Chords
Add9 chord
An add9 chord is a major or minor triad with the ninth added and no seventh: Cadd9 is spelled C, E, G and D.
What is an add9 chord?
An add9 chord starts from a triad, usually a major chord (root, major third, perfect fifth), and adds the ninth: the second scale degree, placed an octave higher. The formula is 1 - 3 - 5 - 9.
| Chord | Notes | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Cadd9 | C E G D | 1 3 5 9 |
| Gadd9 | G B D A | 1 3 5 9 |
| Am(add9) | A C E B | 1 ♭3 5 9 |
The word "add" tells you there is no seventh. That is the difference between Cadd9 and C9 (C E G B♭ D) or Cmaj9 (C E G B D), which are extended chords built on a seventh.
How do you play an add9 chord on guitar?
Open shapes are the most common, because open strings often give you the ninth for free:
- Cadd9: x32033. C (A string, 3rd fret), E (D string, 2nd fret), open G, D (B string, 3rd fret), G (high E, 3rd fret).
- Gadd9: 320203. The ninth, A, sits on the G string at the 2nd fret.
- Eadd9: 022102. The F# on the high E string, 2nd fret, is the ninth.
- Aadd9: x02420. The B on the G string, 4th fret.
- Fadd9: xx3213. The high G at the 3rd fret colours the F triad.
For a movable shape, slide Cadd9 up without the open G string: x5425x gives Dadd9 (D F# A E). The stretch between index and pinky is wide, so start around the 5th fret where frets are closer together. Each of these shapes is a different voicing of the same chord type.
Example to play now: G, Cadd9, Em7, Dsus4
This progression in G major sounds instantly like acoustic pop because your ring finger and pinky stay planted on the 3rd fret of the B and high E strings the whole time:
- G: 320033
- Cadd9: x32033
- Em7: 022033
- Dsus4: xx0233
Strum two beats per chord, then a full bar each. The high D and G that never move act as a drone, and Cadd9 plays the role of the IV chord. Then swap Dsus4 for a plain D (xx0232) and listen to the resolution.
Add9 vs sus2 vs 9: common mistakes
- Mixing up add9 and a sus chord: Csus2 (C D G) replaces the third with the second. Cadd9 keeps the E. Without a third, the chord is neither major nor minor.
- Calling Cadd9 "C9": a plain 9 implies a minor seventh. On a jazz chart, C9 asks for a B♭.
- Letting a wrong bass ring: on Cadd9 the low E string should stay silent (or play G at the 3rd fret, which gives Cadd9/G).
- Putting the ninth right next to the third in the low register: a D rubbing against an E down low turns muddy. Keep the ninth up high.
Key takeaways
- Add9 = triad + ninth, no seventh: 1 - 3 - 5 - 9.
- Learn Cadd9 (x32033) and Gadd9 (320203) first.
- Add9 keeps the third, sus2 removes it, a 9 chord also adds the seventh.
- To check any fingering, place it in the chord identifier, which names the chord and lists its alternative names.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between add9 and add2?
Both add the same note (D on a C chord). Add2 suggests the note sits close to the root, in the same octave, while add9 places it above the third. In practice, many songbooks use both names for the same fingering.
Can I play Cadd9 instead of C?
Almost always. The third and fifth are still there, so the harmonic function does not change. Avoid it only when the melody holds a C or an E against the D, which creates a whole-step clash.
Are there minor add9 chords?
Yes: Am(add9) is A C E B. Play x02410: open A, E on the D string, B on the G string at the 4th fret, C on the B string at the 1st fret, open high E. The rub between B and C gives a wistful colour that ballads use a lot.
Related terms
Practise in the workshop
Take it from theory to the fretboard
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