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Gadd9 Chord

Gadd9 keeps the G major triad and adds A, its ninth. The major third remains, so this is different from a sus2 chord, which replaces the third.

  • Notes: G-B-D-A
  • Symbol: Gadd9
  • Iadd9 in G major
  • Added ninth
Switch chordGadd9

How to play a Gadd9 chord

Notes: G - B - D - A · symbol Gadd9

  • Root position

    G - B - D - A
    C4C5
    Right hand 1-2-3-5 · Left 5-3-2-1

  • 1st inversion

    B - D - A - G
    C4C5
    Right hand 1-2-3-5 · Left 5-4-2-1

  • 2nd inversion

    D - A - G - B
    C4C5
    Right hand 1-2-4-5 · Left 5-3-2-1

  • 3rd inversion

    A - G - B - D
    C4C5
    Right hand 1-2-4-5 · Left 5-3-2-1

Where does Gadd9 belong?

The ninth adds color to an otherwise familiar major chord without replacing its third.
Play the role cards to hear how its surrounding chords change the job it does; Diatonic Chords explains the basic numbered roles.

  • In G majorHome with shimmer
    Iadd9

    The ninth sits on top of a plain major chord, without a seventh.

    CIVDVGadd9Iadd9
  • In D majorBright step away
    IVadd9

    The IV of D major with an added ninth.

    DIGadd9IVadd9AVDI

Progressions to try

  • CDGadd9

    Gadd9 is the tonic arrival; the added ninth remains above the familiar major triad.

  • DGadd9AD

    Here the added ninth colors the IV chord while the loop still ends on the ordinary tonic.

Which shape should you use?

On guitar, the open shape 320203 is the easiest place to start. The barre shape x-10-9-7-10-7, at the 7th fret, moves the chord up the neck and sits well between other barre chords.

On ukulele, start with 2232, played at the 2nd fret. 7-9-7-10 gives a higher version.

On piano, play G-B-D-A. Move G up an octave to reach the first inversion, B-D-A-G; the notes remain the same while the lowest voice changes.

What are the inversions?

G, B and D make the major triad; A adds the ninth, an octave plus a second above the root.

  • Root position: G-B-D-A, with G lowest.
  • First inversion: B-D-A-G, written Gadd9/B if B is lowest in the whole arrangement.
  • Second inversion: D-A-G-B, written Gadd9/D if D is lowest in the whole arrangement.
  • Third inversion: A-G-B-D, written Gadd9/A if A is lowest in the whole arrangement.

A slash chord names the note in the bass, not merely the lowest note under one hand. Chord Inversions shows how to read that distinction.

How does Gadd9 differ from G9?

Gadd9 has the third and ninth but no seventh. Add F and you get G9; the comparer lets you hear what that extra seventh changes. Try that one-note change on piano, then use the comparer to hear it in the full chord. See G9 for the other chord's full spelling and roles.

  • Gadd9

    G - B - D - A
    C4

    G add9

  • G9

    G - B - D - F - A
    C4

    G dominant 9

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