How to play the Dsus2 chord on guitar

The Dsus2 chord, pronounced D suspended second, is a variation of the standard D chord that adds an ethereal, open sound. To play Dsus2, simply replace the 3rd finger note (F#) with an E played by the 2nd finger on the D string. This suspended chord is commonly used in folk, rock, and country music to add a unique, dreamy texture to progressions.

The most popular way to play the Dsus2 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 5th fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a Dsus2 chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across all six strings on the 5th fret.
2. Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

To strum this chord, play all six strings together in a downward motion with your pick or thumb.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Dsus2 chord, try this:

1. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
2. Play the 4th (D) string open.
3. Avoid playing the other strings.

This version is easier to play and requires less hand strength compared to the barre chord.

The Dsus2 chord is commonly played as an open chord, but learning the barre chord version can be useful for quickly changing to other chords or playing the chord in a different position on the fretboard.

Here's how to play a Dsus2 bar chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 5th fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
4. Strum all six strings from the 5th fret.

The Dsus2 chord is often used in progressions to add tension and create a sense of anticipation or longing. These progressions can evoke emotions ranging from melancholic to hopeful. Here are some common Dsus2 chord progressions:

• I - Isus2 - IV - V (D - Dsus2 - G - A)
• vi - Isus2 - IV - V (Bm - Dsus2 - G - A). Used in "Wonderwall" by Oasis and "Champagne Supernova" by Oasis.
• I - vi - Isus2 - IV (D - Bm - Dsus2 - G)
• Isus2 - vi - IV - V (Dsus2 - Bm - G - A)
• ii - V - I - Isus2 (Em - A - D - Dsus2)

To master the Dsus2 chord, try playing the individual notes (D, E, A) one at a time, focusing on each note's clarity and tone. Once comfortable, practice transitioning between the notes in different orders, such as D-E-A, A-D-E, or E-A-D.

Next, practice strumming the Dsus2 chord in various rhythms, starting with simple patterns like quarter notes or eighth notes. As you become more confident, incorporate the chord into progressions with other chords you know, experimenting with different strumming patterns and rhythmic variations to develop your skills and musicality.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Dsus2 chord.

1. Hey Jude by The Beatles (D, Dsus2, D7, Am, G, A)
2. Space Oddity by David Bowie (Fmaj7, Em, Dsus2, C)
3. Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers (C, Am, F, G, Dsus2, D)
4. Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol (A, E, Dsus2, D)
5. Hunger Strike by Temple of the Dog (D, Dsus2, G, Gsus2)
6. Tangled Up in Blue by Bob Dylan (G, D, Dsus2, A, C)
7. Live Forever by Oasis (G, D, Dsus2, Asus2)
8. Wonderwall by Oasis (Em7, G, D, Dsus2, A7sus4, Cadd9)
9. Little Lion Man by Mumford & Sons (Dm, F, C, Dsus2)
10. Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town by Pearl Jam (G, Dsus2, Cadd9)