F#add9 Chord (F# add 9) on Guitar
F#add9 (F# add 9) is made of the notes F# – A# – C# – G#. The easiest guitar fingering is 2141xx (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
How to play F#add9
- Press the 6th string (low E) at fret 2 (F#).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 1 (A#).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 4 (F#).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1 (G#).
- Do not play the 2nd string (B).
- Do not play the 1st string (high e).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | 2 | F# | R |
| 5th string (A) | 1 | A# | 3 |
| 4th string (D) | 4 | F# | R |
| 3rd string (G) | 1 | G# | 9 |
| 2nd string (B) | x (mute) | - | |
| 1st string (high e) | x (mute) | - |
What is a F# 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. F#add9 contains F#, A#, C#, G#. Counted from the root F#, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 9 (major 9th). It is also written Gbadd9; 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 F#add9
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 F#add9
Related chords
F#add9 chord FAQ
What notes are in a F#add9 chord?
F#add9 (F# add 9) contains the notes F#, A#, C#, G#. The formula is R–3–5–9 relative to the root F#.
How do you play F#add9 on guitar?
The most common shape for F#add9 is 2141xx, 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 F#add9 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.
Is F#add9 the same as Gbadd9?
Yes. F# and Gb are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so F#add9 and Gbadd9 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
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