Explore chords · Ukulele
G minor add 9 chord on ukulele (Gmadd9)
Also called or written Gmadd9, Gm add9, G or G minor Add 9th
G minor add 9 contains G, B♭, D, and A. The 10th fret voicing is a closed shape that works well in flat keys.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 9
- Root positionG–B♭–D–AGmadd912-10-10-12
- First inversionB♭–D–A–GGmadd9/B♭12-10-10-12
- Second inversionD–A–G–B♭Gmadd9/D3-2-3-0
- Third inversionA–G–B♭–DGmadd9/A2-2-3-1
How do you play a G minor add 9 chord on ukulele?
G minor add 9 is played at the 10th fret as 12 10 10 12: ring finger on the G string at fret 12, index finger on the C string at fret 10, middle 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) | 10 | 1 | B♭ (♭3) |
| 2 (E) | 10 | 2 | D (5) |
| 1 (A) | 12 | 4 | A (2) |
AdvancedThe 10th fret voicing requires a stretch between the index finger on the 10th fret and the pinky on the 12th fret of the A string.
Gm add9/D inversion · A on top
G minor add 9 is played in open position as 3 2 3 0: middle finger on the G string at fret 3, index finger on the C string at fret 2 and ring finger on the E string at fret 3. The A string rings open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3 | 2 | B♭ (♭3) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 1 | D (5) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 3 | G (1) |
| 1 (A) | open | — | A (2) |
Gm add9/D inversion · B♭ on top
G minor add 9 is played at the 1st fret as 2 2 3 1: middle finger on the G string at fret 2, ring finger on the C string at fret 2, pinky finger on the E string at fret 3 and index finger on the A string at fret 1.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2 | 2 | A (2) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 3 | D (5) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 4 | G (1) |
| 1 (A) | 1 | 1 | B♭ (♭3) |
Why it sounds like that
G minor add 9 is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 9. The major 2nd interval between G and A is the 9th that gives the chord its suspended, ringing quality. Compare it with G minor, which lacks the 9th and sounds darker.
What goes wrong with G 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
G minor add 9 functions as the vi chord in B♭ major, appearing in progressions like B♭–F–Gm–E♭ (I–V–vi–IV). Its closed voicing suits jazz and R&B where a clean, sustained chord is needed. Use it in place of G minor for a more modern sound.
Changing to and from G minor add 9
- Move to G minor by lifting the pinky and ring fingers, leaving the index and middle fingers on the 10th fret.
- Slide the shape down two frets to the 8th fret gives F minor add 9.
Which voicing to use
The 10th fret voicing keeps the root G as the lowest note, providing a solid foundation. The Gm add9/B♭ inversion places the minor 3rd B♭ in the bass, creating a darker, more grounded sound, while the Gm add9/A inversion places the 9th A in the bass for a lighter, more ambiguous feel.
Other G chords
Common questions
How does G minor add 9 differ from G minor 7th?
G minor add 9 omits the 7th degree, so it contains only the root, minor 3rd, perfect 5th, and 9th. G minor 7th includes the minor 7th, giving it a more complex, jazzy sound.
Can G minor add 9 be used in a folk progression?
Yes, G minor add 9 works well as the i chord in a G minor folk progression. The added 9th creates a sense of longing that resolves when moving to the iv or v chord.
Why does the 10th 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 10th fret.