Abadd9 Chord (Ab add 9) on Guitar
Abadd9 (Ab add 9) is made of the notes Ab – C – Eb – Bb. The easiest guitar fingering is 41111x (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 Abadd9
- Press the 6th string (low E) at fret 4 (Ab).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 1 (Bb).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 1 (Eb).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1 (Ab).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 1 (C).
- Do not play the 1st string (high e).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | 4 | Ab | R |
| 5th string (A) | 1 | Bb | 9 |
| 4th string (D) | 1 | Eb | 5 |
| 3rd string (G) | 1 | Ab | R |
| 2nd string (B) | 1 | C | 3 |
| 1st string (high e) | x (mute) | - |
What is a Ab 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. Abadd9 contains Ab, C, Eb, Bb. Counted from the root Ab, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 9 (major 9th). It is also written G#add9; the two names sound identical and the name used depends on the key of the song.
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 Abadd9
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 Abadd9
Related chords
Abadd9 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Abadd9 chord?
Abadd9 (Ab add 9) contains the notes Ab, C, Eb, Bb. The formula is R–3–5–9 relative to the root Ab.
How do you play Abadd9 on guitar?
The most common shape for Abadd9 is 41111x, 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 Abadd9 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.
Is Abadd9 the same as G#add9?
Yes. Ab and G# are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so Abadd9 and G#add9 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
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