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F♯ minor add 9 chord on bass (F♯madd9)
Also called or written F♯madd9, F♯m add9, F♯ or F♯ minor Add 9th
F♯ minor add 9 is built from F♯, A, C♯, and G♯. This advanced bass voicing places the 9th in the bass, requiring a wide stretch across four frets.
F♯m add9/G♯ inversionfrom fret 2
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 9
- Root positionF♯–A–C♯–G♯F♯madd9no shape on this instrument
- First inversionA–C♯–G♯–F♯F♯madd9/Ano shape on this instrument
- Second inversionC♯–G♯–F♯–AF♯madd9/C♯no shape on this instrument
- Third inversionG♯–F♯–A–C♯F♯madd9/G♯4-4-4-2
How do you play an F♯ minor add 9 chord on bass?
F♯ minor add 9 is played at the 2nd fret as 4 4 4 2: 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 2.
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) | 2 | 1 | A (♭3) |
AdvancedThe hardest part is stretching the index finger back to fret 2 while the other fingers hold fret 4.
Why it sounds like that
F♯ minor add 9 stacks a minor 3rd, perfect 5th, and major 2nd above the root. The added 9th softens the minor quality compared to F♯ minor, which omits the G♯.
What goes wrong with F♯ minor add 9?
- Letting the index finger collapse and buzz the G string at fret 2.
- Allowing the pinky to drift sharp and fret the D string at fret 5.
- Muting the A string with the ring finger while reaching for the D string.
When to use it
F♯ minor add 9 works as the vi chord in A major, appearing in progressions like A–E–F♯m–D (I–V–vi–IV). Its dark, suspended quality suits slow ballads and atmospheric bass lines.
Changing to and from F♯ minor add 9
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 2nd fret gives F minor add 9.
- From F♯ minor add 9, move the index finger up one fret to play G minor add 9.
Which voicing to use
The default voicing places the 9th, G♯, in the bass, creating a suspended, unresolved feel. Use this inversion when you want the bass to lead with tension before resolving to F♯ minor.
Other F♯ chords
Common questions
How is F♯ minor add 9 written?
F♯ minor add 9 is written as F♯m add9 or F♯ minor add 9. It is also spelled G♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
What is the difference between F♯ minor add 9 and F♯ minor 9th?
F♯ minor add 9 contains the 9th but no 7th. F♯ minor 9th includes the ♭7, giving it a more dissonant, jazzy sound.
Can F♯ minor add 9 be played in a lower register?
Yes, but the stretch becomes wider. The same voicing can be played an octave lower by shifting all frets down 12, though the bass may sound muddy.