How to play E 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: 024000
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 4.
- Let the 6th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.
Shape 2: xx2002
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 2.
- Let the 3rd, 2nd strings ring open.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
Shape 3: x7547x (from fret 4)
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 7.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 5.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 4.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 7.
- Don't play the 6th, 1st strings.
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 Minor add 9
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| E | 1 (root) |
| G | ♭3 |
| B | 5 |
| F♯ | 9 |
The formula for E Minor add 9 (m(add9)) is 1 ♭3 5 9: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use Em(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 E chords
E, Em, E7, Emaj7, Em7, Esus2, Esus4, E°, E+, Eadd9, E6, Eø7
Other minor add 9 chords on guitar
Cm(add9), C♯m(add9), Dm(add9), E♭m(add9), Fm(add9), F♯m(add9), Gm(add9), G♯m(add9), Am(add9), B♭m(add9), Bm(add9)
Frequently asked questions
How do you play E Minor add 9 on guitar?
The easiest Em(add9) shape on guitar is 024000 (Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2. Press the 4th string (D) at fret 4. Let the 6th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.)
What notes are in E Minor add 9?
E Minor add 9 (Em(add9)) contains the notes E G B F♯. The formula is 1 ♭3 5 9.
How many guitar shapes are there for Em(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 E 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.