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E minor add 9 chord on bass (Emadd9)
Also called or written Emadd9, Em add9, E or E minor Add 9th
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.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 9
- Root positionE–G–B–F♯Emadd9no shape on this instrument
- First inversionG–B–F♯–EEmadd9/Gno shape on this instrument
- Second inversionB–F♯–E–GEmadd9/Bno shape on this instrument
- Third inversionF♯–E–G–BEmadd9/F♯2-2-2-0
How do you play an E minor add 9 chord on bass?
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2 | 1 (barre) | F♯ (2) |
| 3 (A) | 2 | 1 (barre) | B (5) |
| 2 (D) | 2 | 1 (barre) | E (1) |
| 1 (G) | open | — | G (♭3) |
AdvancedThe index barre must fret three strings cleanly while the open 1st string rings clearly.
Em add9/F♯ inversion · fret 12
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.
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) | 12 | 1 | G (♭3) |
Why it sounds like that
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.
What goes wrong with E minor add 9?
- Letting the barre lift off the 3rd string, causing a muted A.
- Allowing the index finger to touch the 1st string and mute the open E.
- Pressing too hard with the barre, sharpening the B on the 2nd string.
When to use it
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.
Changing to and from E minor add 9
- From E minor, barre the 2nd fret and add the open 1st string.
- Release the barre and play E minor at the 2nd fret.
Which voicing to use
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.
Other E chords
Common questions
How is E minor add 9 written?
The symbols are E or Em add9. The root is E, and the chord is also called minor Add 9th.
What is the difference between E minor add 9 and E minor 9?
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.
Why is the 9th in the bass unstable?
The 9th in the bass creates a second interval against the root. This inversion works best as a passing chord.
Can I play E minor add 9 in a lower register?
Yes, but the shape shifts up the neck. The 2nd-fret position is the only supplied voicing, so lower registers require a different fingering.