The Eadd9 guitar chord (E added ninth) is a bright and uplifting chord often used in pop, rock, and contemporary styles. Unlike an E9 or Em9 chord, which includes the seventh note, the Eadd9 chord simply adds the ninth (F#) to the basic E major triad. This creates a fresh, open sound without the jazzy tension found in dominant or minor ninth chords.
1. What is an Eadd9 Guitar Chord?
The Eadd9 chord is a variation of the E major chord that adds the ninth note (F#) to the standard E major triad (E, G#, B). This gives the chord a shimmering, expansive quality, ideal for creating a sense of openness and brightness in a song.
Eadd9 Chord Formula:
- Root (E)
- Major third (G#)
- Perfect fifth (B)
- Major ninth (F#)
It’s important to note that Eadd9 does not include a seventh note, distinguishing it from an E9 chord.
2. How to Play the Eadd9 Guitar Chord
The Eadd9 chord is relatively easy to play, especially in its open position, and can also be played using barre chord shapes.
Eadd9 Open Position:
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th string).
- Leave the low E, A, B, and high E strings open.
- Strum all six strings.
This open shape is a simple, beautiful way to play the Eadd9 chord, allowing the high E and B strings to ring out freely.
Eadd9 Barre Chord (7th Fret):
- Barre your index finger across all strings at the 7th fret.
- Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the A string (5th string).
- Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the D string (4th string).
- Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Strum from the low E string down.
This version is more advanced but gives a fuller, more robust sound with a higher pitch.
Strumming Tips:
- Use gentle strumming to let the added ninth (F#) ring out clearly, creating that open, bright sound.
- Experiment with fingerpicking to bring out each note distinctly, highlighting the Eadd9 chord’s harmonic richness.
3. Video Tutorial
Check out this Video Tutorial on the Eadd9 Guitar Chord for a step-by-step guide, including beginner-friendly shapes and tips for transitioning between chords.
4. Common Mistakes and Tips for Playing the Eadd9 Guitar Chord
Common Mistakes:
- Muted strings: Be mindful of your finger placement to avoid unintentionally muting the open strings, especially the high E and B strings.
- Overstrumming: Strumming too hard can cause the brightness of the added ninth to be lost in the mix, so focus on controlled, light strumming.
Tips for Playing the Eadd9 Chord:
- Start slow: Practice playing the Eadd9 chord slowly and clearly, ensuring that each string rings out properly.
- Work on smooth transitions: Incorporate the Eadd9 chord into common progressions (like E – A – Dadd9) to get comfortable switching between chords.
5. Eadd9 Chord Variations
Here are a few variations of the Eadd9 chord that can add variety to your playing:
- Eadd9 (12th Fret): For a higher-pitched, ethereal sound, play the Eadd9 chord as a barre chord on the 12th fret.
- Eadd2: A more subtle version of Eadd9 where the ninth (F#) is placed lower in the chord structure.
6. Chord Progressions and Songs Featuring the Eadd9 Guitar Chord
Common Chord Progressions:
- Eadd9 – A – D: A classic progression often found in rock or pop songs, where the Eadd9 provides a bright, expansive start.
- Eadd9 – C#m7 – Aadd9 – B: A modern pop progression that features a lush sound.
- Eadd9 – G#m – Aadd9 – Badd9: A contemporary chord progression that works well in ballads or rock anthems.
Songs Featuring the Eadd9 Chord:
- “Message in a Bottle” by The Police: Features the Eadd9 chord prominently in the song’s iconic riff.
- “With or Without You” by U2: Uses the Eadd9 chord to create an open, airy atmosphere in the song’s intro.
- “Every Breath You Take” by The Police: Another great example where the Eadd9 chord adds emotional depth to the track.
7. Tips for Practicing the Eadd9 Guitar Chord
- Use a metronome: Practice slowly with a metronome, ensuring clean chord transitions between Eadd9 and other chords in your progression.
- Explore dynamics: Experiment with varying your strumming intensity and technique to explore the different emotional tones the Eadd9 chord can produce.
- Play in different contexts: Try incorporating the Eadd9 chord into both slower ballads and faster rock songs to explore its versatility.
8. Related Chords to Eadd9 Guitar Chord
Here are some related chords that work well with Eadd9 in progressions:
- Aadd9: Another added ninth chord that complements Eadd9 beautifully in pop or rock progressions.
- C#m7: A minor seventh chord that pairs well with the Eadd9 in modern pop progressions.
- Badd9: A common chord to use after Eadd9 in contemporary chord progressions.
The Eadd9 guitar chord is a great way to add brightness and color to your chord progressions. Whether you’re strumming it in a simple progression or fingerpicking it in a ballad, the Eadd9 chord will add a fresh, open feel to your music. Happy playing!