Explore chords · Guitar
A add 9 chord on guitar (Aadd9)
Also called or written Aadd9, A or A Add 9th
A add 9 is built from A, C♯, E and B. The default grip at the 5th fret is an advanced stretch that places the 9th on the high E string.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, 5, 9
- Root positionA–C♯–E–BAadd9×-×-7-6-5-7
- First inversionC♯–E–B–AAadd9/C♯×-4-×-4-5-5
- Second inversionE–B–A–C♯Aadd9/E0-2-2-2-2-0
- Third inversionB–A–C♯–EAadd9/B×-2-2-2-2-0
How do you play an A add 9 chord on guitar?
A add 9 is played at the 5th fret as × × 7 6 5 7: ring finger on the D string at fret 7, middle finger on the G string at fret 6, index finger on the B string at fret 5 and pinky finger on the high e string at fret 7. The low E and A strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | muted | — | — |
| 4 (D) | 7 | 3 | A (1) |
| 3 (G) | 6 | 2 | C♯ (3) |
| 2 (B) | 5 | 1 | E (5) |
| 1 (e) | 7 | 4 | B (2) |
AdvancedThe pinky must reach the 7th fret on the high E while the ring finger holds the 7th fret on the D string, creating a wide stretch.
Aadd9/C♯ inversion · fret 4
A add 9 is played at the 4th fret as × 4 × 4 5 5: index finger on the A string at fret 4, middle finger on the G string at fret 4, ring finger on the B string at fret 5 and pinky finger on the high e string at fret 5. The low E and D strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | 4 | 1 | C♯ (3) |
| 4 (D) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (G) | 4 | 2 | B (2) |
| 2 (B) | 5 | 3 | E (5) |
| 1 (e) | 5 | 4 | A (1) |
Aadd9/C♯ inversion · fret 7
A add 9 is played at the 7th fret as 9 7 7 9 × 7: barre your index finger across fret 7, ring finger on the low E string at fret 9 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 9. The B string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 9 | 3 | C♯ (3) |
| 5 (A) | 7 | 1 (barre) | E (5) |
| 4 (D) | 7 | 1 (barre) | A (1) |
| 3 (G) | 9 | 4 | E (5) |
| 2 (B) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (e) | 7 | 1 (barre) | B (2) |
Aadd9/C♯ inversion · fret 9
A add 9 is played at the 9th fret as 9 × 9 9 10 9: barre your index finger across fret 9 and pinky finger on the B string at fret 10. The A string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 9 | 1 (barre) | C♯ (3) |
| 5 (A) | muted | — | — |
| 4 (D) | 9 | 1 (barre) | B (2) |
| 3 (G) | 9 | 1 (barre) | E (5) |
| 2 (B) | 10 | 4 | A (1) |
| 1 (e) | 9 | 1 (barre) | C♯ (3) |
Aadd9/E inversion
A add 9 is played in open position as 0 2 2 2 2 0: barre your index finger across fret 2. The low E and high e strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | open | — | E (5) |
| 5 (A) | 2 | 1 (barre) | B (2) |
| 4 (D) | 2 | 1 (barre) | E (5) |
| 3 (G) | 2 | 1 (barre) | A (1) |
| 2 (B) | 2 | 1 (barre) | C♯ (3) |
| 1 (e) | open | — | E (5) |
Why it sounds like that
A add 9 stacks a major triad with the 9th, a major 2nd above the root. The added B softens the brightness of A major without changing its function. Compare it to A major, which omits the 9th.
What goes wrong with A add 9?
- Letting the low E or A string ring out, which adds an unintended bass note.
- Flattening the pinky so it deadens the high E string.
- Rushing the stretch and buzzing the D string under the ring finger.
When to use it
A add 9 works as the tonic in A major, especially in progressions like A–D–E–A (I–IV–V–I). It suits bright pop, country, and clean arpeggiated parts. Use it to replace A major when you want a more open, ringing sound.
Changing to and from A add 9
- Move to A major by lifting the pinky off the high E string and keeping the other three fingers in place.
- Slide the shape down two frets to the 3rd fret to play G add 9.
Which voicing to use
The 5th fret position keeps A in the bass for a root-position sound. The Aadd9/C♯ inversion at the 4th fret puts the major 3rd in the bass, giving a slightly darker, more mobile voice. The Aadd9/E inversion at the 2nd fret has the 5th in the bass and works well for descending bass lines.
Other A chords
Common questions
How is A add 9 written?
A add 9 is written as Aadd9 or A. The symbol Aadd9 is the most common, and the alternate name Add 9th is also used.
What is the difference between A add 9 and A major 7th?
A add 9 contains the 9th (B) but no 7th, while A major 7th contains the major 7th (G♯) but no 9th. A add 9 has a more open, suspended quality.
Can I play A add 9 with a barre?
The default 5th fret shape uses no barre, but the Aadd9/C♯ inversion at the 9th fret uses a barre at the 9th fret. Choose the shape that fits your hand and the register you need.