A Add9
Open PositionThe open Aadd9 — A string open, index on D fret 2, pinky on G fret 4, ring on B fret 2, high e open. The added 9th (B) rings on the G string. Mute the low E.
A Add9
5th FretCompact voicing on the top four strings — root (A) on D fret 7, 3rd (C#) on G fret 6, 5th (E) on B fret 5, 9th (B) on high e fret 7. A bright, moveable add9 shape.
A Add9
5th Fret (E-shape)E-shape moveable add9 with the root on the low E string at fret 5 — index barres fret 5, ring covers A and D at fret 7, middle on G fret 6, pinky on high e fret 7. A full six-string voicing.
Add the 9th to open A
From an open A chord, lift the G-string finger and reach your pinky to fret 4 instead. That B is the 9th that turns A major into Aadd9.
Let the open strings ring
The open A and high e strings carry the root and 5th. Keep your fingers arched so they ring cleanly for a bright, open chord.
Mind the pinky stretch
The open shape needs the pinky on the G string at fret 4 while other fingers stay at fret 2. If that is a stretch, use the compact top-string shape instead.
A bright A substitute
Swap a plain A major for Aadd9 whenever you want a more open, atmospheric colour — it shines in fingerpicked parts.
Use the E-shape
The 5-7-7-6-5-7 E-shape gives a full six-string Aadd9 and is moveable — slide it down two frets for Gadd9.
About the Aadd9 Chord on Guitar
The Aadd9 chord is built from four notes: A (the root), C# (the major 3rd), E (the perfect 5th), and B (the 9th). It is the A major triad with an added 9th and no 7th — bright, open, and ringing, with a shimmering colour over a firmly major base. The open Aadd9 keeps the open A and high e strings ringing while the pinky reaches for the added 9th, giving a lush, atmospheric sound popular in folk, pop, and worship guitar. This page covers three voicings, from the open Aadd9 to a top-four-string form and a moveable E-shape barre. Every diagram is interactive and playable with acoustic guitar sound.
- 013 Aadd9 chord shapes from intermediate to advanced
- 02Interactive diagrams — click Play to hear each chord
- 03Acoustic guitar sound via audio engine
- 04Open position, top-four-string voicing, and an E-shape moveable form
- 05Difficulty rating on every shape
- 06Free — no sign-up or download needed
ANATOMY
Chord Tones
The 4 notes that form the A Add9 chord and their role in the major scale.
Every add9 chord follows this same formula — root, major third, perfect fifth, and the major 9th added on top (no 7th).