How to play the B7sus4 chord on guitar

The B7sus4 chord, pronounced "B suspended fourth seventh," is a variation of the B7 chord that adds a unique flavor to progressions. This jazzy chord is notable for its smooth, open sound created by replacing the major third with a perfect fourth. The B7sus4 is often used in genres like blues, soul, and R&B, adding a sophisticated touch to songs and musical phrases.

The most common way to play the B7sus4 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 7th fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a B7sus4 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger on the 7th fret, barring all six strings.
2. Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the 4th (D) string.

To strum this chord, start by playing all six strings together in a downward motion. You can then alternate between downstrokes and upstrokes to create a rhythm pattern that suits the song you're playing.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the B7sus4 chord, try playing a B7 chord without the barre. Place your index finger on the 7th fret of the 1st (high E) string, middle finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd (G) string, and ring finger on the 7th fret of the 2nd (B) string.

The B7sus4 barre chord is a convenient movable shape that allows you to easily play this chord in different positions on the neck. It's great for quickly changing between chords or adding variety to your playing.

Here's how to play a B7sus4 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across the 7th fret, covering all six strings. This is the barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Strum all six strings from low to high.

The B7sus4 chord is often used in progressions to add tension and create a sense of anticipation or emotional yearning. Here are some common chord progressions featuring B7sus4:

• I - IV - B7sus4 - IV (B - E - B7sus4 - E) Used in "With or Without You" and "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2
• I - B7sus4 - IV - V (B - B7sus4 - E - F#)
• vi - IV - I - B7sus4 (G#m - E - B - B7sus4)
• ii - B7sus4 - I - V (C#m - B7sus4 - B - F#)
• iii - B7sus4 - vi - IV (D#m - B7sus4 - G#m - E)

To master the B7sus4 guitar chord, try playing the individual notes (B, E, F#, A) one at a time, focusing on each note's clarity and tone. Once comfortable, practice transitioning between the notes in different orders, such as B-E-F#-A, B-F#-A-E, or E-B-A-F#.

Another helpful drill is to practice switching between B7sus4 and related chords like B7 or Bsus4. This will train your fingers to move efficiently between chord shapes and improve your overall dexterity. Incorporate these transitions into your favorite songs or chord progressions for a musical context.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the B7sus4 chord.

1. Hey Jude by The Beatles (B7sus4, F, C, G)
2. Imagine by John Lennon (B7sus4, C, F)
3. Let It Be by The Beatles (B7sus4, C, G, Am, F)
4. Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton (B7sus4, A, E)
5. Wonderwall by Oasis (B7sus4, F#m7, A, E)
6. Free Fallin' by Tom Petty (B7sus4, F#, A, E)
7. Blackbird by The Beatles (B7sus4, G, A)
8. The Scientist by Coldplay (B7sus4, G#m, E, F#)
9. Dust in the Wind by Kansas (B7sus4, A, E)
10. Crash Into Me by Dave Matthews Band (B7sus4, F#, G#m, E)