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A minor add 9 chord on bass (Amadd9)
Also called or written Amadd9, Am add9, A or A minor Add 9th
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.
Am add9/B inversionfrom fret 5
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 9
- Root positionA–C–E–BAmadd9no shape on this instrument
- First inversionC–E–B–AAmadd9/Cno shape on this instrument
- Second inversionE–B–A–CAmadd9/Eno shape on this instrument
- Third inversionB–A–C–EAmadd9/B7-7-7-5
How do you play an A minor add 9 chord on bass?
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7 | 2 | B (2) |
| 3 (A) | 7 | 3 | E (5) |
| 2 (D) | 7 | 4 | A (1) |
| 1 (G) | 5 | 1 | C (♭3) |
AdvancedThe index finger must reach the 1st string at fret 5 while the other fingers hold fret 7 on three strings.
Why it sounds like that
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.
What goes wrong with A minor add 9?
- Letting the index finger collapse and buzz on the 1st string.
- Pressing the ring finger onto the 2nd string, deadening its note.
- Failing to keep the pinky close to the fret, causing a flat pitch.
When to use it
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.
Changing to and from A minor add 9
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 5th fret gives G minor add 9.
- Move from A minor add 9 to A minor by lifting the index finger and moving the pinky from the 2nd string to the 1st string, 5th fret.
Which voicing to use
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.
Other A chords
Common questions
How does A minor add 9 differ from A minor 9th?
A minor add 9 contains no 7th, while A minor 9th includes the minor 7th. The add 9 has a purer, less dense sound.
Can A minor add 9 be played in a lower register?
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.
Why is the 9th in the bass?
The default voicing is an inversion with B as the lowest note. This inversion emphasises the 9th and creates a suspended feel.