Play the add9 chord on piano
The add9 chord is a major triad enriched with a major ninth, without including the seventh. This addition creates a richer harmonic color while maintaining the triad's character.
Chord composition
| I | III | V | IX |
| Root | Major third | Perfect fifth | Major ninth |
| 0 | 4 | 7 | 14 |
Formula 1 - 3 - 5 - 9
Theory
The add9 chord adds the major ninth (14 semitones, or a major second at the octave) without the seventh. C add9 = C-E-G-D, D add9 = D-F♯-A-E. The term 'add' indicates the seventh is not present, unlike a 9 chord which includes the seventh. The fifth can be omitted to clarify the sound.
Play the add9 chord on the piano
Styles
Construction
Formula 1 - 3 - 5 - 9: major triad + major ninth (no 7th). Example Cadd9: C - E - G - D. Enrichment without seventh tension.
Learning
Folk open positions. Compare add9 vs 9. Enriched acoustic arpeggios.
How to play
Folk, pop, rock. Rich open positions. Softer than 9 (no 7b). Acoustic atmospheres.