Aadd9 Chord (A add 9) on Guitar
Aadd9 (A add 9) is made of the notes A – C# – E – B. The easiest guitar fingering is x02420 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play Aadd9
- Play the 5th string (A) open (A).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2 (E).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 4 (B).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 2 (C#).
- Play the 1st string (high e) open (E).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | 0 (open) | A | R |
| 4th string (D) | 2 | E | 5 |
| 3rd string (G) | 4 | B | 9 |
| 2nd string (B) | 2 | C# | 3 |
| 1st string (high e) | 0 (open) | E | 5 |
What is a A add 9 chord?
An add9 chord is a major triad with the ninth (the second note of the scale, one octave up) added. There is no seventh, which is what separates it from a 9th chord.
Notes and formula. Aadd9 contains A, C#, E, B. Counted from the root A, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 9 (major 9th).
Sound. Shimmering and open, like a major chord with sparkle on top.
Where it is used. Very popular in pop, worship and acoustic songwriting as a richer replacement for the plain major chord.
Tips for playing Aadd9
Let the open strings ring. Add9 shapes often sound best when the top notes are open, giving a harp-like shimmer.
Common mistake: Calling it a 9th chord. A 9th chord includes the dominant 7th, add9 does not.
Scales to play over Aadd9
Related chords
Aadd9 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Aadd9 chord?
Aadd9 (A add 9) contains the notes A, C#, E, B. The formula is R–3–5–9 relative to the root A.
How do you play Aadd9 on guitar?
The most common shape for Aadd9 is x02420, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Is Aadd9 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
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