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F add 9 chord on bass (Fadd9)
Also called or written Fadd9, F or F Add 9th
F add 9 contains F, A, C, and G. This advanced voicing is playable in two octaves, with the lower position at the 3rd fret.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, 5, 9
- Root positionF–A–C–GFadd9no shape on this instrument
- First inversionA–C–G–FFadd9/Ano shape on this instrument
- Second inversionC–G–F–AFadd9/Cno shape on this instrument
- Third inversionG–F–A–CFadd9/G3-3-3-2
How do you play an F add 9 chord on bass?
F add 9 is played at the 2nd fret as 3 3 3 2: middle finger on the E string at fret 3, ring finger on the A string at fret 3, pinky finger on the D string at fret 3 and index finger on the G string at fret 2.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (2) |
| 3 (A) | 3 | 3 | C (5) |
| 2 (D) | 3 | 4 | F (1) |
| 1 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (3) |
AdvancedThe one-fret offset between the index finger on fret 2 and the other fingers on fret 3 requires precise finger independence.
Fadd9/G inversion · fret 14
F add 9 is played at the 14th fret as 15 15 15 14: middle finger on the E string at fret 15, ring finger on the A string at fret 15, pinky finger on the D string at fret 15 and index finger on the G string at fret 14.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 15 | 2 | G (2) |
| 3 (A) | 15 | 3 | C (5) |
| 2 (D) | 15 | 4 | F (1) |
| 1 (G) | 14 | 1 | A (3) |
Why it sounds like that
F add 9 uses the formula 1, 3, 5, 9. The major 2nd between F and G adds a floating quality to the major triad. Compare it with F major, which omits the ninth.
What goes wrong with F add 9?
- Letting the index finger flatten and mute the D string.
- Fretting the G string at fret 3 instead of fret 2, which changes the ninth to a major third.
When to use it
F add 9 can replace F major in the I–IV–V–I progression F–B♭–C–F. Its airy sound suits folk, pop, and country bass lines. Use it over F major or F 5th.
Changing to and from F add 9
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 2nd fret gives E add 9.
- From F add 9, move the index finger up one fret to the 3rd fret while keeping the other fingers in place to reach F♯ add 9.
Which voicing to use
The Fadd9/G inversion places G, the ninth, in the bass. Use the lower position at the 3rd fret for a warmer sound, or the higher position at the 15th fret for a brighter, more cutting tone.
Other F chords
Common questions
How does F add 9 differ from F suspended 2nd?
F suspended 2nd replaces the major third with the major second, giving F–G–C. F add 9 keeps the major third and adds the second on top, so it sounds more resolved.
Is F add 9 easier to play on a 5-string bass?
A 5-string bass with a low B string allows the same shape to be played five frets lower, reducing the stretch. On a 4-string, the 3rd fret position is necessary.
Why are there two positions for F add 9?
The same shape can be played at the 3rd fret or the 15th fret, an octave higher. The higher position has a brighter, more cutting sound.