Explore chords · Ukulele
A minor add 9 chord on ukulele (Amadd9)
Also called or written Amadd9, Am add9, A or A minor Add 9th
A minor add 9 contains A, C, E, and B. The open voicing keeps the root on the G string while the 9th rings on the A string.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 9
How do you play an A minor add 9 chord on ukulele?
A minor add 9 is played in open position as 2 0 0 2: index finger on the G string at fret 2 and middle finger on the A string at fret 2. The C and E strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (1) |
| 3 (C) | open | — | C (♭3) |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (5) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 2 | B (2) |
AdvancedThe open voicing requires precise finger placement to avoid muting the open C and E strings while fretting both outer strings.
Am add9/E inversion
A minor add 9 is played at the 3rd fret as 4 4 5 3: middle finger on the G string at fret 4, ring finger on the C string at fret 4, pinky finger on the E string at fret 5 and index finger on the A string at fret 3.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 2 | B (2) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 3 | E (5) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 4 | A (1) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 1 | C (♭3) |
Why it sounds like that
A minor add 9 is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 9. The added major 2nd above the root is the 9th that gives the chord its suspended, airy quality. Compare it with A minor, which uses only the root, minor 3rd, and perfect 5th.
What goes wrong with A minor add 9?
- Letting the index finger collapse onto the open C string, which deadens the minor 3rd.
- Strumming with too much force and causing the open E string to overpower the fretted notes.
When to use it
A minor add 9 works as the vi chord in C major, appearing in progressions like C–G–Am–F (I–V–vi–IV). Its open, ringing quality suits fingerpicked folk and slow ballads. Use it in place of A minor when you want a brighter, more spacious sound.
Changing to and from A minor add 9
- Move to A minor by lifting the middle finger from the A string, leaving the index finger on the G string 2nd fret and the open strings ringing.
- Slide the shape down two frets to the 1st fret gives G minor add 9.
Which voicing to use
The open position keeps the root A as the lowest note, giving a grounded minor sound. The Am add9/B inversion places the 9th B in the bass, creating a softer, less resolved feel that works well when moving to a C major chord.
Other A chords
Common questions
How does A minor add 9 differ from A minor 9th?
A minor add 9 omits the 7th degree, so it contains only the root, minor 3rd, perfect 5th, and 9th. A minor 9th includes the minor 7th as well, giving it a more complex, jazzy sound.
Can A minor add 9 be used in a blues progression?
Yes, A minor add 9 fits over the i chord in an A minor blues. The added 9th creates tension that resolves nicely when the chord changes to the iv or v.
Why does the open voicing sound muddy on some ukuleles?
The open C and E strings can ring too long and clash with the fretted notes if the strum is heavy. Try a lighter attack or palm mute slightly to control the sustain.