Aadd9 Guitar Chord

Aadd9 is the A added ninth chord. It has four notes: A, C♯, E and B. The open shape needs no barre and only three fingers, though one of them reaches up to the 4th fret. That small stretch is the only real work in the chord.

An open A family shape stretched out: index and middle sit at the 2nd fret while the ring finger reaches the 4th fret of the G string for the ninth.

How to play Aadd9, step by step

Index finger: 2nd fret, D string
Middle finger: 2nd fret, B string
Ring finger: 4th fret, G string
Leave the A and high E strings open. Strum from the A string down, skipping the low E.

When the grip is comfortable, try the six string version below. It is the identical shape with the open low E added, and the low E is a chord tone, so you gain depth for free.

More ways to play Aadd9

There are 2 common Aadd9 shapes in total: the standard one at the top of the page, plus these, easiest first. You only ever need one. Tap any card to hear it.

Aadd9 guitar chord diagram, six strings, played 002420 — Six strings

If notes buzz or go missing

The G string buzzes at the 4th fret: That is the longest reach in the chord. Bring the ring finger right up behind the fret wire and drop your wrist a little so the finger lands on its tip.
Open high E is muted: The middle finger on the B string is brushing the high E. Curl it back so the open string can ring.
Open A string sounds weak: The index finger on the D string is drifting over the A string. Keep it upright; the open A is the root and the chord needs it.

What makes it an Aadd9

A · C♯ · E · B 1 3 5 9

Aadd9 is an A major triad (A, C♯, E) with a B added, the ninth. The ninth is the second note of the A scale moved up an octave, and since the third (C♯) is still present, the chord keeps its major character and simply gains air.

Aadd9 does the same jobs plain A does: the I chord in the key of A, the IV chord in E, the V chord in D. Swap it in when you want those changes to shimmer instead of just moving by.

Aadd9 vs Asus2

Asus2 also puts a B inside an A chord, but it drops the third (C♯) to make room, so it sounds hollow and unresolved. Aadd9 keeps the C♯, so it is still unmistakably A major, just brighter. On guitar Asus2 is the easier grip by far; Aadd9 costs you a stretch to the 4th fret and pays you back with a fuller, more finished sound.

Aadd9 chord questions

Is Aadd9 hard to play?

It is close to easy. Three fingers and no barre, but the ring finger has to reach the 4th fret while the others stay at the 2nd. Most players get it clean within a few days.

What is the difference between Aadd9 and A9?

A9 also includes a G, the flat seventh, which makes it a dominant chord with a funk and blues flavour. Aadd9 adds only the B and stays a bright major chord.

What is the difference between Aadd9 and Asus2?

Both contain a B, but Asus2 removes the third (C♯) and floats, while Aadd9 keeps the third and still sounds fully major.

Can I strum all six strings in Aadd9?

Use the six string voicing on this page if you want to. Its open low E is the fifth of the chord, so it works; the standard voicing skips the low E for a cleaner root at the bottom.

Can I use Aadd9 instead of A?

Usually yes, especially in the keys of A, D and E where the added B belongs to the key. Let your ear decide if the melody clashes with it.