Explore chords · Bass
G minor add 9 chord on bass (Gmadd9)
Also called or written Gmadd9, Gm add9, G or G minor Add 9th
G minor add 9 is built from G, B♭, D, and A. The open position uses open strings and a 3rd-fret note, requiring careful muting.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 9
How do you play a G minor add 9 chord on bass?
G minor add 9 is played in open position as 3 0 0 3: index finger on the E string at fret 3 and middle finger on the G string at fret 3. The A and D strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3 | 1 | G (1) |
| 3 (A) | open | — | A (2) |
| 2 (D) | open | — | D (5) |
| 1 (G) | 3 | 2 | B♭ (♭3) |
AdvancedThe index finger must fret the 4th string without touching the open 3rd string, while the middle finger frets the 1st string.
Open · A on top
G minor add 9 is played in open position as 3 1 0 2: ring finger on the E string at fret 3, index finger on the A string at fret 1 and middle finger on the G string at fret 2. The D string rings open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3 | 3 | G (1) |
| 3 (A) | 1 | 1 | B♭ (♭3) |
| 2 (D) | open | — | D (5) |
| 1 (G) | 2 | 2 | A (2) |
Gm add9/A inversion
G minor add 9 is played at the 3rd fret as 5 5 5 3: 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 3.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5 | 2 | A (2) |
| 3 (A) | 5 | 3 | D (5) |
| 2 (D) | 5 | 4 | G (1) |
| 1 (G) | 3 | 1 | B♭ (♭3) |
Why it sounds like that
G minor add 9 stacks a G minor triad (1, ♭3, 5) with a major ninth. The added A creates a bright edge against the minor third B♭. The ninth adds color without altering the minor function, unlike the plain G minor triad.
What goes wrong with G minor add 9?
- Letting the index finger mute the open 3rd string.
- Allowing the middle finger to touch the 2nd string and mute the open D.
- Pressing too hard with the index finger, sharpening the G on the 4th string.
When to use it
G minor add 9 works as the vi in B♭ major, especially in I–V–vi–IV (B♭ major–F major–G minor–E♭ major). Its shimmering ninth suits indie rock and folk. Use it to extend a minor chord without adding a seventh.
Changing to and from G minor add 9
- From G minor, add the open 3rd and 2nd strings and fret the 1st string at the 3rd fret.
- Release the 1st string and play G minor at the 3rd fret.
Which voicing to use
The open position places G in the bass, giving a root-position sound. For a higher inversion, use the 5th-fret shape with A in the bass. The open strings add resonance.
Other G chords
Common questions
How is G minor add 9 written?
The symbols are G or Gm add9. The root is G, and the chord is also called minor Add 9th.
What is the difference between G minor add 9 and G minor 9?
G minor add 9 omits the seventh, while G minor 9 includes a minor seventh. The add 9 has a cleaner, more open sound.
Why does the 9th sound dissonant in the bass?
The 9th in the bass creates a second interval against the root. This inversion is unstable and best used as a passing chord.
Can I play G minor add 9 in a lower register?
Yes, but the shape shifts up the neck. The open position is the only supplied voicing, so lower registers require a different fingering.