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F♯ add 9 chord on bass (F♯add9)
Also called or written F♯add9, F♯ or F♯ Add 9th
F♯ add 9 is built from F♯, A♯, C♯, and G♯. This advanced voicing sits at the 4th fret, requiring a wide finger stretch.
F♯add9/G♯ inversionfrom fret 3
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, 5, 9
- Root positionF♯–A♯–C♯–G♯F♯add9no shape on this instrument
- First inversionA♯–C♯–G♯–F♯F♯add9/A♯no shape on this instrument
- Second inversionC♯–G♯–F♯–A♯F♯add9/C♯no shape on this instrument
- Third inversionG♯–F♯–A♯–C♯F♯add9/G♯4-4-4-3
How do you play an F♯ add 9 chord on bass?
F♯ add 9 is played at the 3rd fret as 4 4 4 3: middle finger on the E string at fret 4, ring finger on the A string at fret 4, pinky finger on the D string at fret 4 and index finger on the G string at fret 3.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4 | 2 | G♯ (2) |
| 3 (A) | 4 | 3 | C♯ (5) |
| 2 (D) | 4 | 4 | F♯ (1) |
| 1 (G) | 3 | 1 | A♯ (3) |
AdvancedThe stretch between the index finger on the 3rd fret and the pinky on the 4th fret of the D string is wide.
Why it sounds like that
F♯ add 9 uses the formula 1, 3, 5, 9. The major 2nd between F♯ and G♯ adds the ninth, while the major 3rd from F♯ to A♯ gives the major quality. Compare it with F♯ major, which omits the ninth.
What goes wrong with F♯ add 9?
- Letting the index finger mute the G string by collapsing.
- Pressing too hard with the pinky, causing the D string to buzz.
When to use it
F♯ add 9 is the tonic in F♯ major, fitting the I–IV–V–I progression: F♯ major–B major–C♯ major–F♯ major. It suits rock, pop, and gospel styles where the ninth adds brightness. It also works over F♯ major and F♯ 5th chords.
Changing to and from F♯ add 9
- Slide the shape down two frets to the 1st fret for E add 9.
- Move to F♯ major by lifting the index finger and playing the open F♯ string.
Which voicing to use
The default voicing places G♯ in the bass, softening the root emphasis. Use this inversion when the bass line needs to connect stepwise or when the root is covered by another instrument.
Other F♯ chords
Common questions
How is F♯ add 9 written?
F♯ add 9 is written as F♯add9 or F♯. The ASCII root is F#. It is also spelled G♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
How does F♯ add 9 differ from F♯ major?
F♯ add 9 includes the ninth, G♯, which F♯ major omits. The added note creates a brighter, more open sound while keeping the major third.
Can F♯ add 9 be used in minor keys?
F♯ add 9 is diatonic to A♭ natural minor and E♭ natural minor. In those keys it acts as a borrowed major chord, often for modal interchange.