Add9 chords are major chords with one extra note added; these four-note chords differ from their 9-chord counterpart which contains five notes.
All these chords are constructed around a major triad, comprising root, major third and perfect fifth notes; any variation lies in whether or not there is an added 7th tone.
Eadd9
E add9 chords are major chords featuring an additional ninth note that can be used across various genres such as blues and funk. Also referred to as E augmented chords or E major with an added ninth, these unique voicings add extra color.
There are multiple voicings of E add9 chord, but they all follow its basic shape. To play one, locate its root on the fretboard – usually open strings but also barre chord positions can work well – before moving it around to create different voicings of this guitar chord.
To create an E major add 9 chord, you should begin by finding its root on the fretboard. An easy way of doing this is using a standard barre chord position, whereby your index finger should rest on the sixth string while middle fingers rest on fifth string with pinky stretched up until 2nd fret of E string; then stretch pinky to form D shape using third and sixth strings creating D shape which you can then use for creating any acoustic E add9 guitar chord voicings.
This Eadd9 guitar chord is an ideal option for songs in the key of E, as it can substitute either an Em or E minor chord without sounding out of place. Unfortunately, however, it won’t work in G or G# songs, due to their distinct sounds which do not interchange easily between themselves.
Eadd9 chords sound similar to Add2 and Csus2 chords; similar suspended chords exist as well; however, add9/Csus2 chords differ by having one tone added while suspended chords have notes moved up or down an octave.
Aadd9
Add9 chords can add some variety and depth to a song’s chord progression. Comprised of a major triad with an added ninth, these easy-to-play chords often serve as I and IV chords in songs or as embellishments for other chords in a progression. Plus, their design allows anyone of any fretboard size to use them!
Subtracting a 9th to a chord is an effective and simple way to add texture without altering its sound too drastically. Additionally, this approach requires much less fingerwork and complex harmony than embellishments like b13 chords or alt chords which require advanced fingering techniques and intricate harmony arrangements.
The chord known as D(add9) or Asus2 (adding the second) may vary based on different positions on the fretboard and can be interpreted differently; one difference between the two being that Asus2 replaces one third with major second, while Dadd9 adds an additional ninth (equals 1) into its structure (1 3 5).
Aadd9 chords may present more difficulty when learning basic barre chord shapes due to an additional note in their shape. Still movable chords, they can still be moved up and down the fretboard to produce different keys if necessary. For more on these movable chords check out our free lesson on Fretboard Memorization Toolbox.
To play the Aadd9 chord, place your first finger on the fourth string at its second fret and flatten it into a barre. Next, move onto the fifth string’s fourth fret where your second finger can then strum all four strings at once. If you’re having difficulty playing these chords, ChordBank offers an app which listens to your guitar and provides real-time feedback as you practice each note with real-time guidance through each finger at a time.
This chord is a favorite among jazz musicians. You can use it in many different ways to create an exciting minor pentatonic scale; just keep in mind that chords are moveable; to do this effectively you’ll need to know all of its notes so as not to end up moving it to other fretboard locations.
Amadd9
No matter the wide gaps between notes, these chords are fairly easy to play. There are multiple ways they can be played and added as interesting details in already familiar songs; adding Amadd9 chords like Rikki Don’t Lose That Number can add interesting harmonic changes that create dynamic new soundscapes. Plus they’re easier on an electric guitar giving more options when it comes to finger placement; using a capo will only further simplify them!
To play an Amadd9 chord, begin by creating a basic major chord shape on the first fret of your left hand. Next, place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of A string and your ring finger on 3rd fret of B string; place middle finger at third fret of A string while placing third finger at 3rd fret of B string before strumming all strings with exception of E string before moving the whole chord shape up fretboard until reaching squared spot which represents your new root note.
As this chord can be played in various keys, it’s crucial that you practice strumming it in each. Additionally, playing it as its arpeggio form will give you a clearer idea of how the ninth note adds dimension to its soundscape.
The Cadd9 chord is an adaptable chord that can be found across different genres of music – rock, country and pop alike. Typically used to add drama or depth to songs, but also suitable for use in more subtle neo-folk styles.
The Cadd9 chord is an effective choice for creating slow, ethereal ballads. As illustrated by Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect,” this chord can create an airy sound – as evidenced by Jewel’s hit “You Were Meant for Me,” adding melodic flair. Additionally, Florida Georgia Line used it in their hit “This Is How We Roll,” creating modern country; Stone Temple Pilots employed it perfectly for grunge in “Plush.” Such versatility makes this chord an essential element in their repertoire!
Esus4
Suspended chords are an engaging way to add some variety and interest to chord progressions. While they may take some practice to master, once they become second nature they are highly versatile – perfect for jazz, rock and soul styles alike! Suspended chords typically consist of three components; roots (root), major third (major third), perfect fifth (5-in-5) with additional colors added by adding ninths (9).
Fingering suspended chords is much like fingering regular chords in that all your fingers must be pressed down correctly; otherwise, strings could buzz or sound muted, ruining the sound altogether. Try different fingering options until you find one that works for you and practice playing that suspended chord until it feels natural to you.
Suspended chords are also often used as replacements for major or minor chords, thanks to their neutral sound which allows for easy resolution to either major or minor scales. This makes your songs more interesting while adding an open sound, plus these chords can easily be moved around on the fretboard to add even more chordal variation.
Substituting major or minor chords, you can also utilize them in place of major 7th chords for added color and jazz, funk and soul music styles.
Jack Straw by the Grateful Dead features an E sus chord prominently throughout, and this chord’s soulful, jazzy sound makes it ideal for verse use.
To create an Esus4 chord, start by playing a D major chord. Next, lift your second finger off of the first string to produce the sus2 sound and be careful not to touch the string with other fingers as this could compromise its sound quality. Once your fingers have it under control, practice switching between D major and Asus4 chords quickly; aim to switch at least 60 times in one minute in order to improve your skill.