Gadd9 chord
Gadd9 is G, B, D and A: 1–3–5–9 built on G. Here it is on guitar, piano and ukulele. Tap Play on any of them.
On guitar
3-0-0-0-0-x · open · easy
- Notes
- G · B · D · A
- Formula
- 1 · 3 · 5 · 9
- First shape
- 3-0-0-0-0-x
Gadd9 on guitar: every shape, finger by finger
On piano
root position · G–B–D–A · right hand 1-2-3-5
- Notes
- G · B · D · A
- Formula
- 1 · 3 · 5 · 9
Gadd9 on piano: fingering and inversions
On ukulele
2-2-3-2 · movable · medium
- Notes
- G · B · D · A
- Formula
- 1 · 3 · 5 · 9
- First shape
- 2-2-3-2
Where Gadd9 usually goes next
Here's what the hand does on the most common changes, on guitar and on piano.
- Gadd9 → C (IV in G major)
Guitar: Gadd9 (3-0-0-0-0-x) to C (x-3-2-0-1-0): the index finger goes to the B string, 1st fret, the middle finger comes down on the D string, 2nd fret, the ring finger comes down on the A string, 3rd fret. Nothing carries over, so drill it slowly, lifting and landing all fingers at once. Listen for G, which stays put while the rest moves.
Piano: Gadd9 to C: play C in 2nd inversion (G–C–E) and G stays under the same finger, while B moves up to C and D up to E. C - Gadd9 → D (V in G major)
Guitar: Gadd9 (3-0-0-0-0-x) to D (x-x-0-2-3-2): your index finger lands on the G string, 2nd fret, the middle finger comes down on the high E string, 2nd fret, the ring finger comes down on the B string, 3rd fret. No finger can stay, so practice lifting all of them together and landing the new shape as a unit. The two chords share D and A, which is why the change sounds smooth.
Piano: Gadd9 to D: play D in root position (D–F♯–A) and D and A stay under the same fingers, while B moves up to F♯. D - Gadd9 → Em (vi in G major)
Guitar: Gadd9 (3-0-0-0-0-x) to Em (0-2-2-0-0-0): move the index finger to the A string, 2nd fret, the middle finger comes down on the D string, 2nd fret. G and B carry over from one chord to the other.
Piano: Gadd9 to Em: play Em in 1st inversion (G–B–E) and G and B stay under the same fingers, while D moves up to E. Em
Guitar with a capo: capo 3, Eadd9 shape; capo 7, Cadd9 shape. Ukulele with a capo: capo 7, Cadd9 shape.
How Gadd9 is built
Gadd9 is G major with the ninth (the note a whole step above the root, an octave up) added. It keeps the bright major sound and adds a shimmer; guitarists love it because the open shapes ring.
From G, go 4 half steps up to B, 3 half steps up to D then 7 half steps up to A.
| Note | Role | Half steps | Hear it |
|---|---|---|---|
| G | root | 0 | |
| B | major third | 4 | |
| D | perfect fifth | 7 | |
| A | ninth | 14 |
Keys and progressions with Gadd9
Gadd9 isn't a chord of any major or natural minor key, so it usually appears as a passing or borrowed chord.
Chords close to Gadd9
Chords that share most of their notes with Gadd9: G9, Dsus4, G, Gsus2, D6, Dm6.
Every G chord
Gadd9 chord: questions
What notes are in the Gadd9 chord?
G, B, D and A. Gadd9 is built 1–3–5–9 from G: B is the major third, D is the perfect fifth and A is the ninth.
How do you play Gadd9 on guitar?
The usual shape is 3-0-0-0-0-x (open). All 3 guitar shapes.
How do you play Gadd9 on piano?
Play G, B, D and A with right-hand fingers 1-2-3-5. G sits between the first two black keys of the three. Inversions and left hand.
How do you play Gadd9 on ukulele?
2-2-3-2 in standard GCEA tuning. More ukulele shapes.
What key is Gadd9 in?
Gadd9 isn't a chord of any major or natural minor key, so it usually appears as a passing or borrowed chord.
What's the difference between Gadd9 and G?
Gadd9 is G plus A.
All three instruments are drawn and played from G, B, D and A by the same engine. Updated September 2026.