A# added 9th · Guitar
A#add9 Chord on Guitar
The A#add9 chord (A# added 9th) is built from the notes A#, D, F and C. The guitar fingering for it is shown below. The same chord is also written Bbadd9; both spellings sound identical.
Chord diagrams
Fingering
- string 6 (E): muted
- string 5 (A): muted
- string 4 (D): fret 8 — ring finger
- string 3 (G): fret 7 — middle finger
- string 2 (B): fret 6 — index finger
- string 1 (E): fret 9 — little finger
Notes in this chord
- A♯
- D
- F
- C
Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5 – 9
Also written: Bbadd9
How to play
A#add9 can be played with open strings on guitar, which makes it an accessible shape for beginners. Strings marked ○ ring open, while strings marked ✕ are muted.
Theory behind the chord
Add9 chords keep the full major triad and add the ninth without a seventh. The extra note widens the chord without making it sound jazzy, which is why it is everywhere in modern acoustic pop. On A#add9 this structure sits on the root A#, so the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – 9 map onto A#, D, F and C.
Frequently asked questions
- Which notes are in the A#add9 chord?
- A#add9 contains the notes A#, D, F and C. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – 9.
- How many ways can you play A#add9?
- Minory lists a single guitar fingering for A#add9.
- Is the A#add9 chord hard to play?
- A#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.
- Are A#add9 and Bbadd9 the same chord?
- Yes. A#add9 and Bbadd9 are enharmonically identical — the spelling differs but the frets and keys are the same. Which name is used depends on the key of the piece.
Practise A#add9 on your phone
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