The Aadd9 guitar chord is a beautiful and simple addition to the A major family of chords. It introduces the 9th note (B) into the familiar A major chord, creating a fuller and more open sound. This chord is commonly used in various genres, from pop to folk to rock, due to its uplifting and open tone.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Aadd9 guitar chord, including how to play it, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for mastering it.
What is the Aadd9 Guitar Chord?
The Aadd9 chord is an A major chord with an added 9th (B note). It’s important to note that the Aadd9 chord doesn’t include the 7th note (like the Amaj7 or A7 chords), so it maintains a bright and open sound.
The notes in an Aadd9 chord are:
- A (Root)
- C# (Major third)
- E (Perfect fifth)
- B (Major ninth)
This chord gives a refreshing twist to the basic A major by adding the 9th note, which provides a bit more tension and release when transitioning between other chords.
How to Play the Aadd9 Guitar Chord
The Aadd9 chord is relatively simple to play, especially in an open position. Here’s a step-by-step guide for one of the easiest voicings:
Open Position Aadd9 Chord
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string (G).
- Let the 2nd string (B) ring open.
- Let the 1st string (high E) ring open.
- Do not play the 6th string (low E). You can mute it or avoid strumming it.
- Strum from the 5th string (A) down to the 1st string.
This version of Aadd9 is one of the most common voicings used in modern music, especially in pop and rock.
Barre Chord Aadd9 Version
For a more advanced version of the Aadd9 chord, you can use a barre chord shape:
- Place your index finger to bar all the strings at the 5th fret.
- Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string (D).
- Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd string (G).
- Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 2nd string (B).
- Strum all six strings.
This version gives a richer, fuller sound, especially when you’re playing in higher positions.
Video Tutorial Aadd9 Guitar Chord
For visual learners, a step-by-step video tutorial can make mastering the Aadd9 Guitar Chord much easier. Here’s a helpful guide for you:
Common Chord Progressions Featuring the Aadd9 Guitar Chord
The Aadd9 chord works wonderfully in many progressions, adding a pleasant and bright quality to the music. Here are some common progressions that include the Aadd9:
- Aadd9 – D – E (A classic pop progression)
- Aadd9 – C#m – F#m – E (Popular in modern rock)
- Aadd9 – F#m – D – A (A soothing progression for acoustic ballads)
- Aadd9 – G – D (A simple yet effective progression)
The Aadd9 chord acts as a refreshing transition between the A major and other chords in the progression, helping to smooth the overall sound.
Common Mistakes and Tips for Playing the Aadd9 Guitar Chord
Common Mistakes:
- Strumming the wrong strings: The most common mistake when playing Aadd9 is accidentally strumming the low E string. Make sure you avoid strumming this string or mute it with your thumb.
- Not letting the B and high E strings ring open: For the chord to sound right, both the B and high E strings should ring out clearly. Make sure your fingers are placed correctly to allow them to ring.
- Not pressing the strings firmly enough: Since the Aadd9 chord uses open strings, you must press down the frets with enough force to avoid muted or buzzing notes.
Tips for Playing the Aadd9 Chord:
- Use a clean strum: Practice strumming with an even rhythm to bring out the chord’s full sound. A clean strum will help avoid muted notes and give the chord its bright, ringing tone.
- Practice finger placement: Ensure that your fingers are pressing down the right frets and that you’re letting the open strings ring without obstruction.
- Incorporate it into your progressions: Try using the Aadd9 in combination with other basic chords, like D and E, to add flavor to your progressions.
Tips for Practicing the Aadd9 Guitar Chord
- Slow down: Take your time to ensure your fingers are in the correct positions. Speed can come later once you’ve mastered the form.
- Use a metronome: Practice strumming in time with a metronome to develop a steady rhythm. Start slow, and then gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable.
- Experiment with different voicings: Once you’ve learned the open position, try exploring other versions of the Aadd9 chord, such as barre chords or higher voicings.
Related Chords to the Aadd9 Guitar Chord
If you enjoy playing the Aadd9 chord, you may also want to experiment with these related chords:
- A major: The basic A major chord is the foundation of the Aadd9. It’s important to understand the difference between the two chords.
- Amaj7: This chord adds the major seventh note (G#) to the basic A major chord, giving a slightly more jazzy, dreamy feel.
- A6: The A6 chord includes the sixth (F#) and has a softer, more subdued sound compared to the Aadd9.
- A sus4: The A sus4 chord replaces the C# with a D and has a suspended, unresolved quality that contrasts nicely with the Aadd9.
Conclusion
The Aadd9 guitar chord is a beautiful, simple chord that adds brightness and depth to your music. Whether you’re strumming in an open position or exploring more complex voicings, the Aadd9 can bring a refreshing sound to your playing. With practice, you can easily incorporate it into your chord progressions and create more interesting, dynamic music. Keep experimenting, and enjoy the journey of learning and playing the Aadd9!