Guitar arpeggio

B Sus2 Guitar Arpeggio

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

Chord tones
B, C#, F#
Formula
1 2 5
Semitones
0 2 7
Chord symbols
Bsus2
Also called
B Suspended 2B Suspended Second

How to read this arpeggio

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

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

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

Chord construction and defining tones

2C#
5F#

B 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 Bsus2 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 B Sus2 arpeggio from one B 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 Bsus2 that emphasizes the second, then resolve it to a major or minor third supplied by the harmony.

Fretboard diagram

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

Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool

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

Open in interactive fretboard

Arpeggio diagrams by tuning