B♭ sus2 (B♭sus2) chord on piano

The B♭ sus2 chord (B♭sus2) is a sus2 chord (a major second instead of the third), made of three notes: B♭ – C – F. The same chord with a different spelling: A♯ sus2 (A♯sus2).

Root position: B♭3 – C4 – F4

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What the B♭sus2 chord sounds like

In a sus2 chord a major second replaces the third, so it is neither major nor minor: it sounds open and floating. It often decorates a major or minor chord.

Notes of the B♭sus2 chord

Degree	Note	Interval from the root
1	B♭	root
2	C	major second (2 semitones)
5	F	perfect fifth (7 semitones)

Root position and inversions

An inversion uses the same notes, with a different note at the bottom. When you change chords, choosing the nearest inversion keeps your hand almost still.

Root position

B♭3 – C4 – F4

1st inversion

C4 – F4 – B♭4

2nd inversion

F4 – B♭4 – C5

Which keys is it in?

The B♭sus2 chord is built from the notes of these keys (for minor keys, both the natural and the harmonic minor are considered):

B♭ major: Isus2 (tonic)
B♭ minor: Isus2 (tonic)
E♭ major: Vsus2 (dominant)
F major: IVsus2 (subdominant)
F minor: IVsus2 (subdominant)
D♭ major: VIsus2
A♭ major: IIsus2
C minor: VIIsus2
G minor: IIIsus2
D minor: VIsus2

Similar chords and substitutes

If B♭sus2 is too hard, or you want a different colour in the same spot, these chords are worth a try.

Substitutes (by function)

B♭ – resolves the suspension to major
B♭m – or to minor

Same notes

Fsus4 – the same notes with a different root

Richer versions

B♭add9 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
B♭9 – the same chord plus 2 colour notes
B♭m9 – the same chord plus 2 colour notes
B♭maj9 – the same chord plus 2 colour notes

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the B♭sus2 chord?

B♭, C, F. The root is B♭; the intervals of the other notes from the root: major second, perfect fifth.

How do I play the B♭sus2 chord on piano?

In root position, the right hand usually plays with fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb, middle finger, little finger); four-note chords with fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5. The left hand mirrors this: 5, 3, 1. In an inversion the top or bottom note moves to the other side, so your hand moves less when you change chords.

Why do some songbooks write H instead of B?

In German and Central European notation, H is the note B, and B is the note B♭. So a “B” chord in a German or Hungarian songbook is B♭ in English notation, and an “H” chord is B. Always check which notation your chord chart uses.