Explore chords · Ukulele
F add 9 chord on ukulele (Fadd9)
Also called or written Fadd9, F or F Add 9th
F add 9 is built from F, A, C, and G. The 8th-fret voicing is the default, but the open Fadd9/G inversion offers an easier alternative.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, 5, 9
How do you play an F add 9 chord on ukulele?
F add 9 is played at the 8th fret as 10 9 8 10: ring finger on the G string at fret 10, middle finger on the C string at fret 9, index finger on the E string at fret 8 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 10.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10 | 3 | F (1) |
| 3 (C) | 9 | 2 | A (3) |
| 2 (E) | 8 | 1 | C (5) |
| 1 (A) | 10 | 4 | G (2) |
AdvancedThe pinky must reach the A string at fret 10 while the ring finger holds the G string at the same fret, stretching the hand.
Fadd9/C inversion
F add 9 is played in open position as 0 0 1 0: index finger on the E string at fret 1. The G, C and A strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (2) |
| 3 (C) | open | — | C (5) |
| 2 (E) | 1 | 1 | F (1) |
| 1 (A) | open | — | A (3) |
Why it sounds like that
F add 9 uses the formula 1, 3, 5, 9. The major 2nd between F and G adds a gentle suspension to the major triad. Compare F add 9 with F major, which omits the 9th for a plainer sound.
What goes wrong with F add 9?
- The pinky collapses and mutes the A string, losing the 9th.
- 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 not close enough to the fret wire.
When to use it
F add 9 acts as the tonic in F major, fitting the I–IV–V–I progression F–B♭–C–F. Its bright, ringing quality suits folk and pop. Use F add 9 to replace F major for a more expansive sound.
Changing to and from F add 9
- From F add 9 to E add 9, slide the entire shape down one fret to the 7th fret.
- From F add 9 to F♯ add 9, slide the entire shape up one fret to the 9th fret.
Which voicing to use
The 8th-fret voicing keeps the root F on the G string and is the standard shape. The Fadd9/G inversion at the open position places the 9th in the bass, creating a floating, unresolved sound that works well before a resolution to F major.
Other F chords
Common questions
How is F add 9 written?
F add 9 is written as Fadd9 or F add 9. The symbol F is also used, though it can be confused with F major.
What is the difference between F add 9 and F major 7th?
F add 9 contains the 9th (G) but no 7th. F major 7th contains the 7th (E) but no 9th. The add 9 has a more open, suspended quality.
Can F add 9 be played with a barre?
The 8th-fret voicing uses individual fingers, not a barre. The Fadd9/G inversion at the open position also uses individual fingers. No barre is required.