Also 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.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tip — The stretch between the index finger on the 3rd fret and the pinky on the 4th fret of the D string is wide.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4 | 2 | G♯ (9) |
| 3 (A) | 4 | 3 | C♯ (5) |
| 2 (D) | 4 | 4 | F♯ (1) |
| 1 (G) | 3 | 1 | A♯ (3) |
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.
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.
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.