B minor added 9th · Guitar
Bm(add9) Chord on Guitar
The Bm(add9) chord (B minor added 9th) is built from the notes B, D, F# and C#. The guitar fingering for it is shown below.
Chord diagrams
Fingering
- string 6 (E): muted
- string 5 (A): muted
- string 4 (D): played open
- string 3 (G): fret 4 — ring finger
- string 2 (B): fret 2 — index finger
- string 1 (E): fret 2 — index finger
Notes in this chord
- B
- D
- F♯
- C♯
Degrees: 1 – ♭3 – 5 – 9
How to play
Every guitar shape for Bm(add9) needs a barre, and the lowest one starts at fret 2. 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 Bm(add9) this structure sits on the root B, so the degrees 1 – ♭3 – 5 – 9 map onto B, D, F# and C#.
Frequently asked questions
- Which notes are in the Bm(add9) chord?
- Bm(add9) contains the notes B, D, F# and C#. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – ♭3 – 5 – 9.
- How many ways can you play Bm(add9)?
- Minory lists a single guitar fingering for Bm(add9), and it is a barre shape.
- Is the Bm(add9) chord hard to play?
- Bm(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 Bm(add9) on your phone
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