Also written Emadd9, Em add9 or E
E minor add 9 is built from E, G, B, and F♯. The 2nd-fret inversion places the ninth in the bass, requiring a barre across three strings.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
E minor add 9 combines an E minor triad (1, ♭3, 5) with a major ninth. The added F♯ creates a soft dissonance against the minor third G. The ninth adds warmth without altering the minor function, unlike the plain E minor triad.
E minor add 9 functions as the vi in G major, heard in I–V–vi–IV (G major–D major–E minor–C major). Its lush ninth suits neo-soul and jazz ballads. Use it to color a minor chord without adding a seventh.
The 2nd-fret inversion places F♯ in the bass, creating a suspended feel. For a root-position sound, play E minor and add the 9th on top. The higher register suits melodic bass lines.
E minor add 9 is played in open position as 2 2 2 0: barre your index finger across fret 2. The G string rings open.
Tip — The index barre must fret three strings cleanly while the open 1st string rings clearly.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2 | 1 (barre) | F♯ (9) |
| 3 (A) | 2 | 1 (barre) | B (5) |
| 2 (D) | 2 | 1 (barre) | E (1) |
| 1 (G) | open | — | G (♭3) |
E minor add 9 is played at the 12th fret as 14 14 14 12: 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 12.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 14 | 2 | F♯ (9) |
| 3 (A) | 14 | 3 | B (5) |
| 2 (D) | 14 | 4 | E (1) |
| 1 (G) | 12 | 1 | G (♭3) |
The symbols are E or Em add9. The root is E, and the chord is also called minor Add 9th.
E minor add 9 omits the seventh, while E minor 9 includes a minor seventh. The add 9 has a more open, less dense sound.
The 9th in the bass creates a second interval against the root. This inversion works best as a passing chord.
Yes, but the shape shifts up the neck. The 2nd-fret position is the only supplied voicing, so lower registers require a different fingering.