How to play the Bsus4 chord on guitar

The Bsus4 chord, pronounced B suspended fourth, is a variation of the B major chord that adds an extra layer of tension and anticipation. This chord is created by replacing the third note of the B major scale with the fourth, resulting in a sound that is neither major nor minor. The Bsus4 is commonly used in rock, folk, and country music to create a sense of movement and resolution.

The most common way to play the Bsus4 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 7th fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a Bsus4 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 7th fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the 4th (D) string.

To strum this chord, use a downward motion starting from the 5th (A) string and moving towards the 1st (high E) string. Avoid playing the 6th (low E) string for a cleaner sound.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Bsus4 chord, try this:

1. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th (A) string.
2. Place your middle finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Leave the remaining strings open.
4. Strum only the 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings.

Barre chords are an essential tool for guitarists, allowing you to play the same chord shape in different positions on the fretboard. Learning the Bsus4 barre chord will give you the flexibility to play this chord in various keys and musical contexts.

Here's how to play a Bsus4 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 2nd fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
5. Strum from the 5th (A) string down to the 1st (high E) string.

The Bsus4 chord adds tension and anticipation to progressions, often creating a sense of longing or resolution. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the Bsus4 chord:

• I - Isus4 - I (B - Bsus4 - B)
• I - IV - Isus4 - I (B - E - Bsus4 - B)
• vi - Isus4 - IV - V (G#m - Bsus4 - E - F#)
• ii - V - Isus4 - IV (C#m - F# - Bsus4 - E)
• iii - Isus4 - vi - V (D#m - Bsus4 - G#m - F#) Used in "Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman

To master the Bsus4 guitar chord, start by strumming the chord repeatedly until you can transition to and from it smoothly. Focus on maintaining even pressure and consistent sound across all strings.

Next, practice switching between the Bsus4 and its related chords, such as B major and B minor. Create simple progressions using these chords and play them at various tempos to build muscle memory and improve your timing. As you become more comfortable, incorporate the Bsus4 into your favorite songs to make the drills more engaging and musical.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Bsus4 chord.

1. Hey Jude by The Beatles (F, C, G, Dm, Bsus4, B♭)
2. Let It Be by The Beatles (C, G, Am, F, C/G, Bsus4, B♭)
3. Wonderwall by Oasis (Em, G, D, A7sus4, Bsus4)
4. Fat Bottomed Girls by Queen (D, G, A, Bsus4, B)
5. The Scientist by Coldplay (F, Fm, B♭, Bsus4, C)
6. Creep by Radiohead (G, B, C, Cm)
7. Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town by Pearl Jam (G, D, Em, Bsus4, Fsus2)
8. Blackbird by The Beatles (G, A, B♭, C, Cm, D7, Em, Bsus4)
9. Champagne Supernova by Oasis (F, A, Dm, Bsus4, B♭)
10. Free Fallin' by Tom Petty (D, Asus4, Bm7, G, D/F#, Bsus4, B♭)