Ebadd9 Chord (Eb add 9) on Guitar
Ebadd9 (Eb add 9) is made of the notes Eb – G – Bb – F. The easiest guitar fingering is xx1041 (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 Ebadd9
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 1 (Eb).
- Play the 3rd string (G) open (G).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 4 (Eb).
- Press the 1st string (high e) at fret 1 (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) | 1 | Eb | R |
| 3rd string (G) | 0 (open) | G | 3 |
| 2nd string (B) | 4 | Eb | R |
| 1st string (high e) | 1 | F | 9 |
What is a Eb 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. Ebadd9 contains Eb, G, Bb, F. Counted from the root Eb, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 9 (major 9th). It is also written D#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 Ebadd9
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 Ebadd9
Related chords
Ebadd9 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Ebadd9 chord?
Ebadd9 (Eb add 9) contains the notes Eb, G, Bb, F. The formula is R–3–5–9 relative to the root Eb.
How do you play Ebadd9 on guitar?
The most common shape for Ebadd9 is xx1041, 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 Ebadd9 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is Ebadd9 the same as D#add9?
Yes. Eb and D# are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so Ebadd9 and D#add9 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
Get one useful guitar tip a week
New chord guides, practice ideas and app updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.