Eadd9 Chord (E add 9) on Guitar
Eadd9 (E add 9) is made of the notes E – G# – B – F#. The easiest guitar fingering is 024100 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play Eadd9
- Play the 6th string (low E) open (E).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2 (B).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 4 (F#).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1 (G#).
- Play the 2nd string (B) open (B).
- Play the 1st string (high e) open (E).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | 0 (open) | E | R |
| 5th string (A) | 2 | B | 5 |
| 4th string (D) | 4 | F# | 9 |
| 3rd string (G) | 1 | G# | 3 |
| 2nd string (B) | 0 (open) | B | 5 |
| 1st string (high e) | 0 (open) | E | R |
What is a E 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. Eadd9 contains E, G#, B, F#. Counted from the root E, 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 Eadd9
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 Eadd9
Related chords
Eadd9 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Eadd9 chord?
Eadd9 (E add 9) contains the notes E, G#, B, F#. The formula is R–3–5–9 relative to the root E.
How do you play Eadd9 on guitar?
The most common shape for Eadd9 is 024100, 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 Eadd9 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
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