F♯ minor add 9 chord on ukulele (F♯madd9)

Why it sounds like that

F♯ minor add 9 adds the 9th (G♯) to the F♯ minor triad (F♯, A, C♯). The minor 3rd between F♯ and A establishes the minor quality, while the major 2nd from F♯ to G♯ adds a suspended color. Compare with F♯ minor, which omits the 9th.

What goes wrong with F♯ minor add 9?

• Letting the index finger mute the C string.
• Not pressing the middle finger firmly enough on the C string, causing a buzz.
• Accidentally touching the E string with the ring finger, deadening it.

When to use it

F♯ minor add 9 functions as the vi chord in A major, as in A–E–F♯m–D (I–V–vi–IV). Its bright, suspended quality suits pop and rock ballads.

Changing to and from F♯ minor add 9

• Move to F♯ minor by lifting the ring finger from the E string, leaving the index and middle on the G and C strings.
• Slide the shape up one fret to the 2nd fret to play G minor add 9.

Which voicing to use

The C♯ inversion (1-1-2-0) places the perfect 5th in the bass, giving a bright, open sound. The A inversion (11-9-9-11) puts the minor 3rd in the bass, creating a darker, more introspective voicing.