B6sus4

Q: What notes are in the B6sus4 chord?

The B6sus4 chord (B 6sus4) contains: B, E, F#, G#. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build B6sus4 on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is B6sus4 found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for B6sus4?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

B 6sus4

Octaves

Musical context

ChordB6sus4B 6sus4

ArpeggioB majorBroken triad

ScaleB major7 notes

KeyB majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: B 6sus4
Symbol: B6sus4
Root: B
Quality: 6sus4

Chord notes

1Broot

4Eperfect 4th

5F#perfect 5th

6G#major 6th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: VDominant (V)E major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: EE Major F#F# Major G#mG# Minor
Main resolution: B6sus4source
F#F# Major
Major chord B is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
Other resolutions: B6sus4source
Deceptive resolution
G#mG# Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
B6sus4source
Modal resolution
AA Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
B6sus4source
Jazz reharmonization
Bmaj7B Major 7
In jazz, a major chord is enriched to maj7, 6/9, or add9 and can smoothly transition into a ii-V of another key (modulation).
B6sus4source
Functional resolution
F#F# Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character: No 3rd, with a 4th and major 6th
Characteristic interval: 4th instead of 3rd (4), Major 6th (6)
Description: The 4th replaces the 3rd, leaving chord quality undefined; the major 6th adds a consonant extension. A possible 4–3 motion turns the chord into a 6 chord.
Application: Suspension before a 6 chord
Modal sonorities
Pedal bass

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1B(B4)Bass

root

v2E(E5)P4from B

v3F#(F#5)M2from E

v4G#(G#5)M2from F#

Harmony

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.

ScaleE Major pentatonic ScaleB Yo (Japanese)ScaleC# Minor pentatonic ScaleC# Blues scale ScaleE Ionian (major)ScaleE Lydian ScaleE Mixolydian ScaleE Mixolydian ♭6 ScaleE Harmonic major ScaleF# Dorian

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how B6sus4 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: G#mG# minor
Dominant: F#F# major
Subdominant: EE major
Key signature: 5 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#, A#)

What to learn next

ScaleB Ionian (major)Scale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

B Ionian (major)A scale related to this chord

B DorianA scale related to this chord

B MixolydianA scale related to this chord

B Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

Open Trainer

Test yourself

(Press any key to start)

What notes are in the B6sus4 chord?

How do I build B6sus4 on the keyboard?

Which keys is B6sus4 found in?

What can I substitute for B6sus4?