D# added 9th · Guitar
D#add9 Chord on Guitar
The D#add9 chord (D# added 9th) is built from the notes D#, G, A# and F. The guitar fingering for it is shown below. The same chord is also written Ebadd9; both spellings sound identical.
Chord diagrams
Fingering
- string 6 (E): muted
- string 5 (A): fret 6 — little finger
- string 4 (D): fret 3 — index finger
- string 2 (B): fret 4 — middle finger
- string 1 (E): fret 3 — index finger
Notes in this chord
- D♯
- G
- A♯
- F
Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5 – 9
Also written: Ebadd9
How to play
Every guitar shape for D#add9 needs a barre, and the lowest one starts at fret 3. 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
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 D#add9 this structure sits on the root D#, so the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – 9 map onto D#, G, A# and F.
Frequently asked questions
- Which notes are in the D#add9 chord?
- D#add9 contains the notes D#, G, A# and F. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – 9.
- How many ways can you play D#add9?
- Minory lists a single guitar fingering for D#add9, and it is a barre shape.
- Is the D#add9 chord hard to play?
- D#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 D#add9 and Ebadd9 the same chord?
- Yes. D#add9 and Ebadd9 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 D#add9 on your phone
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