How to play the Bbsus2 chord on guitar

The Bbsus2 chord, pronounced B-flat suspended second, is a unique guitar voicing that adds a sense of tension and anticipation to progressions. Notable for its omission of the third, this chord is often used in rock, folk, and country music to create a floating, open sound. The Bbsus2 can be heard in songs like "Creep" by Radiohead and "Dust in the Wind" by Kansas.

The most popular way to play the Bbsus2 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 1st fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a Bbsus2 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger across the 1st fret, covering all six strings. This is a barre chord.
2. Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th (D) string.

To strum this chord, use your pick or thumb to strike all six strings in a downward motion, starting from the lowest (thickest) string.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Bbsus2 chord, try this:

1. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 5th (A) string.
2. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd (B) string.
3. Strum only these two strings together.

This two-finger version is easier to play and still captures the essential sound of the Bbsus2 chord.

Playing the Bbsus2 chord as a barre chord allows you to easily transition between other barre chords and play the chord in different positions on the fretboard.

Here's how to play a Bbsus2 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 6th fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your ring finger on the 8th fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 8th fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Strum all six strings from the 6th (low E) string to the 1st (high E) string.

The Bbsus2 chord is often used in progressions to add a sense of tension and anticipation, creating a dreamy or contemplative emotional feel. Some common chord progressions featuring the Bbsus2 chord include:

• I - Isus2 - IV - V (Bb - Bbsus2 - Eb - F)
• vi - Isus2 - IV - V (Gm - Bbsus2 - Eb - F) Used in "Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman
• I - Isus2 - iii - vi (Bb - Bbsus2 - Dm - Gm)
• Isus2 - IV - I - V (Bbsus2 - Eb - Bb - F)
• ii - Isus2 - IV - V (Cm - Bbsus2 - Eb - F)

To master the Bbsus2 chord, try strumming the chord and letting it ring out. Focus on clarity and ensuring each note resonates properly. Practice transitioning to and from Bbsus2 by playing a progression like Bb - Bbsus2 - Bb - Bbsus2 repeatedly.

Another effective drill is to arpeggiate the chord, playing each note individually in ascending and descending order: Bb, C, F, then F, C, Bb. This helps develop finger independence and muscle memory. Incorporate this arpeggio pattern into your practice routine, gradually increasing the tempo as you become more comfortable with the chord.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Bbsus2 chord.

1. Hey Jude by The Beatles (F, C, Bb, Bbsus2, F7)
2. Let It Be by The Beatles (C, G, Am, F, Bbsus2, Eb)
3. Imagine by John Lennon (C, Cmaj7, F, G, G7, Bbsus2)
4. The Long and Winding Road by The Beatles (Bb, Bbsus2, Eb, F)
5. Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel (Bb, Bbsus2, C, Dm, Eb, F, Gm)
6. The Scientist by Coldplay (Bbsus2, Eb, F, Gm)
7. No Woman, No Cry by Bob Marley & The Wailers (C, G, Am, F, C7, Bbsus2)
8. Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen (C, Am, Bbsus2, F, G, C7)
9. Mr. Bojangles by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (C, Bbsus2, Am, Dm, F, G7)
10. Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton (Bbsus2, Eb, F, Cm7, Fm7)