Gadd9 Guitar Chord

Gadd9 is the G added ninth chord. It has four notes: G, B, D and A. The standard shape is an open G with one extra finger on the G string, all six strings ringing. If four fingers feel crowded, there is a 3 finger version on this page that sounds nearly as full.

An open G chord with the ring finger added at the 2nd fret of the G string, which raises that string from G to A, the ninth. Four fingers, no barre.

How to play Gadd9, step by step

Index finger: 2nd fret, A string
Middle finger: 3rd fret, low E string
Ring finger: 2nd fret, G string
Pinky finger: 3rd fret, high E string
Strum all six strings.

If the index and ring finger fight for space at the 2nd fret, lift the index off the A string and play the 3 finger version below. The open A string is the ninth, so the chord loses nothing.

More ways to play Gadd9

There are 2 common Gadd9 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.

Gadd9 guitar chord diagram, open, 3 fingers, played 300203 — Open, 3 fingers

If strings buzz or drop out

Open D string goes silent: The index and ring finger both arch over the D string from either side. Curl them both so they press with the tips and leave the D string a clear path.
Open B string sounds dead: The ring finger on the G string is leaning into the B string. Bring the knuckle up so the finger stands more upright.
High E buzzes: The pinky is sitting too far back in the 3rd fret. Slide it up so it presses right behind the fret wire.

What makes it a Gadd9

G · B · D · A 1 3 5 9

Gadd9 is a G major triad (G, B, D) plus a ninth: A. The ninth is the second note of the G scale played an octave up, and because the third (B) stays in the chord, Gadd9 still reads as plain G, only wider and brighter.

It works anywhere G works: as the I chord in the key of G, or the IV chord in the key of D. Players reach for it when the home chord has to ring for a long time and plain G would sound too static.

Gadd9 vs Gsus2

Both chords put an A inside a G chord, but Gsus2 takes the third (B) out to do it, while Gadd9 leaves the third in. Gsus2 floats, waiting to land on G major or G minor; Gadd9 has already landed and is simply a decorated major chord. Use Gadd9 when the song stays major and you want sparkle, and Gsus2 when you want that hovering, unresolved feeling.

Gadd9 chord questions

Is Gadd9 hard to play?

The standard shape asks for two fingers side by side at the 2nd fret plus a pinky on the high E, which takes some practice. The 3 finger version on this page removes the crowding and is genuinely easy.

What is the difference between Gadd9 and G9?

G9 also contains an F, the flat seventh, which makes it a dominant chord with a funky, bluesy pull. Gadd9 has no seventh, so it stays a bright major chord.

What is the difference between Gadd9 and Gsus2?

Both add an A, but Gsus2 drops the third (B) and sounds hollow, while Gadd9 keeps the B and still sounds major.

Can I play Gadd9 instead of G?

Usually yes, when the song is in G or D. The added A belongs to both keys. If the melody sits on a B or G note, the plain chord can sound cleaner.

Do you strum all six strings in Gadd9?

Yes. In both open shapes on this page every string belongs to the chord, with the root G at the bottom and on top.