Bbadd9 Chord (Bb add 9) on Guitar
Bbadd9 (Bb add 9) is made of the notes Bb – D – F – C. The easiest guitar fingering is x1031x (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
How to play Bbadd9
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 1 (Bb).
- Play the 4th string (D) open (D).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 3 (Bb).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 1 (C).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
- Do not play the 1st string (high e).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | 1 | Bb | R |
| 4th string (D) | 0 (open) | D | 3 |
| 3rd string (G) | 3 | Bb | R |
| 2nd string (B) | 1 | C | 9 |
| 1st string (high e) | x (mute) | - |
What is a Bb 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. Bbadd9 contains Bb, D, F, C. Counted from the root Bb, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 9 (major 9th). It is also written A#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 Bbadd9
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 Bbadd9
Related chords
Bbadd9 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Bbadd9 chord?
Bbadd9 (Bb add 9) contains the notes Bb, D, F, C. The formula is R–3–5–9 relative to the root Bb.
How do you play Bbadd9 on guitar?
The most common shape for Bbadd9 is x1031x, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is Bbadd9 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is Bbadd9 the same as A#add9?
Yes. Bb and A# are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so Bbadd9 and A#add9 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
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