Explore chords · Bass
E add 9 chord on bass (Eadd9)
Also called or written Eadd9, E or E Add 9th
E add 9 contains E, G♯, B, and F♯. This advanced voicing is playable in two octaves, with the lower position near the nut.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, 5, 9
- Root positionE–G♯–B–F♯Eadd9no shape on this instrument
- First inversionG♯–B–F♯–EEadd9/G♯no shape on this instrument
- Second inversionB–F♯–E–G♯Eadd9/Bno shape on this instrument
- Third inversionF♯–E–G♯–BEadd9/F♯2-2-2-1
How do you play an E add 9 chord on bass?
E add 9 is played at the 1st fret as 2 2 2 1: middle finger on the E string at fret 2, ring finger on the A string at fret 2, pinky finger on the D string at fret 2 and index finger on the G string at fret 1.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2 | 2 | F♯ (2) |
| 3 (A) | 2 | 3 | B (5) |
| 2 (D) | 2 | 4 | E (1) |
| 1 (G) | 1 | 1 | G♯ (3) |
AdvancedThe one-fret offset between the index finger on fret 1 and the other fingers on fret 2 requires precise finger independence.
Eadd9/F♯ inversion · fret 13
E add 9 is played at the 13th fret as 14 14 14 13: middle finger on the E string at fret 14, ring finger on the A string at fret 14, pinky finger on the D string at fret 14 and index finger on the G string at fret 13.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 14 | 2 | F♯ (2) |
| 3 (A) | 14 | 3 | B (5) |
| 2 (D) | 14 | 4 | E (1) |
| 1 (G) | 13 | 1 | G♯ (3) |
Why it sounds like that
E add 9 is built from the formula 1, 3, 5, 9. The major 2nd between E and F♯ gives the chord its bright, ringing quality. Compare it with E major, which stops at the fifth.
What goes wrong with E add 9?
- Letting the index finger mute the D string by touching it.
- Fretting the G string at fret 2 instead of fret 1, which changes the ninth to a major third.
When to use it
E add 9 works in the I–IV–V–I progression E–A–B–E. Its shimmering quality suits rock, pop, and worship bass lines. Try it over E major or E 5th.
Changing to and from E add 9
- Sliding the shape up one fret to the 2nd fret gives F add 9.
- From E add 9, move the index finger up two frets to the 3rd fret while keeping the other fingers in place to reach F♯ add 9.
Which voicing to use
The Eadd9/F♯ inversion places F♯, the ninth, in the bass. Use the lower position at the 2nd fret for a warmer sound, or the higher position at the 14th fret for a brighter, more cutting tone.
Other E chords
Common questions
How does E add 9 differ from E major 7th?
E add 9 includes the major second (F♯) but no seventh. E major 7th includes the major seventh (D♯) but no second. The add 9 sounds more open and less jazzy.
Can E add 9 be played in a lower register?
The default voicing at the 2nd fret is already low. Moving it down an octave would put the bass note below the range of a standard 4-string bass.
Why are there two positions for E add 9?
The same shape can be played at the 2nd fret or the 14th fret, an octave higher. The higher position has a brighter, more cutting sound.