db Maj7 to see how it sounds.

 

Dbsus4 Chord Progressions as III degree

i III

 

i III VII VI

 

i III iv v

 

i III ii v

 

I iii vi V

 

Circle Progression

 

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Dbsus4 in F Minor (Non Diatonic)

In the key of F minor, the VI degree chord is a Db major chord. To add some color, you can use a Dbsus4 chord as a substitution or variation of this chord. However, keep in mind that the Dbsus4 chord is non-diatonic in this key because it contains a Gb while the F minor scale contains a natural F and a G. Therefore, it’s generally recommended to avoid using the Dbsus4 chord in this key, but feel free to experiment and see how it sounds to your ears.

 

Dbsus4 Chord Progressions as VI degree

i VI VII

 

i v VI VII

 

i III VII VI

 

Circle Progression

 

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Dbsus4 in Eb Minor

Let’s explore the use of Dbsus4 as a leading tone chord in the key of Eb minor. As the leading tone chord, Dbsus4 can create tension and lead the listener’s ear to the tonic chord, which is Eb minor in this case.

 

Dbsus4 as VII degree – Chord Progressions

i VI VII

 

i v VI VII

 

i III VII VI

 

Circle Progression

 

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Dbsus4 in Cb Major

Check C#sus4 in B Major

 

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Dbsus4 in Bbb Major

Check C#sus4 in A Major

 

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Dbsus4 in Fb Major

Check C#sus4 in E Major

 

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Dbsus4 in Db Minor

Check C#sus4 in C# minor

 

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Dbsus4 in Ab Minor

In Ab minor, the IV degree is Db major, which can be replaced or varied with a Dbsus4 chord.

 

Dbsus4 Chord Progressions as iv degree

iv III VI VII

 

i iv VI v

 

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Dbsus4 in Gb Minor

Check C#sus4 in F# minor

 

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Alternative Names for Dbsus4

• Dbsus4
• Dbsus⁽⁴⁾
• Db add4(no3)
• Db add4(omit3)
• Db 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 Dbsus4 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.

I hope this post has been informative and helpful in your music theory journey. Keep exploring and creating music, and don’t forget to have some fun along the way!