B Suspended Second (Bsus2) chords on guitar
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the B sus2 chord. As part of the family of suspended chords, the B sus2 chord is unique in its composition and sound. Rather than containing the typical root, third, and fifth of a major or minor chord, suspended chords like the B sus2 lack the third. Instead, they feature the root, a major second, and a perfect fifth.
The B sus2 chord is composed of the notes B, C#, and F#. These notes are built from the intervals of 1 (root), 2 (major second), and 5 (perfect fifth). For a more detailed explanation on how chords are built from intervals, you can refer to our guitar music theory tutorial.
Playing the B sus2 chord can be a bit more challenging than basic major or minor chords, but it provides a rich, open sound that can add depth to your music. This tutorial will guide you through chord diagrams and fretboard patterns to help you master the B sus2. If you need help understanding these diagrams and patterns, our fretboard intervals tutorial can be a great resource.
As you progress in your guitar journey, understanding and mastering chords like the B sus2 can open up a world of musical possibilities. For a more comprehensive understanding of guitar chords, check out our full tutorial about guitar chords.
Notes that compose the B sus2 chord:
How the Suspended Second chord is built:
Fingerings for the B Suspended Second guitar chord
Chord boxes are sorted from the easiest to the hardest. Learn how to read chord diagrams.
If you have difficulties with bar chord shapes, check the Bar Chords Tips tutorial.
You can also use this accessible chords page with written diagrams instruction.
Position 1
Movable
You can find more shapes in our all guitar chords online library. If you
prefer a printable pdf, download
the Free Guitar Chords Chart Pdf
FAQ
What is a Bsus2 chord and what notes does it contain?
The Bsus2 chord is a type of suspended chord composed of the root note (B), a major second (C#), and a perfect fifth (F#). Unlike standard major or minor chords, it omits the third, which gives it an open and distinctive sound.
How do the intervals 1, 2, and 5 define the Bsus2 chord?
In the Bsus2 chord, the 1 represents the root note (B), the 2 represents the major second (C#), and the 5 represents the perfect fifth (F#). This specific combination of intervals, replacing the traditional third with a second, is what gives the chord its unique "suspended" quality.
What is the main difference between a Bsus2 chord and a standard B major or B minor chord?
The primary difference is the absence of a major or minor third. A Bsus2 chord replaces the third with a major second (C#), removing the definitive major or minor quality and creating a unique, often unresolved, "suspended" sound.
Why is the Bsus2 chord described as potentially challenging to play?
Playing the Bsus2 chord can be more challenging than basic major or minor chords because its fretboard patterns often require specific finger stretches or non-standard hand positions that guitarists might not encounter as frequently with simpler chord shapes.
What kind of sound does a Bsus2 chord produce?
The Bsus2 chord produces a rich, open sound. Because it omits the major or minor third, it lacks a strong sense of major (happy) or minor (sad), creating a spacious and sometimes gently tense quality that can add depth to music.