E minor added 9th · Guitar
Em(add9) Chord on Guitar
The Em(add9) chord (E minor added 9th) is built from the notes E, G, B and F#. The guitar fingering for it is shown below.
Chord diagrams
Fingering
- string 6 (E): played open
- string 5 (A): fret 2 — index finger
- string 4 (D): fret 2 — middle finger
- string 3 (G): played open
- string 2 (B): played open
- string 1 (E): fret 2 — little finger
Notes in this chord
- E
- G
- B
- F♯
Degrees: 1 – ♭3 – 5 – 9
How to play
Em(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
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 Em(add9) this structure sits on the root E, so the degrees 1 – ♭3 – 5 – 9 map onto E, G, B and F#.
Frequently asked questions
- Which notes are in the Em(add9) chord?
- Em(add9) contains the notes E, G, B and F#. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – ♭3 – 5 – 9.
- How many ways can you play Em(add9)?
- Minory lists a single guitar fingering for Em(add9).
- Is the Em(add9) chord hard to play?
- Not really. The open position of Em(add9) uses open strings and needs no barre, which makes it approachable for beginners.
Practise Em(add9) on your phone
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