B Suspended Fourth Guitar Chord (Bsus4) | Easy Ways to Play It
Welcome to our tutorial on the B sus4 chord. This is a beautiful sounding chord that belongs to the family of suspended chords. Suspended chords are unique as they do not contain the third interval, which is a staple in most other chord types. The B sus4 chord is composed of the notes B, E, and F#, and the intervals that construct this chord are the 1 (Root), 4 (Perfect Fourth), and 5 (Perfect Fifth).
Suspended chords like the B sus4 provide a sense of tension and release in music, making them a popular choice in various genres. Learning how to play them will add a new layer of depth to your guitar playing. If you are new to the concept of intervals and how they build chords, you might want to check out our tutorial on chord construction and our guide to fretboard intervals.
In this tutorial, we will be providing you with chord diagrams and fretboard patterns that clearly demonstrate the tones that make up the B sus4 chord. If you are interested in learning more about different chord types and how to denote them based on their intervals, we recommend our tutorial on chord notation.
Whether you are a beginner looking to expand your chord vocabulary, or an intermediate player seeking to delve deeper into music theory, understanding the B sus4 chord is a step in the right direction. Let's dive in and start exploring this fascinating chord!
B sus4 chord Notes:
Chord Structure:
B Suspended Fourth Guitar Chord Voicings
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You can also use this accessible chords page with written diagrams instruction.
Position 1
Open
Position 2
Barre
Movable
Position 3
Barre
Movable
Position 4
Barre
Movable
Position 5
Barre
Movable
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FAQ
What defines a B sus4 chord's unique sound?
The B sus4 chord, like all suspended chords, gets its unique sound from the absence of the third interval, which is typically found in most other chord types. Instead of a third, it features a perfect fourth, creating a distinctive harmonic quality.
What specific notes make up the B sus4 chord?
The B sus4 chord is composed of three distinct notes: B, E, and F#. B is the root note, E is the perfect fourth above the root, and F# is the perfect fifth above the root.
Which intervals are used to construct the B sus4 chord?
The B sus4 chord is constructed using the 1st (Root), 4th (Perfect Fourth), and 5th (Perfect Fifth) intervals. These specific intervals define its structure and sound.
How do suspended chords like B sus4 contribute to music?
Suspended chords, such as the B sus4, are often used in music to create a sense of tension and anticipation. This tension can then be resolved, adding depth and emotional impact to a musical progression.
What is the main difference between a B sus4 chord and a standard major or minor chord?
The primary difference is that the B sus4 chord does not contain a major or minor third interval. Instead, the third is 'suspended' and replaced by a perfect fourth, which gives it a more open and less resolved sound compared to the definitive quality of major or minor chords.