Gadd9 Guitar Chord
G Add9 · G–B–D–A
Gadd9 is the G add9 chord: G–B–D–A. Its sound is colorful and modern — a plain triad sweetened with the 9th, all over 90s rock and acoustic pop.
Unlike G9, Gadd9 skips the ♭7 and just stacks the 9th (A) on the plain triad — color without jazz function. It shines on acoustic guitar where the 9th can ring against open strings, and it's the secret behind countless 90s alt-rock and worship progressions in G and D.
The easiest way to play Gadd9 is the open-position shape (3 2 0 2 0 3, low E string to high E string), which uses open strings and stays in the first few frets. Below you'll find 4 ways to play it across the neck, from open position to barre and shell voicings, with the theory behind the chord and the progressions it lives in.
How to Play Gadd9: 4 Voicings
Frets are listed from the low E string to the high E string. x = don't play that string, 0 = open string.
Gadd9 Chord Theory
| Interval | R | 3 | 5 | 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | G | B | D | A |
Gadd9 is built from the G major scale.
Gadd9 Chord FAQ
What notes are in the Gadd9 chord?
Gadd9 contains 4 notes: G (R), B (3), D (5), A (9). The interval formula for a add9 chord is R–3–5–9.
What is the easiest way to play Gadd9 on guitar?
Use the open-position shape: 3 2 0 2 0 3 (frets listed from the low E string to the high E string, x = don't play that string). It uses open strings, so it needs the least finger strength.
Is Gadd9 a major or minor chord?
Gadd9 is built on a major triad (G–B–D) with the 9 added, so it behaves as a major-family chord.
What keys use the Gadd9 chord?
Gadd9 appears diatonically in G major (as I), D major (as IV), and C major (as V) — plus E minor, its relative minor key.
Related Chords
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