Explore chords · Ukulele
F minor add 9 chord on ukulele (Fmadd9)
Also called or written Fmadd9, Fm add9, F or F minor Add 9th
F minor add 9 contains F, A♭, C, and G. The 8th fret voicing is a closed shape that works well in flat keys.
Fm add9/A♭ inversionfrom fret 8
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 9
- Root positionF–A♭–C–GFmadd910-8-8-10
- First inversionA♭–C–G–FFmadd9/A♭10-8-8-10
- Second inversionC–G–F–A♭Fmadd9/Cno shape on this instrument
- Third inversionG–F–A♭–CFmadd9/Gno shape on this instrument
How do you play an F minor add 9 chord on ukulele?
F minor add 9 is played at the 8th fret as 10 8 8 10: ring finger on the G string at fret 10, index finger on the C string at fret 8, middle 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) | 8 | 1 | A♭ (♭3) |
| 2 (E) | 8 | 2 | C (5) |
| 1 (A) | 10 | 4 | G (2) |
AdvancedThe 8th fret voicing requires a stretch between the index finger on the 8th fret and the pinky on the 10th fret of the A string.
Why it sounds like that
F minor add 9 is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 9. The major 2nd interval between F and G is the 9th that gives the chord its suspended, ringing quality. Compare it with F minor, which lacks the 9th and sounds darker.
What goes wrong with F minor add 9?
- Letting the pinky mute the E string, which removes the perfect 5th.
- Placing the middle finger too close to the index finger, causing the E string to buzz.
When to use it
F minor add 9 functions as the vi chord in A♭ major, appearing in progressions like A♭–E♭–Fm–D♭ (I–V–vi–IV). Its closed voicing suits jazz and neo-soul where a clean, sustained chord is needed. Use it in place of F minor for a more modern sound.
Changing to and from F minor add 9
- Move to F minor by lifting the pinky and ring fingers, leaving the index and middle fingers on the 8th fret.
- Slide the shape up one fret to the 9th fret gives F♯ minor add 9.
Which voicing to use
The 8th fret voicing keeps the root F as the lowest note, providing a solid foundation. Since no inversion is supplied, this voicing is the only option and works well for any situation where F minor add 9 is called for.
Other F chords
Common questions
How does F minor add 9 differ from F minor 9th?
F minor add 9 omits the 7th degree, so it contains only the root, minor 3rd, perfect 5th, and 9th. F minor 9th includes the minor 7th as well, giving it a more complex, jazzy sound.
Can F minor add 9 be used in a funk progression?
Yes, F minor add 9 works well as the i chord in an F minor funk progression. The added 9th creates a sense of tension that resolves when moving to the iv or v chord.
Why does the 8th fret voicing sound muddy on some ukuleles?
The close voicing of the upper notes can cause the 9th to clash with the minor 3rd if the intonation is off. Check that the C string is fretted cleanly at the 8th fret.