Chord Information
Learn how to play Bsus4 on piano
Notes in Chord
Intervals
Inversion
Notes (bottom to top): B4 - E5 - F#5
Right Hand Fingering
3=middle, 4=ring, 5=pinky
Interactive Piano
Click the highlighted keys to play the Bsus4 chord
About the Bsus4 Chord
The Bsus4 chord brings bright, assertive tension to sharp-key music. Built from B-E-F#, this suspended chord creates a pull toward B major that feels decisive and energetic. In E major contexts, Bsus4 serves as a suspended dominant with crystalline clarity.
What makes Bsus4 distinctive is its brightness and relative rarity. B major appears less often than keys like G or D, giving Bsus4 a slightly exotic quality. When it appears, the resolution Bsus4-B feels particularly satisfying.
On piano, Bsus4 combines B and E on white keys with F# on black. This pattern is comfortable and leads naturally to B major.
Music Theory & Usage
Bsus4 functions as tension before B major, appearing in E major and B major contexts. As V suspended in E major, Bsus4 creates bright anticipation. The resolution Bsus4-B has a triumphant quality.
The chord appears in progressive rock and contemporary music using sharp keys, where its clarity adds definition.
Famous Songs Using Bsus4
Hear how professional musicians use the Bsus4 chord in these well-known songs:
“Don't Stop Believin'”
by Journey
Uses sus4 voicings in its anthem
“Faithfully”
by Journey
Contains sus4 resolutions
“Separate Ways”
by Journey
Features suspended chords throughout
“Open Arms”
by Journey
Uses sus4 voicings for emotional impact
How to Play Bsus4 on Piano
- Place your thumb on B.
- Place your middle finger on E.
- Place your pinky finger on F#.
- Press all keys simultaneously to hear the Bsus4 chord.
Recommended fingering: 1-3-5 (right hand)
Bsus4 Chord Inversions
The Bsus4 chord can be played in different inversions:
Root Position
B - E - F# (bass note: B)
First Inversion
E - F# - B (bass note: E)
Second Inversion
F# - B - E (bass note: F#)
Common Chord Progressions Using Bsus4
Suspended Resolution
Common chord progression
Practice Tips for Bsus4
- Start slowly and focus on pressing all keys simultaneously for a clean sound.
- Practice transitioning between Bsus4 and other common chords to build muscle memory.
- Feel the tension in the suspended note and practice resolving it.
- Use suspended chords to create anticipation before resolving to major or minor chords.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bsus4
What notes are in Bsus4?
Bsus4 contains B (root), E (perfect 4th), and F# (perfect 5th). B and E are white keys; F# is black.
How does Bsus4 resolve?
Bsus4 resolves to B major by moving E down to D# (the third of B major). It can also resolve to B minor by moving E to D.
When would I use Bsus4?
Use Bsus4 before B major for tension-release, especially in E major progressions where it serves as suspended dominant. Good for transitions and cadential emphasis.
Is Bsus4 less common than other sus4 chords?
Yes—B major is less common than keys like G, C, or D. Bsus4 appears mainly in progressive rock, contemporary Christian music, and songs specifically in B or E major.