A minor added 9th · Piano

Am(add9) Chord on Piano

The Am(add9) chord (A minor added 9th) is built from the notes A, C, E and B. The keyboard diagram below shows exactly which keys to press.

Chord diagrams

Am(add9)
Am(add9) chord diagram for pianoACEB

Notes in this chord

  • A
  • C
  • E
  • B

Degrees: 1 – ♭3 – 5 – 9

How to play

To play Am(add9) 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

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 Am(add9) 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 Am(add9) chord?
Am(add9) contains the notes A, C, E and B. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – ♭3 – 5 – 9.

Practise Am(add9) on your phone

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