How to Play D4 Piano Chords

The Average Salary of a Pianist
Published: Apr 14, 2010
Updated: Jan 10, 2019
1 minute read

The D4 chord, often called a D4sus (suspended) chord, is used in piano music to create a fuller, more interesting sound in certain songs. The "4" in the chord suggests the presence of a note that is a fourth above D, which happens to be the G note. You can learn to play a D4 chord by understanding the notes involved and investing a little practice in playing those notes.

Place your right thumb on a D note. The D note is a white key located between the two black keys in a set.

Place your fourth finger on G. The G note is a white key that is located between the first and second black key in a set of three black keys.

Place your fifth finger on A, which is the next white key to the right of G.

Play the D, G and A at the same time in order to play a chord. Play the notes in sequence in order to play an arpeggiated chord.

Add the same notes with your left hand or simply add two D notes by using your left fifth finger and thumb. This supplies the bass for the chord.

References

Charlotte Johnson

Charlotte Johnson is a musician, teacher and writer with a master's degree in education. She has contributed to a variety of websites, specializing in health, education, the arts, home and garden, animals and parenting.

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