G Add9
Open PositionThe open Gadd9 — ring on low E fret 3, index on A fret 2, D open, middle on G fret 2, B open, pinky on high e fret 3. A full, ringing six-string voicing with the added 9th (A) on the G string.
G Add9
3rd FretCompact voicing on the top four strings — root (G) on D fret 5, 3rd (B) on G fret 4, 5th (D) on B fret 3, 9th (A) on high e fret 5. A bright, moveable add9 shape.
G Add9
3rd Fret (E-shape)E-shape moveable add9 with the root on the low E string at fret 3 — index barres fret 3, ring covers A and D at fret 5, middle on G fret 4, pinky on high e fret 5. A full six-string voicing.
Add the 9th to open G
From the open G chord, place your middle finger on the G string at fret 2. That A is the 9th that turns G major into Gadd9.
Pair it with Cadd9
Gadd9 and Cadd9 share fretting fingers on the bottom strings. The Gadd9 → Cadd9 move is one of the smoothest, most-used transitions in acoustic guitar.
Let the open strings ring
The open D and B strings carry the 5th and 3rd. Keep your fingers arched so they sound cleanly for a bright, chiming chord.
Try the top-string shape
The x-x-5-4-3-5 voicing is a compact, bright Gadd9 — useful for adding sparkle high in a mix.
Use the E-shape
The 3-5-5-4-3-5 E-shape gives a full six-string Gadd9 and is moveable — slide it up two frets for Aadd9.
About the Gadd9 Chord on Guitar
The Gadd9 chord is built from four notes: G (the root), B (the major 3rd), D (the perfect 5th), and A (the 9th). It is the G major triad with an added 9th and no 7th — bright, open, and ringing, with a shimmering colour over a firmly major base. Gadd9 is a cornerstone of acoustic, folk, pop, and worship guitar, especially because it pairs so smoothly with Cadd9. This page covers three voicings, from the open Gadd9 to a top-four-string form and a moveable E-shape barre. Every diagram is interactive and playable with acoustic guitar sound.
- 013 Gadd9 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 G 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).