Guitar arpeggio

Bb Sus2 Guitar Arpeggio

Bb Sus2 is a three-note arpeggio built from Bb, C, and F. It is also commonly called Bb Suspended 2 and Bb Suspended Second. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.

Chord tones
Bb, C, F
Formula
1 2 5
Semitones
0 2 7
Chord symbols
Bbsus2
Also called
Bb Suspended 2Bb Suspended Second

How to read this arpeggio

The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent Bb root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.

Use the interactive fretboard to locate the Bb root notes and connect the remaining sus2 chord tones across standard tuning.

This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called Bb Suspended 2 or Bb Suspended Second.

Chord construction and defining tones

2C
5F

Bb sus2 combines 2 (C) and 5 (F). The second replaces the third, so the arpeggio remains suspended instead of sounding clearly major or minor.

Harmonic use

Use this arpeggio over Bbsus2 or as a suspended color that can resolve by moving the second to a nearby chord tone.

Practice this arpeggio on guitar

  1. Play the Bb Sus2 arpeggio from one Bb root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
  2. Alternate 2 (C) and 5 (F) against the root and listen for the open tension created by the second.
  3. Play a phrase over Bbsus2 that emphasizes the second, then resolve it to a major or minor third supplied by the harmony.

Fretboard diagram

Bb Sus2 Guitar Arpeggio fretboard diagram in standard tuning
Bb Sus2 Guitar Arpeggio fretboard diagram in standard tuning.

Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool

Start with Bb Sus2 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Arpeggio diagrams by tuning