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F minor add 9 chord on bass (Fmadd9)
Also called or written Fmadd9, Fm add9, F or F minor Add 9th
F minor add 9 is built from F, A♭, C and G. The 9th in the bass makes this advanced voicing feel suspended and open.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 9
- Root positionF–A♭–C–GFmadd9no shape on this instrument
- First inversionA♭–C–G–FFmadd9/A♭no shape on this instrument
- Second inversionC–G–F–A♭Fmadd9/Cno shape on this instrument
- Third inversionG–F–A♭–CFmadd9/G3-3-3-1
How do you play an F minor add 9 chord on bass?
F minor add 9 is played at the 1st fret as 3 3 3 1: 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 1.
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) | 1 | 1 | A♭ (♭3) |
AdvancedThe index finger must stretch to the 1st string at fret 1 while the other fingers hold fret 3 on three strings.
Fm add9/G inversion · fret 13
F minor add 9 is played at the 13th fret as 15 15 15 13: 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 13.
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) | 13 | 1 | A♭ (♭3) |
Why it sounds like that
F minor add 9 uses the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 9. The major 2nd between F and G adds a bright colour. Compare it with F minor, which lacks the 9th.
What goes wrong with F minor add 9?
- Letting the index finger mute the 2nd string when reaching for the 1st string.
- Pressing the ring finger too hard, causing the 3rd string to go sharp.
- Failing to keep the pinky close to the fret, resulting in a buzzy note.
When to use it
F minor add 9 fits the I–V–vi–IV progression in A♭ major: A♭ major–E♭ major–F minor–D♭ major. It adds a gentle dissonance to ballads and slow rock.
Changing to and from F minor add 9
- Sliding the shape up two frets to the 3rd fret gives G minor add 9.
- Move from F minor add 9 to F minor by lifting the index finger and moving the pinky to the 1st string, 1st fret.
Which voicing to use
The default voicing places G in the bass, giving a floating quality. For a firmer root, use F minor and add the 9th as a melodic note.
Other F chords
Common questions
What is the difference between F minor add 9 and F minor 9th?
F minor add 9 omits the 7th, while F minor 9th includes the minor 7th. The add 9 sounds more open and less jazzy.
Can F minor add 9 be played in a higher register?
Yes, the shape can be moved up the neck, but the bass note changes. Higher registers make the 9th in the bass clearer.
Why is the 9th in the bass?
The default voicing is an inversion with G as the lowest note. This inversion emphasises the 9th and creates a suspended feel.