Explore chords · Ukulele
B add 9 chord on ukulele (Badd9)
Also called or written Badd9, B or B Add 9th
B add 9 is built from B, D♯, F♯, and C♯. The 2nd-fret voicing sits high on the neck, demanding precise finger placement.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, 5, 9
How do you play a B add 9 chord on ukulele?
B add 9 is played at the 2nd fret as 4 3 2 4: ring finger on the G string at fret 4, middle finger on the C string at fret 3, index finger on the E string at fret 2 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 4.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 3 | B (1) |
| 3 (C) | 3 | 2 | D♯ (3) |
| 2 (E) | 2 | 1 | F♯ (5) |
| 1 (A) | 4 | 4 | C♯ (2) |
AdvancedThe pinky must stretch to the A string at fret 4 while the ring finger holds the G string at the same fret, creating tension.
Badd9/F♯ inversion
B add 9 is played at the 6th fret as 6 6 7 6: index finger on the G string at fret 6, middle finger on the C string at fret 6, pinky finger on the E string at fret 7 and ring finger on the A string at fret 6.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6 | 1 | C♯ (2) |
| 3 (C) | 6 | 2 | F♯ (5) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 4 | B (1) |
| 1 (A) | 6 | 3 | D♯ (3) |
Why it sounds like that
B add 9 uses the formula 1, 3, 5, 9. The major 2nd between B and C♯ adds a luminous suspension to the major triad. Compare B add 9 with B major, which omits the 9th for a plainer sound.
What goes wrong with B add 9?
- The pinky flattens and mutes the A string, losing the root.
- The index finger on the E string leans back and deadens the C string.
- The ring finger on the G string buzzes because it is too far from the fret wire.
When to use it
B add 9 acts as the tonic in B major, fitting the I–IV–V–I progression B–E–F♯–B. Its bright, ringing quality suits rock and pop ballads. Use B add 9 to replace B major for a more expansive sound.
Changing to and from B add 9
- From B add 9 to B♭ add 9, slide the entire shape down one fret to the 1st fret.
- From B add 9 to C add 9, slide the entire shape up one fret to the 3rd fret.
Which voicing to use
The 2nd-fret voicing keeps the root B on the G string and is the standard shape. The Badd9/C♯ inversion at the 6th fret puts the 9th in the bass, creating a floating, unresolved sound that works well before a resolution to B major.
Other B chords
Common questions
How is B add 9 written?
B add 9 is written as Badd9 or B add 9. The symbol B is also used, though it can be confused with B major.
What is the difference between B add 9 and B major 7th?
B add 9 contains the 9th (C♯) but no 7th. B major 7th contains the 7th (A♯) but no 9th. The add 9 has a more open, suspended quality.
Can B add 9 be played with a barre?
The 2nd-fret voicing uses individual fingers, not a barre. The Badd9/C♯ inversion at the 6th fret also uses individual fingers. No barre is required.