G Add4 chord on guitar
Position 1
Position 2
Chord composition
| I | III | IV | V |
| Root | Major third | Perfect fourth | Perfect fifth |
| G | B | C | D |
ALL ABOUT THE G ADD4 CHORD
Chord Composition
The G Add4 chord is composed of 4 notes :
- G (Root)
- B (Major third)
- C (Perfect fourth)
- D (Perfect fifth)
These notes form a major chord with added fourth, creating rich tension without suspension.
How to play G Add4 on guitar
The add4 chord G Add4 combines the major triad with the added perfect fourth, without seventh.
- Difference from sus4: unlike sus4, add4 keeps the major third while adding the 4th
- Harmonic cluster: third and fourth together create dense sonority
- Modal color: evokes lydian and mixolydian modes
- Less common: rarer than add2 or add9, but very effective
The simultaneous presence of third and fourth creates a particular cluster, offering an alternative to sus4 with a more complete character.
Common uses of G Add4
The add4 chord has specific uses:
- Progressive rock: enriches complex progressions
- Modal jazz: sophisticated modal colors
- Contemporary music: dense harmonic textures
Styles
Progressive rock: complex and rich harmonies.
Modal jazz: exploits lydian mode colors.