A minor added 9th · Guitar
Am(add9) Chord on Guitar
The Am(add9) chord (A minor added 9th) is built from the notes A, C, E and B. The guitar fingering for it is shown below.
Chord diagrams
Fingering
- string 6 (E): fret 5 — index finger
- string 5 (A): fret 7 — middle finger
- string 4 (D): fret 7 — ring finger
- string 3 (G): fret 5 — index finger
- string 2 (B): fret 5 — index finger
- string 1 (E): fret 7 — little finger
Notes in this chord
- A
- C
- E
- B
Degrees: 1 – ♭3 – 5 – 9
How to play
Every guitar shape for Am(add9) needs a barre, and the lowest one starts at fret 5. Keep the index finger straight and as close to the fret wire as possible, and let the wrist rather than the thumb supply the pressure.
Theory behind the chord
Minor add9 chords add the ninth to a plain minor triad without a seventh. The added tone brightens the minor colour just enough to keep it open and cinematic rather than sad. On Am(add9) this structure sits on the root A, so the degrees 1 – ♭3 – 5 – 9 map onto A, C, E and B.
Frequently asked questions
- Which notes are in the Am(add9) chord?
- Am(add9) contains the notes A, C, E and B. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – ♭3 – 5 – 9.
- How many ways can you play Am(add9)?
- Minory lists a single guitar fingering for Am(add9), and it is a barre shape.
- Is the Am(add9) chord hard to play?
- Am(add9) requires a barre, so it can feel demanding at first. Keeping the index finger straight and pressing from the wrist rather than the thumb makes it noticeably easier.
Practise Am(add9) on your phone
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