Also written Amadd9, Am add9 or A
A minor add 9 is built from A, C, E, and B. The default voicing puts the minor 3rd in the bass, giving the chord a suspended, open feel.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
A minor add 9 adds the 9th (B) to the A minor triad (A, C, E). The minor 3rd between A and C defines the minor quality, while the major 2nd from A to B adds color. Compare with A minor, which lacks the 9th.
A minor add 9 works as the vi chord in C major, such as in the progression C–G–Am–F (I–V–vi–IV). Its suspended quality suits folk, indie, and ambient textures where the 9th adds a gentle dissonance.
The C inversion (2-0-0-2) is the most comfortable and keeps the minor 3rd in the bass, ideal for open, airy passages. The E inversion (4-4-5-3) places the perfect 5th in the bass, giving a slightly brighter, more grounded sound.
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.
Tip — The default voicing requires precise finger placement on the G and A strings while keeping the middle strings open, which is tricky for beginners.
| 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 (9) |
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.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 2 | B (9) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 3 | E (5) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 4 | A (1) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 1 | C (♭3) |
A minor add 9 is played at the 2nd fret as 5 4 5 2: ring finger on the G string at fret 5, middle 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 2.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5 | 3 | C (♭3) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 2 | E (5) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 4 | A (1) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 1 | B (9) |
A minor add 9 is played in open position as 4 0 0 0: index finger on the G string at fret 4. The C, E and A strings ring open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 1 | B (9) |
| 3 (C) | open | — | C (♭3) |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (5) |
| 1 (A) | open | — | A (1) |
A minor add 9 is played in open position as 4 0 5 7: index finger on the G string at fret 4, middle finger on the E string at fret 5 and ring finger on the A string at fret 7. The C string rings open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 1 | B (9) |
| 3 (C) | open | — | C (♭3) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 2 | A (1) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 3 | E (5) |
A minor add 9 is written as Am add9 or A minor add 9.
A minor add 9 contains A, C, E, and B. A minor 9 adds the minor 7th (G) as well, making it A, C, E, G, B.
Yes, A minor add 9 can substitute for A minor when you want a more colorful, suspended sound. It works especially well in slower, atmospheric pieces.