D 7sus2 Chord

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Formula R – 2 – 5 – ♭7

Summary

D 7sus2 is built from the notes D, E, A, C. The interval from D to E is a major 2nd (2 semitones), from D to A is a perfect 5th (7 semitones), from D to C is a minor 7th (10 semitones).

The 7sus2 adds a minor 7th to the sus2 chord, creating a deep, soulful sound with a funky edge. It keeps the open ambiguity of the sus2 but adds dominant tension underneath.

Theory

Composed of the root, major 2nd, perfect 5th, and minor 7th (R, 2, 5, ♭7), the 7sus2 is essentially a dominant 7th with the 3rd replaced by the 2nd. The ♭7 destabilizes the airy quality of the sus2, making it great for building tension. It also works well as the flat 7th chord in both major and minor key progressions, adding unexpected harmonic color.

On the guitar

You can build 7sus2 shapes from open dominant 7th forms by lowering the 3rd to the major 2nd. Movable barre shapes on the 6th and 5th strings work well for shifting this voicing around the neck. The chord sits comfortably under the fingers and produces a distinctly modern, open sound.

Advanced

The 7sus2 as the flat 7th chord in a key is a powerful reharmonization tool — try replacing a plain flat-7th major chord with 7sus2 for added depth. In funk, alternating between 7sus2 and 7sus4 over the same root creates a hypnotic push-pull effect without ever landing on the 3rd.

Piano