Gadd9: guitar chord voicings, inversions, scales and arpeggios

Gadd9 (add9) is an interactive GuitarArcanum page with chord formula, intervals, voicings, inversions, triads, pentatonic patterns, scales and arpeggios on the fretboard.

Chord formula

Interval formula: 1 3 5 9. A major triad with the 9th added and no 7th — a fresh, ringing chord: a decorated major, not a jazz one.

Chord tones

The triad holds the foundation while the 9th rings on top. With no 7th there's no jazz weight — the sound stays simple and open.

Sound character

Ringing and fresh — the classic open-string pop and rock sound.

Harmonic function

Tonic color. The same major, just dressed up; it doesn't change the function.

Typical progressions

Gadd9 – D – A – Bm
Aadd9 – E – F#m – D
Gadd9 – Cadd9

Guitar voicing advice

On guitar it's often an open chord with one added string, e.g. Cadd9 = x32033. Let the 9th ring on an open string.

Compatible scales for Gadd9

Other chord qualities on the G root

Compare this chord with other qualities sharing the same root.