Also written Amadd9, Am add9 or A
A minor add 9 is built from A, C, E and B. This advanced voicing puts the 9th in the bass, demanding a wide stretch across four frets.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
A minor add 9 uses the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 9. The major 2nd between A and B adds the characteristic colour. Compare it with A minor, which omits the 9th.
A minor add 9 works in the vi–IV–I–V progression in C major: A minor–F major–C major–G major. It suits reflective rock and folk lines where the 9th adds a suspended colour.
The default voicing places B in the bass, creating a soft, floating quality. For a root-position sound, use A minor and add the 9th as a passing tone.
A minor add 9 is played at the 5th fret as 7 7 7 5: middle finger on the E string at fret 7, ring finger on the A string at fret 7, pinky finger on the D string at fret 7 and index finger on the G string at fret 5.
Tip — The index finger must reach the 1st string at fret 5 while the other fingers hold fret 7 on three strings.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7 | 2 | B (9) |
| 3 (A) | 7 | 3 | E (5) |
| 2 (D) | 7 | 4 | A (1) |
| 1 (G) | 5 | 1 | C (♭3) |
A minor add 9 contains no 7th, while A minor 9th includes the minor 7th. The add 9 has a purer, less dense sound.
Yes, the same shape can be moved down the neck, but the bass note changes. The 9th in the bass becomes less distinct in lower registers.
The default voicing is an inversion with B as the lowest note. This inversion emphasises the 9th and creates a suspended feel.