Accidentally strumming the A string
Start the pick at the open D string. The open A note belongs to the chord, but adding it below D changes the bass and weakens the clear D-rooted open shape.
Guitar chord fingering
Dsus4 Guitar Chord: xx0233 Fingering
xx0233 is the open Dsus4 guitar chord. From the low E string to the high E string, mute the first two strings, play the D string open, fret the G string at 2, the B string at 3, and the high E string at 3.
How to play Dsus4 (xx0233)
- Do not play the low E or A strings.
- Leave the D string open. This is the root note D.
- Place your index finger on the G string at the 2nd fret. This note is A.
- Place your ring finger on the B string at the 3rd fret. This note is D.
- Place your pinky on the high E string at the 3rd fret. This note is G.
- Strum from the open D string through the high E string.
If you are moving from an ordinary open D chord, keep the D shape in place and add the pinky at the high E string's 3rd fret. Lifting the pinky reveals the fretted F-sharp at the 2nd fret and resolves Dsus4 to D major.
| String | Instruction | Sounding note | Role in Dsus4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th, low E | Mute | None | Not played |
| 5th, A | Mute | None | Not played |
| 4th, D | Open | D | Root |
| 3rd, G | Fret 2 | A | Perfect fifth |
| 2nd, B | Fret 3 | D | Root |
| 1st, high E | Fret 3 | G | Suspended fourth |
How Dsus4 resolves to D major
Dsus4 contains D, G, and A. A D major chord contains D, F-sharp, and A. The suspended fourth G replaces the major third F-sharp, so the chord has no major-or-minor third of its own.
In the open shapes, Dsus4 is xx0233 and D major is xx0232. The high note moves from G at fret 3 down to F-sharp at fret 2.
Keep the index finger on G2, the ring finger on B3, and the middle finger on high E2 as the underlying D shape. Add the pinky at high E3 for Dsus4, then lift it to hear the suspension resolve.
The resolution is common because the one-fret movement is easy to hear and play, but Dsus4 can also remain unresolved or move to another chord when the progression calls for a more open sound.
Common Dsus4 fingering problems
Muting the high E string
The high G is the note that distinguishes Dsus4 from D major. Curve the pinky and place it just behind the 3rd fret so it rings cleanly.
Letting the ring and pinky collapse together
Keep both fingertips upright on the B and high E strings. Pick those two strings separately until neither finger touches its neighbor.
Squeezing harder than necessary
Place each fingertip close to the fret wire and use only enough pressure for a clear note. Excess tension makes the Dsus4-to-D movement slower.
Losing the pulse during the embellishment
Practice D - Dsus4 - D - Dsus2 without stopping the strumming hand. The suspended note is an embellishment inside the rhythm, not a reason for the groove to pause.
Other ways to use Dsus4
Small top-string shape
xxx233 keeps A, D, and G on the top three strings. It is useful when another instrument supplies the bass or when the full open shape sounds too dense.
Dsus2 contrast
xx0230 replaces the D major third with E, the suspended second. Moving among Dsus2, D, and Dsus4 creates two different colors around the same D-rooted chord.
Movable suspended shapes
Try x57785 at the 5th fret or 10-10-12-12-10-10 at the 10th fret. Both keep D, G, and A while moving the suspended sound higher on the neck.
What notes are in the Dsus4 chord?
Dsus4 contains D, G, and A. D is the root, G is the suspended fourth, and A is the perfect fifth.
The interval formula is 1-4-5. Because there is no third, Dsus4 is neither major nor minor by itself.
Guitar chord progressions using Dsus4
Loop D - Dsus4 - D - Dsus4 slowly and keep every attack the same length. When the pinky movement stays in time, place Dsus4 inside one of the complete progressions.
Open G-family loop
G - Dsus4 - Em - C
I - V(sus4) - vi - IV in G major. Dsus4 delays the ordinary D-major dominant color and keeps the upper strings open.
D-centered suspended loop
D - Dsus4 - G - D
I - I(sus4) - IV - I in D major. The second position turns the tonic into a brief suspension before moving to G.
Minor-start acoustic loop
Em - C - G - Dsus4
vi - IV - I - V(sus4) in G major. Ending on Dsus4 avoids a fully settled dominant sound before returning to Em.
Ringing open-chord progression
Gadd9 - Dsus4 - Em7 - Cadd9
I - V(sus4) - vi7 - IV(add9) in G major. Related open-string color helps the four shapes connect.
Practice the chord in StrumForge
Use playback, standard-tuning diagrams, and supported voicing controls to hear this chord inside a complete four-position progression.
- StrumForge app Open the main guitar-first progression generator.
- Guitar chord progression generator Generate playable four-chord loops with diagrams and groove playback.
- Guitar practice app Use the native apps for daily practice, saved ideas, and longer sessions.
- Features See the progression, playback, diagram, and scale tools in one place.
Dsus4 guitar chord FAQ
What guitar chord is xx0233?
xx0233 is the open Dsus4 chord. Mute the low E and A strings, play the D string open, and fret the G, B, and high E strings at 2, 3, and 3.
Which fingers play Dsus4?
Use the index finger on G2, ring finger on B3, and pinky on high E3. When resolving to D major, keep the normal D-shape middle finger ready at high E2 beneath the pinky.
What notes are in Dsus4?
Dsus4 contains D, G, and A. D is the root, G is the suspended fourth, and A is the perfect fifth.
Is Dsus4 major or minor?
Neither by itself. Dsus4 has no third: G replaces the F-sharp found in D major and the F natural found in D minor.
How do I resolve Dsus4 to D?
Move the high E string from fret 3 to fret 2. That changes G, the suspended fourth, into F-sharp, the major third of D.
Which strings should I strum for Dsus4?
Strum from the open D string through the high E string. Avoid the low E and A strings for the standard D-rooted open shape.
Can I use Dsus4 in StrumForge?
Yes. StrumForge can display supported Dsus4 guitar diagrams and place the chord inside a four-position progression with playback.