A added 9th · Piano

Aadd9 Chord on Piano

The Aadd9 chord (A added 9th) is built from the notes A, C#, E and B. The keyboard diagram below shows exactly which keys to press.

Chord diagrams

Aadd9
Aadd9 chord diagram for pianoAEBC♯

Notes in this chord

  • A
  • C♯
  • E
  • B

Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5 – 9

How to play

To play Aadd9 on piano, press A, C#, E and B together. In root position the lowest note is A, and the finger numbers follow the keys left to right in the diagram.

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 Aadd9 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 Aadd9 chord?
Aadd9 contains the notes A, C#, E and B. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – 9.

Practise Aadd9 on your phone

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