Playing the Bsus4 Piano Chord
The Bsus4 chord is a suspended 4th chord built on the root B. It contains 3 notes: B, E, F#. On piano, this chord is played by pressing these keys simultaneously or as an arpeggio.
Replaces the third with a perfect fourth. Classic rock tension before resolution. Mastering the Bsus4 chord opens up countless songs and progressions in the key of B.
Piano Finger Positions for Bsus4
For the Bsus4 triad chord, use these finger positions:
- Right hand (root position): Thumb (1) on B, middle finger (3) on E, pinky (5) on F#.
- Left hand (root position): Pinky (5) on B, middle finger (3) on E, thumb (1) on F#.
- Arpeggiated: Play the notes sequentially from lowest to highest for a broken triad effect.
Bsus4 Chord Inversions
Inversions change the bass note while keeping the same harmonic quality:
| Inversion | Bass Note | Notes (bottom to top) | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root | B | B – E – F# | Most stable |
| 1st | E | E – F# – B | Lighter, less stable |
Interval Structure of Bsus4
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note in B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root | Root (R) | 0 | B |
| 3rd | Perfect 4th | 5 | E |
| 5th | Perfect 5th | 7 | F# |
Common Progressions with Bsus4 on Piano
- I–IV–V–I: Bsus4 – Esus4 – F#sus4 – Bsus4 (classic cadence)
- I–V–vi–IV: Bsus4 – F# – G#m – E (pop progression)
- ii–V–I: C#m – F# – Bsus4 (jazz turnaround)