Explore chords · Ukulele
E add 9 chord on ukulele (Eadd9)
Also called or written Eadd9, E or E Add 9th
E add 9 is built from E, G♯, B, and F♯. The 7th-fret voicing sits high on the neck, demanding precise finger placement.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, 5, 9
- Root positionE–G♯–B–F♯Eadd99-8-7-9
- First inversionG♯–B–F♯–EEadd9/G♯9-8-7-9
- Second inversionB–F♯–E–G♯Eadd9/B11-11-12-11
- Third inversionF♯–E–G♯–BEadd9/F♯11-11-12-11
How do you play an E add 9 chord on ukulele?
E add 9 is played at the 7th fret as 9 8 7 9: ring finger on the G string at fret 9, middle finger on the C string at fret 8, index finger on the E string at fret 7 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 9.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9 | 3 | E (1) |
| 3 (C) | 8 | 2 | G♯ (3) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 1 | B (5) |
| 1 (A) | 9 | 4 | F♯ (2) |
AdvancedThe pinky must stretch to the A string at fret 9 while the ring finger holds the G string at the same fret, creating tension.
Eadd9/B inversion
E add 9 is played at the 11th fret as 11 11 12 11: index finger on the G string at fret 11, middle finger on the C string at fret 11, pinky finger on the E string at fret 12 and ring finger on the A string at fret 11.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 11 | 1 | F♯ (2) |
| 3 (C) | 11 | 2 | B (5) |
| 2 (E) | 12 | 4 | E (1) |
| 1 (A) | 11 | 3 | G♯ (3) |
Why it sounds like that
E add 9 uses the formula 1, 3, 5, 9. The major 2nd between E and F♯ adds a luminous suspension to the major triad. Compare E add 9 with E major, which omits the 9th for a more direct sound.
What goes wrong with E 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
E add 9 functions as the tonic in E major, fitting the I–IV–V–I progression E–A–B–E. Its bright, open sound suits rock and pop. Use E add 9 to add color to E major in a turnaround.
Changing to and from E add 9
- From E add 9 to E♭ add 9, slide the entire shape down one fret to the 6th fret.
- From E add 9 to F add 9, slide the entire shape up one fret to the 8th fret.
Which voicing to use
The 7th-fret voicing keeps the root E on the G string and is the standard shape. The Eadd9/F♯ inversion at the 11th fret places the 9th in the bass, creating a suspended, airy feel that resolves well to E major.
Other E chords
Common questions
How is E add 9 written?
E add 9 is written as Eadd9 or E add 9. The symbol E is also used, though it can be confused with E major.
What is the difference between E add 9 and E major 7th?
E add 9 contains the 9th (F♯) but no 7th. E major 7th contains the 7th (D♯) but no 9th. The add 9 has a more open, suspended quality.
Can E add 9 be played with a barre?
The 7th-fret voicing uses individual fingers, not a barre. The Eadd9/F♯ inversion at the 11th fret also uses individual fingers. No barre is required.