Explore chords · Ukulele
G add 9 chord on ukulele (Gadd9)
Also called or written Gadd9, G or G Add 9th
G add 9 is built from G, B, D, and A. The 10th-fret voicing sits high on the neck, demanding precise finger placement.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, 5, 9
- Root positionG–B–D–AGadd912-11-10-12
- First inversionB–D–A–GGadd9/B12-11-10-12
- Second inversionD–A–G–BGadd9/D2-2-3-2
- Third inversionA–G–B–DGadd9/A2-2-3-2
How do you play a G add 9 chord on ukulele?
G add 9 is played at the 10th fret as 12 11 10 12: ring finger on the G string at fret 12, middle finger on the C string at fret 11, index finger on the E string at fret 10 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 12.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 12 | 3 | G (1) |
| 3 (C) | 11 | 2 | B (3) |
| 2 (E) | 10 | 1 | D (5) |
| 1 (A) | 12 | 4 | A (2) |
AdvancedThe pinky must stretch to the A string at fret 12 while the ring finger holds the G string at the same fret, creating tension.
Gadd9/D inversion
G add 9 is played at the 2nd fret as 2 2 3 2: index finger on the G string at fret 2, middle finger on the C string at fret 2, pinky finger on the E string at fret 3 and ring finger on the A string at fret 2.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (2) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 2 | D (5) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 4 | G (1) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 3 | B (3) |
Why it sounds like that
G add 9 uses the formula 1, 3, 5, 9. The major 2nd between G and A adds a luminous suspension to the major triad. Compare G add 9 with G major, which omits the 9th for a more direct sound.
What goes wrong with G 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
G add 9 functions as the tonic in G major, fitting the I–IV–V–I progression G–C–D–G. Its bright, open sound suits folk, pop, and rock. Use G add 9 to add color to G major in a turnaround.
Changing to and from G add 9
- From G add 9 to F♯ add 9, slide the entire shape down one fret to the 9th fret.
Which voicing to use
The 10th-fret voicing keeps the root G on the G string and is the standard shape. The Gadd9/A inversion at the 2nd fret places the 9th in the bass, creating a suspended, airy feel that resolves well to G major.
Other G chords
Common questions
How is G add 9 written?
G add 9 is written as Gadd9 or G add 9. The symbol G is also used, though it can be confused with G major.
What is the difference between G add 9 and G major 7th?
G add 9 contains the 9th (A) but no 7th. G major 7th contains the 7th (F♯) but no 9th. The add 9 has a more open, suspended quality.
Can G add 9 be played with a barre?
The 10th-fret voicing uses individual fingers, not a barre. The Gadd9/A inversion at the 2nd fret also uses individual fingers. No barre is required.