B add 9 chord on ukulele (Badd9)

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.