Guitar arpeggio
B Sus4 Guitar Arpeggio
B Sus4 is a three-note arpeggio built from B, E, and F#. It is also commonly called B Suspended 4 and B Suspended Fourth. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- B, E, F#
- Formula
- 1 4 5
- Semitones
- 0 5 7
- Chord symbols
- Bsus4
- Also called
- B Suspended 4B Suspended Fourth
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 sus4 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called B Suspended 4 or B Suspended Fourth.
Chord construction and defining tones
B sus4 combines 4 (E) and 5 (F#). The fourth replaces the third and creates a suspended sound with a close move available to the major third.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio over Bsus4 or to create a suspension that resolves when the fourth falls to the third.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the B Sus4 arpeggio from one B root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Play 4 (E) and 5 (F#) in small groups and hear the tension between the fourth and fifth.
- Outline Bsus4, then resolve the fourth down by one fret when the underlying chord changes to major.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with B Sus4 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard