How to play A Minor add 9 on guitar
These shapes are for standard tuning (E A D G B E). The first is the easiest, and the others sit in different positions on the neck. Playing in another tuning? Pick it above the diagrams and the shapes are redrawn for it.
Shape 1: 502500
- Press the 6th string (E) at fret 5.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 5.
- Let the 5th, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.
Shape 2: x02500
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 5.
- Let the 5th, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.
- Don't play the 6th string.
Shape 3: 577557 (from fret 5)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 2nd to 6th strings at fret 5 (a barre).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 7.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 7.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 7.
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the lowest (thickest) to the highest, with x meaning that string is not played and 0 meaning it rings open.
Notes in A Minor add 9
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| A | 1 (root) |
| C | ♭3 |
| E | 5 |
| B | 9 |
The formula for A Minor add 9 (m(add9)) is 1 ♭3 5 9: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use Am(add9)
Minor add9 chords are moody and spacious: a minor triad with the ninth on top and no seventh. They are a staple of ballads and modern pop.
Other A chords
A, Am, A7, Amaj7, Am7, Asus2, Asus4, A°, A+, Aadd9, A6, Aø7
Other minor add 9 chords on guitar
Cm(add9), C♯m(add9), Dm(add9), E♭m(add9), Em(add9), Fm(add9), F♯m(add9), Gm(add9), G♯m(add9), B♭m(add9), Bm(add9)
Frequently asked questions
How do you play A Minor add 9 on guitar?
The easiest Am(add9) shape on guitar is 502500 (Press the 6th string (E) at fret 5. Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2. Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 5. Let the 5th, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.)
What notes are in A Minor add 9?
A Minor add 9 (Am(add9)) contains the notes A C E B. The formula is 1 ♭3 5 9.
How many guitar shapes are there for Am(add9)?
There are many. This page shows 3 common ones at different positions, easiest first. Moving a barre shape up the neck gives the same chord type on other roots.
See A Minor add 9 on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.