Also written Gadd9, G or G Add 9th
G add 9 is built from G, B, D and A. This open-position grip uses all six strings for a full, ringing sound.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
G add 9 adds the ninth, A, to the G major triad G–B–D, giving the formula 1, 3, 5, 9. The ninth creates a bright, open quality. Compare it with G major, which has only the triad.
G add 9 is the tonic in G major, fitting the I–IV–V–I progression G–C–D–G. It also works in the I–V–vi–IV of G–D–E minor–C. The chord suits folk, pop, and country.
The open shapes and the 3rd-fret shape all keep G in the bass for a stable root-position sound. The open voicing is the easiest and most resonant, while the 3rd-fret shape is brighter and more compact.
G add 9 is played in open position as 3 0 0 0 0 3: index finger on the low E string at fret 3 and middle finger on the high e string at fret 3. The A, D, G and B strings ring open.
Tip — The open position requires keeping the low E string fretted while leaving four open strings to ring clearly.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 3 | 1 | G (1) |
| 5 (A) | open | — | A (9) |
| 4 (D) | open | — | D (5) |
| 3 (G) | open | — | G (1) |
| 2 (B) | open | — | B (3) |
| 1 (e) | 3 | 2 | G (1) |
G add 9 is played in open position as 3 0 0 2 0 3: middle finger on the low E string at fret 3, index finger on the G string at fret 2 and ring finger on the high e string at fret 3. The A, D and B strings ring open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (1) |
| 5 (A) | open | — | A (9) |
| 4 (D) | open | — | D (5) |
| 3 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (9) |
| 2 (B) | open | — | B (3) |
| 1 (e) | 3 | 3 | G (1) |
G add 9 is played in open position as 3 2 0 2 0 3: ring finger on the low E string at fret 3, index finger on the A string at fret 2, middle finger on the G string at fret 2 and pinky finger on the high e string at fret 3. The D and B strings ring open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 3 | 3 | G (1) |
| 5 (A) | 2 | 1 | B (3) |
| 4 (D) | open | — | D (5) |
| 3 (G) | 2 | 2 | A (9) |
| 2 (B) | open | — | B (3) |
| 1 (e) | 3 | 4 | G (1) |
G add 9 is played in open position as 3 2 0 2 3 ×: ring finger on the low E string at fret 3, index finger on the A string at fret 2, middle finger on the G string at fret 2 and pinky finger on the B string at fret 3. The D string rings open. The high e string stays muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 3 | 3 | G (1) |
| 5 (A) | 2 | 1 | B (3) |
| 4 (D) | open | — | D (5) |
| 3 (G) | 2 | 2 | A (9) |
| 2 (B) | 3 | 4 | D (5) |
| 1 (e) | muted | — | — |
G add 9 is played at the 3rd fret as × × 5 4 3 5: ring finger on the D string at fret 5, middle finger on the G string at fret 4, index finger on the B string at fret 3 and pinky finger on the high e string at fret 5. The low E and A strings stay muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | muted | — | — |
| 4 (D) | 5 | 3 | G (1) |
| 3 (G) | 4 | 2 | B (3) |
| 2 (B) | 3 | 1 | D (5) |
| 1 (e) | 5 | 4 | A (9) |
G add 9 is written as Gadd9 or G add 9. The symbol Gadd9 is common on chord charts.
G add 9 includes the ninth, A, while G major has only G, B, and D. The add 9 has a more open, suspended sound.
The default open shape uses no barre, but the 3rd-fret shape is a movable four-finger grip. That shape is useful for playing in higher registers.