D♭ Suspended 4th Chord

Chord Tones: D♭ Suspended 4th Chord

Symbol: sus4, sus — Formula: 1-4-5

Chord Notation

Roman numeral (e.g. I, IV, V) and Nashville Number notation are key-dependent. See Keys pages for chord function within specific keys.

Inversions

Harmonic Function

The D♭ sus4 chord commonly functions as the supertonic (♭II, Neapolitan) in C major or tonic in D♭ major. Its harmonic role varies by key — in major keys it provides stable harmonic grounding.

The sus4 chord replaces the third with a perfect fourth, creating tension that traditionally resolves down to the major third. It creates anticipation and is common before dominant chords. The D♭ Suspended 4th Chord specifically contains 3 notes: D♭, G♭, A♭ (formula: 1-4-5). On piano, Db-rooted chords place the root on a black key surrounded by other black keys, and the hand naturally cups over the raised surface for smooth voice leading. Romantic piano repertoire, contemporary R&B, and cinematic underscore frequently feature Db chords for their lush, introspective warmth.

Common Progressions

The D♭ Suspended 4th Chord frequently appears in these progression patterns (shown in Roman numeral notation relative to key):

• Vsus4-V-I
• Isus4-I

Songs Featuring the Suspended 4th Chord

Well-known songs where the D♭ Suspended 4th Chord — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:

• Scarborough Fair – Simon & Garfunkel
• The Seeker – The Who
• Born on the Bayou – CCR

Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments

Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.

Scales Containing the D♭ Suspended 4th Chord

These scales include the D♭ Suspended 4th Chord as a diatonic or characteristic chord: