How to play E 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: 024100
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 4.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1.
- Let the 6th, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.
Shape 2: xx2102
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 2.
- Let the 2nd string ring open.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
Shape 3: x74454 (from fret 4)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 4th strings at fret 4 (a barre).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 7.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 5.
- Don't play the 6th string.
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 E Add 9
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| E | 1 (root) |
| G♯ | 3 |
| B | 5 |
| F♯ | 9 |
The formula for E Add 9 (add9) is 1 3 5 9: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use Eadd9
Add9 chords are major chords with a shimmering extra note on top and no seventh. They add colour without the jazz sound of a major 7th, and are a staple of modern pop and acoustic songwriting.
Other E chords
E, Em, E7, Emaj7, Em7, Esus2, Esus4, E°, E+, E6, Eø7
Other add 9 chords on guitar
Cadd9, D♭add9, Dadd9, E♭add9, Fadd9, F♯add9, Gadd9, A♭add9, Aadd9, B♭add9, Badd9
Frequently asked questions
How do you play E Add 9 on guitar?
The easiest Eadd9 shape on guitar is 024100 (Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2. Press the 4th string (D) at fret 4. Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1. Let the 6th, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.)
What notes are in E Add 9?
E Add 9 (Eadd9) contains the notes E G♯ B F♯. The formula is 1 3 5 9.
How many guitar shapes are there for Eadd9?
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 E 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.