The Bsus4 Guitar Chord, often overshadowed by its major and minor counterparts, is a beautiful and versatile chord that can add a unique flavor to your playing. While the standard B Major chord can be a hurdle for beginner guitarists, exploring the Bsus4 offers a slightly different, often easier, entry point into the world of B chords and suspended chords in general. This lesson will dive deep into the Bsus4 chord, exploring various ways to play it, understand its musical function, and discover how to incorporate it into your guitar playing.
Understanding the Sus4 Chord Sound
Before we jump into finger positions, let’s understand what makes a “sus4” chord special. The “sus” in Bsus4 stands for “suspended,” and the “4” indicates that the third of the major scale is replaced by the fourth. In a standard B Major chord, you have the root (B), the major third (D#), and the perfect fifth (F#). In a Bsus4 chord, the major third (D#) is suspended and replaced by the perfect fourth (E).
This suspension creates a sound that is neither major nor minor. It has an open, airy quality, often described as unresolved or yearning. The Bsus4 chord wants to resolve, and it naturally progresses to a B Major or B Minor chord, creating a satisfying musical movement. This characteristic makes it a powerful tool for creating tension and release in your songs.
Different Ways to Play the Bsus4 Guitar Chord
Just like the B Major chord, there are several ways to play the Bsus4. We’ll start with a very accessible version and then explore other voicings.
The Easy-to-Grip Bsus4 in 2nd Position
This version is remarkably similar to a simplified B Major chord and is often the easiest Bsus4 to learn, especially for beginners. It’s played in the 2nd fret position and avoids a full barre, making it much friendlier on your fingers.
- Index finger on the 2nd fret of the A (5th) string
- Ring finger on the 4th fret of the D (4th) string
- Pinky finger on the 4th fret of the G (3rd) string
Strum five strings down from the A string. Notice how this voicing omits the B note on the 6th string, but still provides a full and rich Bsus4 sound. This is the same voicing that was mentioned as an “alternate” and easier version in the original B Major chord lesson – and it’s a fantastic starting point for mastering the Bsus4.
Transforming the B Major Barre Chord into Bsus4
If you’re already familiar with the B Major barre chord in the 2nd position, converting it to a Bsus4 is a simple adjustment. The standard B Major barre chord in the 2nd position looks like this:
- Index finger barring across all strings at the 2nd fret
- Middle finger on the 4th fret of the D (4th) string
- Ring finger on the 4th fret of the G (3rd) string
- Pinky finger on the 4th fret of the B (2nd) string
To change this to a Bsus4, simply lift your middle finger from the 4th fret of the D string. Your index finger remains barring the 2nd fret, and your ring and pinky fingers stay in their positions on the G and B strings respectively.
- Index finger barring across all strings at the 2nd fret
- Ring finger on the 4th fret of the G (3rd) string
- Pinky finger on the 4th fret of the B (2nd) string
By removing the middle finger, you’re effectively removing the major third and creating the suspended fourth interval, thus forming the Bsus4 chord. Strum four strings down from the A string for a clear Bsus4 sound.
The 7th Position Bsus4 (Barre Chord Variation)
Just as there’s a 7th position barre chord for B Major, you can also adapt that to create a Bsus4. The 7th position B Major barre chord is played as:
- Index finger barring across all six strings at the 7th fret
- Middle finger on the 8th fret of the G (3rd) string
- Ring finger on the 9th fret of the A (5th) string
- Pinky finger on the 9th fret of the D (4th) string
To transform this into a Bsus4, you’ll again modify the finger that frets the major third. In this 7th position shape, the major third is typically played by the middle finger on the 8th fret of the G string. Instead of lifting this finger entirely, for this Bsus4 voicing, we will move the index finger to cover strings 6, 1 and 2 at the 7th fret. Then we will use the middle finger to fret the 9th fret of the G string, creating a slightly different voicing of the Bsus4 chord.
- Index finger barring strings 6, 1, and 2 at the 7th fret
- Middle finger on the 9th fret of the G (3rd) string
- Ring finger on the 9th fret of the A (5th) string
- Pinky finger on the 9th fret of the D (4th) string
Strum all six strings for this fuller sounding Bsus4 chord. This version provides a richer, more resonant Bsus4 sound, especially useful in fuller band arrangements.
Where to Use the Bsus4 Chord
The Bsus4 chord is a versatile tool in various musical genres. Here are some common ways you might encounter and use it:
- Transitions and Resolutions: As mentioned earlier, Bsus4 naturally resolves to B Major or B Minor. Using Bsus4 before a B Major chord in a progression creates a beautiful lift and resolution. For example, try playing A – Bsus4 – B – E. You’ll hear the suspended Bsus4 create anticipation that resolves nicely to the B Major.
- Intros and Outros: The open, airy quality of Bsus4 makes it effective in intros and outros, setting a mood or creating a gentle fade-out.
- Adding Melodic Interest: In chord progressions, inserting a Bsus4 can add melodic interest and prevent predictability. Experiment with substituting a B Major chord with a Bsus4 in your songs to see how it changes the feel.
- Genre Versatility: You’ll find Bsus4 in pop, rock, folk, and even country music. Its subtle harmonic color makes it adaptable to many styles.
While the original article examples focused on songs using B Major, consider how a Bsus4 could be used in similar contexts to add a slightly different emotional tone. Imagine the intro of “American Woman” or the chord progression in “Little Red Wagon” with a Bsus4 replacing a B Major in certain spots – it could add a touch of yearning or a more contemporary feel.
Tips for Mastering the Bsus4 Chord
- Start with the Easy 2nd Position: This version is the most beginner-friendly and will help you get the sound of the Bsus4 in your ear.
- Practice Transitions: Practice switching between common chords like E, A, and B Major to the Bsus4 chord. Smooth transitions are key to incorporating it into your playing. Try E – Bsus4 – E, or A – Bsus4 – A to start.
- Listen to Songs with Sus4 Chords: Actively listen for sus4 chords in songs you enjoy. Paying attention to how they are used musically will deepen your understanding and inspire your own playing. While the original article didn’t specifically list songs with Bsus4, searching for songs that use suspended chords in the key of E or B will likely reveal examples where a Bsus4 (or similar sus4 chord) is employed.
- Experiment with Voicings: Once you’re comfortable with the basic Bsus4 shapes, explore the different voicings (like the 7th position variation). Each voicing offers a slightly different tonal color.
Conclusion
The Bsus4 guitar chord is a valuable addition to any guitarist’s chord vocabulary. While it’s related to the often-challenging B Major chord, the Bsus4 offers accessible shapes and a unique sonic character. By understanding its construction, practicing different voicings, and exploring its musical applications, you can unlock the melodic potential of the Bsus4 and add depth and emotion to your guitar playing. Don’t be afraid to experiment and incorporate this versatile chord into your songwriting and playing! Explore online chord libraries and resources like Fender Play for more chord variations and lessons to further expand your guitar skills.
