Also written Gmadd9, Gm add9 or G
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.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tip — The index finger must fret the 4th string without touching the open 3rd string, while the middle finger frets the 1st string.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3 | 1 | G (1) |
| 3 (A) | open | — | A (9) |
| 2 (D) | open | — | D (5) |
| 1 (G) | 3 | 2 | B♭ (♭3) |
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.
| 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 (9) |
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.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5 | 2 | A (9) |
| 3 (A) | 5 | 3 | D (5) |
| 2 (D) | 5 | 4 | G (1) |
| 1 (G) | 3 | 1 | B♭ (♭3) |
The symbols are G or Gm add9. The root is G, and the chord is also called minor Add 9th.
G minor add 9 omits the seventh, while G minor 9 includes a minor seventh. The add 9 has a cleaner, more open sound.
The 9th in the bass creates a second interval against the root. This inversion is unstable and best used as a passing chord.
Yes, but the shape shifts up the neck. The open position is the only supplied voicing, so lower registers require a different fingering.