A ADD9 - GUITAR
Open position
Bass position 5
Chord composition
| I | III | V | IX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root | Major third | Perfect fifth | Major ninth |
| A | C# | E | B |
ALL ABOUT THE A ADD9 CHORD
Chord Composition
The A Add9 chord is composed of 4 notes :
- A (Root)
- C# (Major third)
- E (Perfect fifth)
- B (Major ninth)
These notes form a major chord with added ninth, creating richness without the seventh.
How to play A Add9 on guitar
The add9 chord A Add9 adds the ninth (equivalent to the second an octave higher) to the major triad, without including the seventh.
- Difference from 9 chord: add9 does NOT have a seventh, while the 9 chord includes the seventh (1-3-5-7-9)
- Clear sound: brighter and less complex than the 9 chord
- Rock and pop: heavily used to enrich simple progressions
- Extended voicings: the 9th sounds better an octave above than the 2nd
This is probably the most used "add" chord in modern rock and pop, offering harmonic richness without the jazz complexity of the seventh.
Techniques and sounds
For add9 chords on guitar:
- Clean and chorus: highlights the beauty of the 9th
- Arpeggios: the 9th adds an interesting melodic note
- Direct substitution: replaces simple major chord for more sophistication
Common uses of A Add9
The add9 chord is omnipresent in modern music:
- Pop and rock: enriches classic I-IV-V progressions
- Ballads: adds emotion and depth
- Indie and alternative: signature color of the genre
- Modern country: sophistication without losing accessibility
Musical styles
Modern pop: omnipresent in current productions.
Alternative rock: enriches sound without going jazz.
Country-pop: adds sophistication to traditional sound.
Modern worship and gospel: rich emotional texture.