Badd9 Chord (B add 9) on Guitar
Badd9 (B add 9) is made of the notes B – D# – F# – C#. The easiest guitar fingering is 74444x (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.
Main shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play Badd9
- Press the 6th string (low E) at fret 7 (B).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 4 (C#).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 4 (F#).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 4 (B).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 4 (D#).
- Do not play the 1st string (high e).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | 7 | B | R |
| 5th string (A) | 4 | C# | 9 |
| 4th string (D) | 4 | F# | 5 |
| 3rd string (G) | 4 | B | R |
| 2nd string (B) | 4 | D# | 3 |
| 1st string (high e) | x (mute) | - |
What is a B 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. Badd9 contains B, D#, F#, C#. Counted from the root B, 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 Badd9
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 Badd9
Related chords
Badd9 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Badd9 chord?
Badd9 (B add 9) contains the notes B, D#, F#, C#. The formula is R–3–5–9 relative to the root B.
How do you play Badd9 on guitar?
The most common shape for Badd9 is 74444x, 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 Badd9 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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