Construction
D 9sus4 = Root + Perfect 4th + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th + Major 2nd = D, G, A, C, E
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| D | Root | 1 |
| G | Perfect 4th | 11 |
| A | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| C | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
| E | Major 2nd | 9 |
Fingering
| Note | Key color | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| D | white | thumb (1) | little finger (5) |
| G | white | index finger (2) | ring finger (4) |
| A | white | middle finger (3) | middle finger (3) |
| C | white | ring finger (4) | index finger (2) |
| E | white | little finger (5) | thumb (1) |
Right hand: thumb (1) on D, index finger (2) on G, middle finger (3) on A, ring finger (4) on C, little finger (5) on E.
Left hand: little finger (5) on D, ring finger (4) on G, middle finger (3) on A, index finger (2) on C, thumb (1) on E.
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the D 9sus4 is the tonic (I) chord of D Major, whose key signature has 2 sharps (F♯, C♯).
F♯C♯
Order of sharps
Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯
Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
Chords in the Key of D Major
These are the triads built on each degree of D Major:
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes D – G – A – C – E aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
D 9sus4 : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the D 9sus4 chord on piano?
The D 9sus4 chord contains the notes D – G – A – C – E. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the D 9sus4 chord?
The D 9sus4 chord (D9sus4) contains 5 notes: D, G, A, C, E. Formula: R-P4-P5-m7-M9.
How is D9sus4 used in music?
D9sus4 is used in jazz, fusion, and contemporary music to add harmonic color. It appears as a dominant or tonic chord depending on context.
What is the scale degree formula for D9sus4?
D9sus4 uses scale degrees 1-4-5-b7-9, giving it its distinctive sound.