G# added 9th · Piano
G#add9 Chord on Piano
The G#add9 chord (G# added 9th) is built from the notes G#, C, D# and A#. The keyboard diagram below shows exactly which keys to press. The same chord is also written Abadd9; both spellings sound identical.
Chord diagrams
Notes in this chord
- G♯
- C
- D♯
- A♯
Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5 – 9
Also written: Abadd9
How to play
To play G#add9 on piano, press G#, C, D# and A# together. In root position the lowest note is G#, 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 G#add9 this structure sits on the root G#, so the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – 9 map onto G#, C, D# and A#.
Frequently asked questions
- Which notes are in the G#add9 chord?
- G#add9 contains the notes G#, C, D# and A#. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – 9.
- Are G#add9 and Abadd9 the same chord?
- Yes. G#add9 and Abadd9 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 G#add9 on your phone
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