Explore chords · Ukulele
B suspended 4th chord on ukulele (Bsus4)
Also called or written Bsus4, Bsus or B Suspended
B suspended 4th is built from B, E, and F♯. The default voicing spans four frets and uses all four fingers, so it is not a beginner shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, 4, 5
- Root positionB–E–F♯Bsus411-11-12-×
- First inversionE–F♯–BBsus4/E4-4-2-2
- Second inversionF♯–B–EBsus4/F♯×-6-7-7
How do you play a B suspended 4th chord on ukulele?
B suspended 4th is played at the 2nd fret as 4 4 2 2: ring finger on the G string at fret 4, pinky finger on the C string at fret 4, index finger on the E string at fret 2 and middle finger on the A string at fret 2.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 3 | B (1) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 4 | E (4) |
| 2 (E) | 2 | 1 | F♯ (5) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 2 | B (1) |
IntermediateThe pinky must fret the C string at fret 4 while the index and middle hold fret 2, stretching the hand across four frets.
Bsus4/E inversion · ×-4-2-2
B suspended 4th is played at the 2nd fret as × 4 2 2: ring finger on the C string at fret 4, index finger on the E string at fret 2 and middle finger on the A string at fret 2. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 3 | E (4) |
| 2 (E) | 2 | 1 | F♯ (5) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 2 | B (1) |
Bsus4/F♯ inversion
B suspended 4th is played at the 6th fret as × 6 7 7: index finger on the C string at fret 6, middle finger on the E string at fret 7 and ring finger on the A string at fret 7. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 6 | 1 | F♯ (5) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 2 | B (1) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 3 | E (4) |
11th fret
B suspended 4th is played at the 11th fret as 11 11 12 ×: index finger on the G string at fret 11, middle finger on the C string at fret 11 and ring finger on the E string at fret 12. The A string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 11 | 1 | F♯ (5) |
| 3 (C) | 11 | 2 | B (1) |
| 2 (E) | 12 | 3 | E (4) |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
Why it sounds like that
The formula 1, 4, 5 replaces the third with a perfect fourth, removing major or minor quality. The fourth interval creates the suspended sound. Compare with B major, which has D♯ instead of E.
What goes wrong with B suspended 4th?
- Let the pinky collapse and mute the E string.
- Press the index finger too hard, causing the A string to buzz.
When to use it
B suspended 4th works as a tonic substitute in B major, often in the I–IV–V–I progression: B–E–F♯–B. It suits pop and rock where the suspension adds motion. Use it before a B major to create a lift.
Changing to and from B suspended 4th
- Slide the whole shape down one fret to the 1st fret to play B♭ suspended 4th.
Which voicing to use
The 2nd fret voicing has B in the bass and is the most complete. The Bsus4/E inversion puts E in the bass for a softer, less grounded sound. The Bsus4/F♯ inversions place F♯ in the bass, adding tension that wants to resolve upward.
Other B chords
Common questions
How is B suspended 4th written?
B suspended 4th is written Bsus or Bsus4. The symbol Bsus4 is the most explicit.
What is the difference between Bsus4 and Bsus2?
Bsus4 replaces the third with a fourth (E), while Bsus2 replaces it with a second (C♯). Bsus4 has a stronger pull to resolve to the major third.
Can I use B suspended 4th in place of B major?
Yes, but only when the melody does not need the major third. The suspension creates a floating quality that resolves when you return to B major.