G

Gadd9

Notes

G · B · D · A

Intervals

  • RootG (1P)
  • Major 3rdB (3M)
  • Perfect 5thD (5P)
  • Major 9thA (9M)

Fretboard

EBGDAE357912GABDBDGABGABDGDGABDABDGAGABD

About

The Gadd9 (G–B–D–A) adds a ninth to a major triad without including a 7th. The distinction matters: because there is no 7th, the chord stays harmonically stable and resolved rather than suggesting dominant or subdominant motion. The A adds brightness and shimmer; the B retains the major identity. On guitar, open-string voicings make add9 sounds particularly resonant. The 5th can be omitted without loss; the 3rd and 9th are both essential. Compared to GMaj9, add9 is simpler and more grounded — a major triad with a single added color. Compared to plain G, the 9th adds a touch of modern shimmer.

Open in visualizer →

Adjust labels, frets, and palette in the interactive view.