A add 9 chord on ukulele (Aadd9)

Also called or written Aadd9, A or A Add 9th

A add 9 is built from A, C♯, E, and B. The open voicing spreads the major 2nd across two strings, creating a shimmering top.

Positions on the neck1 of 2

Practice A add 9 chord

How it is built

ARootC♯Major thirdEPerfect fifthBNinth

Formula 1, 3, 5, 9

Inversions

Root positionA–C♯–E–BAadd92-1-0-2
First inversionC♯–E–B–AAadd9/C♯2-1-0-2
Second inversionE–B–A–C♯Aadd9/E4-4-5-4
Third inversionB–A–C♯–EAadd9/B4-4-5-4

How do you play an A add 9 chord on ukulele?

A add 9 is played in open position as 2 1 0 2: middle finger on the G string at fret 2, index finger on the C string at fret 1 and ring finger on the A string at fret 2. The E string rings open.

Full note and interval breakdown

String	Fret	Finger	Note
4 (G)	2	2	A (1)
3 (C)	1	1	C♯ (3)
2 (E)	open	—	E (5)
1 (A)	2	3	B (2)

AdvancedThe middle and ring fingers must fret adjacent strings at the same fret without touching the open E string between them.

Aadd9/E inversion

A add 9 is played at the 4th fret as 4 4 5 4: index finger on the G string at fret 4, middle finger on the C string at fret 4, pinky finger on the E string at fret 5 and ring finger on the A string at fret 4.

Full note and interval breakdown

String	Fret	Finger	Note
4 (G)	4	1	B (2)
3 (C)	4	2	E (5)
2 (E)	5	4	A (1)
1 (A)	4	3	C♯ (3)

Why it sounds like that

A add 9 uses the formula 1, 3, 5, 9. The major 2nd between A and B adds a suspended shimmer to the major triad. Compare A add 9 with A major, which omits the 9th for a plainer sound.

What goes wrong with A add 9?

The open E string is deadened by the index finger leaning over from the C string.
The ring finger on the A string accidentally mutes the E string below it.
The middle finger on the G string buzzes because it is not close enough to the fret wire.

When to use it

A add 9 works as the tonic in A major, especially in the I–IV–V–I progression A–D–E–A. Its open, ringing quality suits folk, pop, and worship music. Use A add 9 to replace A major when you want a brighter ending.

Changing to and from A add 9

From A add 9 to D major, lift the ring finger and move the index and middle fingers down one string each, leaving the E string open.

Which voicing to use

The open position keeps the root A on the first string and is the easiest to grab. The Aadd9/B inversion at the 4th fret puts the 9th in the bass, creating a floating, unresolved sound that works well before a resolution to A major.

Other A chords

Common questions

How is A add 9 written?

A add 9 is written as Aadd9 or A add 9. The symbol A is also used, though it can be confused with A major.

What is the difference between A add 9 and A major 7th?

A add 9 contains the 9th (B) but no 7th. A major 7th contains the 7th (G♯) but no 9th. The add 9 has a more open, suspended quality.

Can A add 9 be played with a barre?

The open position uses individual fingers, not a barre. The Aadd9/B inversion at the 4th fret also uses individual fingers. No barre is required for either shape.