What is a B sus chord on guitar? It’s a beautiful and versatile chord that can add a touch of sophistication to your playing. In this guide, we’ll show you how to play the B sus chord, as well as some tips on how to use it in your music.
Editor’s Notes:The B sus chord is an essential chord for any guitarist to know. It’s easy to play and it can be used in a variety of genres. In this guide, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about the B sus chord, including how to play it, how to use it, and some tips for getting the most out of it.
We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you learn everything you need to know about the B sus chord. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, we encourage you to read on and learn more about this versatile and beautiful chord.
Key Differences or Key Takeaways:
| B Chord | B sus Chord | |
|---|---|---|
| Root Note | B | B |
| 3rd | D# | D |
| 5th | F# | F# |
| Chord Type | Major | Suspended |
Transition to main article topics:
- How to Play the B sus Chord
- How to Use the B sus Chord
- Tips for Getting the Most Out of the B sus Chord
1. Root note
The root note of a chord is the note that gives the chord its name. In the case of the B sus chord, the root note is B. This means that the B sus chord is built on the B major scale. The other notes in the B sus chord are the 3rd and the 5th of the B major scale, which are D and F#, respectively.
The root note of a chord is important because it determines the overall sound of the chord. The root note is the note that is played on the bottom string of the guitar, and it is the note that gives the chord its “bass” sound. In the case of the B sus chord, the root note B gives the chord a deep and resonant sound.
The B sus chord is a suspended chord, which means that it does not have a perfect 3rd. This gives the chord a slightly dissonant sound, which can be used to create tension and excitement in music. The B sus chord is often used in folk, rock, and pop music.
Here are some examples of how the B sus chord can be used in music:
- In the song “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, the B sus chord is used to create a sense of tension and anticipation.
- In the song “Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles, the B sus chord is used to create a sense of movement and interest.
- In the song “Hotel California” by The Eagles, the B sus chord is used to create a sense of mystery and intrigue.
The B sus chord is a versatile and powerful chord that can be used in a variety of ways. By understanding the connection between the root note and the sound of the chord, you can use the B sus chord to create a variety of different moods and atmospheres in your music.
Table: The connection between “Root note: B” and “b sus chord guitar”
| Root note | B sus chord | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | The note that gives the chord its name | A suspended chord built on the B major scale | |
| Notes | B, D, F# | Root, 3rd, 5th | |
| Sound | Deep and resonant | Slightly dissonant | |
| Uses | To create tension and anticipation | To create a sense of movement and interest | To create a sense of mystery and intrigue |
2. 3rd
In the B sus chord, the 3rd is D. This means that the B sus chord is a suspended chord, which means that it does not have a perfect 3rd. This gives the chord a slightly dissonant sound, which can be used to create tension and excitement in music.
The 3rd of a chord is important because it determines the overall sound of the chord. A major 3rd gives the chord a bright and happy sound, while a minor 3rd gives the chord a dark and sad sound. In the case of the B sus chord, the suspended 3rd gives the chord a unique and interesting sound that can be used to create a variety of different moods and atmospheres.
Here are some examples of how the B sus chord can be used in music:
- In the song “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, the B sus chord is used to create a sense of tension and anticipation.
- In the song “Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles, the B sus chord is used to create a sense of movement and interest.
- In the song “Hotel California” by The Eagles, the B sus chord is used to create a sense of mystery and intrigue.
The B sus chord is a versatile and powerful chord that can be used in a variety of ways. By understanding the connection between the 3rd and the sound of the chord, you can use the B sus chord to create a variety of different moods and atmospheres in your music.
| 3rd | B sus chord | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The note that gives the chord its intervallic quality | A suspended chord built on the B major scale with no perfect 3rd |
| Notes | B, D, F# | Root, suspended 3rd, 5th |
| Sound | Bright and open, with a slightly dissonant edge | Unique and interesting, creating tension and excitement |
| Uses | To create tension and anticipation | To create a sense of movement and interest |
3. 5th
The 5th of a chord is the note that is five scale degrees above the root note. In the case of the B sus chord, the 5th is F#. The 5th of a chord is important because it helps to determine the overall sound of the chord. A perfect 5th gives the chord a stable and consonant sound, while a diminished 5th gives the chord a more dissonant sound.
- The perfect 5th in the B sus chord
The perfect 5th in the B sus chord gives the chord a stable and consonant sound. This makes the B sus chord a good choice for use in a variety of musical genres, including folk, rock, and pop.
- The role of the 5th in chord inversions
The 5th of a chord can also be used to create chord inversions. A chord inversion is a chord in which the root note is not the lowest note. In the case of the B sus chord, there are two possible inversions: the B sus2 chord and the B sus4 chord. The B sus2 chord has the D note as the lowest note, and the B sus4 chord has the F# note as the l
owest note. - The 5th in relation to other chords
The 5th of a chord can also be used to relate different chords to each other. For example, the B sus chord and the E major chord both share the F# note. This means that the B sus chord can be used as a substitute for the E major chord in some cases.
- The 5th as a melodic element
The 5th of a chord can also be used as a melodic element. For example, the melody of the song “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen features the F# note prominently. This helps to give the song a sense of stability and consonance.
Overall, the 5th of a chord is an important element that can be used to create a variety of different sounds and effects. By understanding the role of the 5th in the B sus chord, you can use this chord to create beautiful and expressive music.
4. Chord type
The B sus chord is a suspended chord, which means that it does not have a perfect 3rd. This gives the chord a slightly dissonant sound, which can be used to create tension and excitement in music.
- Definition of a suspended chord
A suspended chord is a chord that does not have a perfect 3rd. This means that the 3rd of the chord is either raised one half step (creating a suspended 2nd) or lowered one half step (creating a suspended 4th).
- The sound of a suspended chord
Suspended chords have a unique and interesting sound that can be used to create a variety of different moods and atmospheres. Suspended 2nd chords have a bright and open sound, while suspended 4th chords have a darker and more mysterious sound.
- Uses of suspended chords
Suspended chords are often used in folk, rock, and pop music. They can be used to create tension and anticipation, to add movement and interest to a chord progression, or to create a sense of mystery or intrigue.
- The B sus chord
The B sus chord is a suspended 2nd chord. It is built on the root note B, and it consists of the notes B, D, and F#. The B sus chord has a bright and open sound, and it can be used to create a variety of different moods and atmospheres.
Suspended chords are a versatile and powerful tool that can be used to create a variety of different sounds and effects in music. By understanding the connection between “Chord type: Suspended” and “b sus chord guitar,” you can use this chord to create beautiful and expressive music.
5. Voicing
In music theory, a voicing is a specific arrangement of the notes of a chord. The voicing of a chord can affect its sound, its function in a chord progression, and its overall impact on a piece of music.
- The notes in the B sus chord
The B sus chord is a suspended chord, which means that it does not have a perfect 3rd. The notes in the B sus chord are B, D, and F#. The voicing of the B sus chord that is most commonly used is 224400.
- The sound of the B sus chord voicing 224400
The voicing of the B sus chord that is most commonly used (224400) has a bright and open sound. This voicing is often used in folk, rock, and pop music.
- The function of the B sus chord voicing 224400
The voicing of the B sus chord that is most commonly used (224400) can be used to create a variety of different functions in a chord progression. It can be used to create tension and anticipation, to add movement and interest to a chord progression, or to create a sense of mystery or intrigue.
- The impact of the B sus chord voicing 224400
The voicing of the B sus chord that is most commonly used (224400) can have a significant impact on the overall sound of a piece of music. It can be used to create a variety of different moods and atmospheres.
By understanding the connection between “Voicing: 224400” and “b sus chord guitar,” you can use this chord to create beautiful and expressive music.
6. Inversions
In music theory, an inversion is a chord in which the root note is not the lowest note. Inversions are often used to create different voicings of a chord, which can affect the sound and function of the chord in a chord progression.
- 1st inversion (B/D)
The 1st inversion of the B sus chord is B/D. This inversion has the D note as the lowest note, and it has a more open and spacious sound than the root position chord. The B/D inversion can be used to create a sense of movement and interest in a chord progression.
- 2nd inversion (B/F#)
The 2nd inversion of the B sus chord is B/F#. This inversion has the F# note as the lowest note, and it has a darker and more mysterious sound than the root position chord. The B/F# inversion can be used to create a sense of tension and anticipation in a chord progression.
- 3rd inversion (B/A)
The 3rd inversion of the B sus chord is B/A. This inversion has the A note as the lowest note, and it has a very unusual and dissonant sound. The B/A inversion can be used to create a sense of surprise or excitement in a chord progression.
Inversions are a powerful tool that can be used to add variety and interest to your chord progressions. By understanding the different inversions of the B sus chord, you can use this chord to create a variety of different sounds and effects in your music.
7. Common uses
In music, chords are often used to create a sense of movement and progression. A chord progression is a series of chords that are played in a specific order. The B sus chord is a suspended chord, which means that it does not have a perfect 3rd. This gives the chord a slightly dissonant sound, which can be used to create tension and excitement in music.
- Suspending the resolution of a chord progression
One of the most common uses of the B sus chord is to suspend the resolution of a chord progression. This means that the B sus chord is used to delay the arrival of the tonic chord, which is the chord that provides the strongest sense of stability and resolution. By suspending the resolution of the chord progression, the B sus chord can create a sense of tension and anticipation.
- Adding tension to a chord progression
The B sus chord can also be used to add tension to a chord progression. This is because the dissonant sound of the chord can create a sense of unease and instability. By adding tension to a chord progression, the B sus chord can help to create a more dynamic and interesting musical experience.
- Creating a sense of movement
The B sus chord can also be used to create a sense of movement in a chord progression. This is because the dissonant sound of the chord can create a sense of urgency and forward motion. By creating a sense of movement, the B sus chord can help to keep the music moving and
prevent it from becoming static.
The B sus chord is a versatile and powerful chord that can be used to create a variety of different sounds and effects in music. By understanding the common uses of the B sus chord, you can use this chord to create beautiful and expressive music.
8. Related chords
The B sus chord is related to a number of other chords, including B major, B minor, B7, B9, and Bm7b5. These chords all share the same root note (B), but they have different intervals and voicings. This gives them different sounds and functions in music.
- B major
The B major chord is the most closely related chord to the B sus chord. It is built on the same root note (B), and it has a similar sound. However, the B major chord has a perfect 3rd, which gives it a more stable and consonant sound than the B sus chord.
- B minor
The B minor chord is another closely related chord to the B sus chord. It is also built on the same root note (B), but it has a minor 3rd. This gives it a darker and more somber sound than the B sus chord.
- B7
The B7 chord is a dominant 7th chord. It is built on the same root note (B), but it has a major 3rd and a minor 7th. This gives it a more complex and dissonant sound than the B sus chord.
- B9
The B9 chord is a 9th chord. It is built on the same root note (B), but it has a major 3rd, a minor 7th, and a major 9th. This gives it a very rich and complex sound.
- Bm7b5
The Bm7b5 chord is a minor 7th flat 5 chord. It is built on the same root note (B), but it has a minor 3rd, a minor 7th, and a flattened 5th. This gives it a very dark and dissonant sound.
These are just a few of the many chords that are related to the B sus chord. By understanding the relationships between these chords, you can expand your harmonic vocabulary and create more interesting and sophisticated music.
9. Suitable for genres
The B sus chord is a versatile chord that can be used in a variety of genres, including folk, rock, pop, jazz, and blues. This is because the B sus chord has a unique and interesting sound that can add a touch of sophistication to any song.
In folk music, the B sus chord is often used to create a sense of nostalgia and longing. This is because the B sus chord has a slightly dissonant sound, which can create a sense of tension and release. In rock music, the B sus chord is often used to add a touch of edginess and excitement to a song. This is because the B sus chord can help to create a sense of drive and momentum. In pop music, the B sus chord is often used to create a sense of sweetness and innocence. This is because the B sus chord has a bright and open sound, which can help to create a sense of joy and optimism. In jazz music, the B sus chord is often used to create a sense of sophistication and elegance. This is because the B sus chord has a complex and sophisticated sound, which can help to create a sense of mystery and intrigue. In blues music, the B sus chord is often used to create a sense of sadness and despair. This is because the B sus chord has a minor 3rd, which can create a sense of melancholy and heartache.
The B sus chord is a powerful and versatile chord that can be used to create a variety of different moods and atmospheres. By understanding the connection between “Suitable for genres: Folk, rock, pop, jazz, and blues” and “b sus chord guitar,” you can use this chord to create beautiful and expressive music.
Table: The connection between “Suitable for genres: Folk, rock, pop, jazz, and blues” and “b sus chord guitar”
| Genre | Sound | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Folk | Nostalgic and longing | Creates a sense of tension and release |
| Rock | Edgy and exciting | Creates a sense of drive and momentum |
| Pop | Sweet and innocent | Creates a sense of joy and optimism |
| Jazz | Sophisticated and elegant | Creates a sense of mystery and intrigue |
| Blues | Sad and despairing | Creates a sense of melancholy and heartache |
10. Playing tips
The B sus chord is a beautiful and versatile chord that can add a touch of sophistication to your playing. However, it can be tricky to play cleanly, especially if you’re a beginner. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this chord:
- Use a light touch. The B sus chord is a suspended chord, which means that it has a slightly dissonant sound. This dissonance can be easily exaggerated if you play the chord too hard. Instead, use a light touch to fret the notes, and be sure to mute any unwanted strings with your picking hand.
- Fret the notes cleanly. It’s important to fret the notes of the B sus chord cleanly in order to avoid any buzzing or muting. To do this, make sure that your fingers are positioned directly behind the frets, and that you’re applying enough pressure to hold the strings down firmly. You may also want to try using a capo to make the chord easier to play.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to play the B sus chord cleanly and confidently. This will help you to add a touch of sophistication to your playing, and it will also open up new possibilities for your songwriting and improvisation.
Here are some real-life examples of how these playing tips can be applied:
- In the song “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, the B sus chord is used to create a sense of tension and anticipation. By playing the chord with a light touch and fretting the notes cleanly, you can create a similar effect in your own music.
- In the song “Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles, the B sus chord is used to create a sense of movement and interest. By playing the chord with a light touch and fretting the notes cleanly, you can create a similar effect in your own music.
- In the song “Hotel California” by The Eagles, the B sus chord is used to create a sense of mystery and intrigue. By playing the chord with a light touch and fretting the notes cleanly, you can create a similar effect in your own music.
Understanding the connection between “Playing tips: Use a light touch when playing the B sus chord, and be sure to fret the notes cleanly” and “b sus chord guitar” is important because it allows you to play this chord with confidence and precision. This will help you to add a touch of sophistication to your playing, and it will also open up new possibilities for your songwriting and improvisation.
Table: The connection between “Playing tips: Use a light touch when playing the B sus chord, and be sure to fret the notes cleanly” and “b sus chord guitar”
| Playing tip | Effect on the B sus chord |
|---|---|
| Use a light touch | Prevents the chord from sounding too harsh or dissonant |
| Fret the notes cleanly | Prevents the chord from buzzing or muting |
11. Sound
The B sus chord is a beautiful and versatile chord that can add a touch of sophistication to your playing. It has a bright and open sound, with a slightly dissonant edge. This unique sound makes the B sus chord a great choice for a variety of genres, including folk, rock, pop, jazz, and blues.
- Brightness and openness
The B sus chord has a bright and open sound due to its major 3rd and perfect 5th. This makes it a great choice for songs that are upbeat and positive. For example, the B sus chord is used in the chorus of the song “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys.
- Dissonant edge
The B sus chord also has a slightly dissonant edge due to its suspended 4th. This dissonance can add a touch of tension and excitement to your music. For example, the B sus chord is used in the intro of the song “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix.
- Versatility
The B sus chord is a versatile chord that can be used in a variety of genres. It is a great choice for adding a touch of sophistication to your playing. For example, the B sus chord is used in the bridge of the song “Hotel California” by The Eagles.
The B sus chord is a powerful and versatile chord that can be used to create a variety of different sounds and effects. By understanding the connection between “Sound: The B sus chord has a bright and open sound, with a slightly dissonant edge” and “b sus chord guitar,” you can use this chord to create beautiful and expressive music.
12. Notation
The B sus chord can be notated in a few different ways, including Bsus, Bsus2, or Bsus4. These different notations indicate different voicings of the chord, which can affect its sound and function in a chord progression.
Bsus is the most common notation for the B sus chord. This voicing has the notes B, D, and F# in the lowest three strings. It has a bright and open sound, and it is often used in folk, rock, and pop music.
Bsus2 is a less common notation for the B sus chord. This voicing has the notes B, D, and F# in the lowest three strings, but the D note is raised one half step to D#. This gives the chord a more dissonant sound, and it is often used in jazz and blues music.
Bsus4 is another less common notation for the B sus chord. This voicing has the notes B, D, and F# in the lowest three strings, but the F# note is lowered one half step to F. This gives the chord a darker and more mysterious sound, and it is often used in folk and rock music.
Understanding the different notations for the B sus chord is important because it allows you to choose the voicing that best suits the sound you are trying to achieve. For example, if you are looking for a bright and open sound, you would use the Bsus voicing. If you are looking for a more dissonant sound, you would use the Bsus2 voicing. And if you are looking for a darker and more mysterious sound, you would use the Bsus4 voicing.
Here are some real-life examples of how the different notations for the B sus chord can be used in music:
- In the song “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, the Bsus chord is used in the chorus. The chord is notated as Bsus, and it has a bright and open sound that helps to create a sense of hope and optimism.
- In the song “Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles, the Bsus chord is used in the intro. The chord is notated as Bsus2, and it has a more dissonant sound that helps to create a sense of mystery and intrigue.
- In the song “Hotel California” by The Eagles, the Bsus chord is used in the bridge. The chord is notated as Bsus4, and it has a darker and more mysterious sound that helps to create a sense of foreboding.
As you can see, the different notations for the B sus chord can be used to create a variety of different sounds and effects. By understanding the connection between “Notation: Bsus, Bsus2, or Bsus4” and “b sus chord guitar,” you can use this chord to create beautiful and expressive music.
FAQs on “b sus chord guitar”
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about the B sus chord guitar.
Question 1: What is a B sus chord?
The B sus chord is a suspended chord built on the root note B. It consists of the notes B, D, and F#. The suspended 4th (D) gives the chord a unique and interesting sound that can be used to create a variety of different moods and atmospheres.
Question 2: How do I play the B sus chord?
There are several different ways to play the B sus chord. One common fingering is 224400. This fingering is played by placing your index finger on the 2nd fret of the B string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, your ring finger on the 4th fret of the G string, and your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the B string. Avoid playing the 5th and 6th strings.
Question 3: What are some tips for playing the B sus chord?
Here are a few tips for playing the B sus chord cleanly and accurately:
- Use a light touch when fretting the notes.
- Make sure your fingers are positioned directly behind the frets.
- Mute any unwanted strings with your picking hand.
Question 4: How can I use the B sus chord in my music?
The B sus chord is a versatile chord that can be used in a variety of musical genres. It can be used to create a sense of tension and anticipation, to add movement and interest to a chord progression, or to create a sense of mystery and intrigue. Experiment with different ways of using the B sus chord to find the sounds that you like best.
Question 5: What are some common mistakes that people make when playing the B sus chord?
One common mistake that people make when playing the B sus chord is fretting the 3rd fret of the B string instead of the 2nd fret. This creates a B major chord instead of a B sus chord. Another common mistake is muting the 5th and 6th strings. Make sure to avoid these mistakes to ensure that you are playing the B sus chord correctly.
Question 6: What are some other chords that are related to the B sus chord?
The B sus chord is related to a number of other chords, including the B major chord, the B minor chord, the B7 chord, and the B9 chord. These chords all share the same root note (B), but they have different intervals and voicings. Experiment with different combinations of these chords to create interesting and complex chord progressions.
Summary: The B sus chord is a beautiful and versatile chord that can add a touch of sophistication to your playing. By understanding the basics of the B sus chord, you can use it to create a variety of different sounds and effects in your music.
Transition to the next article section: Now that you have a better understanding of the B sus chord, you can start incorporating it into your own music. Experiment with different ways of using the chord to create your own unique sound.
Tips for Playing the B Sus Chord on Guitar
The B sus chord is a beautiful and versatile chord that can add a touch of sophistication to your playing. However, it can be tricky to play cleanly, especially if you’re a beginner. Here are a few tips
to help you master this chord:
Tip 1: Use a light touch. The B sus chord is a suspended chord, which means that it has a slightly dissonant sound. This dissonance can be easily exaggerated if you play the chord too hard. Instead, use a light touch to fret the notes, and be sure to mute any unwanted strings with your picking hand.
Tip 2: Fret the notes cleanly. It’s important to fret the notes of the B sus chord cleanly in order to avoid any buzzing or muting. To do this, make sure that your fingers are positioned directly behind the frets, and that you’re applying enough pressure to hold the strings down firmly.
Tip 3: Use your pinky finger. The B sus chord requires you to use your pinky finger to fret the 4th fret of the B string. This can be difficult for some guitarists, but it’s important to practice until you can do it comfortably. Using your pinky finger will help you to play the chord cleanly and accurately.
Tip 4: Practice regularly. The best way to improve your B sus chord playing is to practice regularly. Try playing the chord in different contexts, such as in a chord progression or in a song. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with the chord, and the better you will be able to play it.
Tip 5: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Once you’ve mastered the basic B sus chord, don’t be afraid to experiment with different voicings and inversions. There are many different ways to play the B sus chord, and each voicing has its own unique sound. Experiment until you find the voicings that you like best.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to play the B sus chord cleanly and confidently. This will help you to add a touch of sophistication to your playing, and it will also open up new possibilities for your songwriting and improvisation.
Summary: The B sus chord is a beautiful and versatile chord that can add a touch of sophistication to your playing. By understanding the basics of the B sus chord, you can use it to create a variety of different sounds and effects in your music.
Transition to the next article section: Now that you have a better understanding of the B sus chord, you can start incorporating it into your own music. Experiment with different ways of using the chord to create your own unique sound.
Conclusion
The B sus chord is a versatile and powerful chord that can be used to create a variety of moods and atmospheres in music. By understanding the key aspects of the B sus chord, you can use it to add a touch of sophistication to your playing and to create your own unique sound.
As you continue to explore the B sus chord, don’t be afraid to experiment with different voicings, inversions, and contexts. The more you experiment, the more you will learn about the chord and the more creative you will become in your playing.
The B sus chord is a beautiful and expressive chord that can add a touch of magic to your music. So go out there and start playing!
