Also written Bsus2 or B
B suspended 2nd contains B, C♯, and F♯. The default voicing places C♯ in the bass, which gives the chord a bright, second-inversion lift.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
B suspended 2nd is built from the formula 1, 2, 5. The Major 2nd between B and C♯ replaces the third, creating an open, unresolved quality. Compare with B major, which uses a Major 3rd instead.
B suspended 2nd works as a passing chord in B major, especially in the I–IV–V–I progression: B major–E major–F♯ major–B major. Its open sound suits rock, metal, and atmospheric bass lines.
The 9th-fret voicing puts C♯ in the bass, which is useful when the chord needs to lead to F♯. The 2nd-fret voicing puts F♯ in the bass and is easier to reach in open positions.
B suspended 2nd is played at the 9th fret as 9 9 9 11: barre your index finger across fret 9 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 11.
Tip — The index barre must hold three strings at the 9th fret while the pinky reaches the 11th fret on the G string.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9 | 1 (barre) | C♯ (2) |
| 3 (A) | 9 | 1 (barre) | F♯ (5) |
| 2 (D) | 9 | 1 (barre) | B (1) |
| 1 (G) | 11 | 4 | F♯ (5) |
B suspended 2nd is played at the 2nd fret as 2 4 4 4: index finger on the E string at fret 2, middle finger on the A string at fret 4, ring finger on the D string at fret 4 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 4.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2 | 1 | F♯ (5) |
| 3 (A) | 4 | 2 | C♯ (2) |
| 2 (D) | 4 | 3 | F♯ (5) |
| 1 (G) | 4 | 4 | B (1) |
B suspended 2nd replaces the third with a Major 2nd (C♯), while B suspended 4th replaces it with a Perfect 4th (E). The sus2 sounds brighter and more open; the sus4 has a stronger pull to resolve.
B suspended 2nd omits the third entirely, leaving B, C♯, and F♯. B add 9 includes the major third (D♯) along with the ninth (C♯), so it has a fuller, more consonant sound.
Yes, B suspended 2nd appears in B natural minor, where the notes B, C♯, and F♯ are all diatonic. It can substitute for B minor to create a suspended, unresolved feel.