Also written Gadd9, G or G Add 9th
G add 9 is built from G, B, D, and A. This advanced voicing uses an open D string, creating a resonant, ringing sound.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
G add 9 adds the ninth, A, to a G major triad: 1, 3, 5, 9. The ninth adds a gentle color without altering the major quality. Contrast with G major, which has only G, B, and D.
G add 9 is a tonic color in G major, often in the I–IV–V–I progression: G major–C major–D major–G major. It fits folk, country, and pop where open strings ring out.
The open Gadd9 voicing places G in the bass, giving a full, grounded sound. Use it when you want the chord to ring openly.
G add 9 is played in open position as 3 2 0 2: ring finger on the E string at fret 3, index finger on the A string at fret 2 and middle finger on the G string at fret 2. The D string rings open.
Tip — The hardest part is fretting the 3rd and 1st strings at fret 2 while keeping the 2nd string open and the 4th string at fret 3.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3 | 3 | G (1) |
| 3 (A) | 2 | 1 | B (3) |
| 2 (D) | open | — | D (5) |
| 1 (G) | 2 | 2 | A (9) |
G add 9 is played at the 4th fret as 5 5 5 4: middle finger on the E string at fret 5, ring finger on the A string at fret 5, pinky finger on the D string at fret 5 and index finger on the G string at fret 4.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5 | 2 | A (9) |
| 3 (A) | 5 | 3 | D (5) |
| 2 (D) | 5 | 4 | G (1) |
| 1 (G) | 4 | 1 | B (3) |
G add 9 is written as G or Gadd9. The symbol 'G' alone can imply the add 9 in some contexts, but Gadd9 is explicit.
G add 9 contains the ninth (A) but no seventh, while G major 7 contains the seventh (F♯) but no ninth. G add 9 sounds more open and less jazzy.
Yes, the Gadd9/A inversion at fret 5 places A in the bass and sounds brighter. It works well for melodic passages.