Aadd9 Chord: Open, Compact, and Moveable Shapes
Learn the Aadd9 chord: notes A C# E B, open and E-shape barre voicings, how it differs from A and Amaj7, and five easy progressions.
How to Play the Aadd9 Chord: Open Shapes, Theory, and Progressions
The Aadd9 chord is built from four notes: A (root), C# (major third), E (perfect fifth), and B (major ninth). It is the A major triad plus a B added on top, with no seventh in the chord. The ninth gives the chord a bright, ringing, slightly lush color that sits nicely in folk, pop, and worship playing.
Related reading: Discover our full guide on Bossa Nova Guitar Lessons: Chords, Rhythm, and Easy Songs.
To get 6 open Aadd9: put index finger on D: second fret, ring finger on G at the 4th fret (or pinky), middle on B second fret, let A and high E ring. This is the shape: x 0 2 4 2 0 (from low E). It shares two fingers of the open A shape, just shifted: you lift the G-string finger at fret 2 and reach the 9th (B) on G at fret 4.
That makes the notes 2-A, 1-C#, G at 4 = B, D at 2 = E, B at 2 = C#, high A sound with added B. Anyway the chord construction: A (root), C# (major 3rd), E (perfect 5th), and B (the 9th). That B is actually the major 9th, an octave above the major 2nd. So Aadd9 = A C# E B.
This page covers three Aadd9 shapes, how it differs from plain A and Amaj7, plus progressions where the chord shines.
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Ab Key Chords: Complete Guide with Shapes and Progressions
Learn all Ab key chords: the seven diatonic chords in A-flat major, common progressions, barre shapes, and capo tricks. Updated 2026.
