Dadd9 Chord (D add 9) on Guitar
Dadd9 (D add 9) is made of the notes D – F# – A – E. The easiest guitar fingering is xx0252 (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 Dadd9
- Play the 4th string (D) open (D).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 2 (A).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 5 (E).
- Press the 1st string (high e) at fret 2 (F#).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
- Do not play the 5th string (A).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | x (mute) | - | |
| 4th string (D) | 0 (open) | D | R |
| 3rd string (G) | 2 | A | 5 |
| 2nd string (B) | 5 | E | 9 |
| 1st string (high e) | 2 | F# | 3 |
What is a D 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. Dadd9 contains D, F#, A, E. Counted from the root D, 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 Dadd9
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 Dadd9
Related chords
Dadd9 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Dadd9 chord?
Dadd9 (D add 9) contains the notes D, F#, A, E. The formula is R–3–5–9 relative to the root D.
How do you play Dadd9 on guitar?
The most common shape for Dadd9 is xx0252, 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 Dadd9 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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