G♯ Add 9
Also known as A♭ Add 9
Same keys, different spelling.
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Listen plays the chord. Play Along lights up each note in order so you can follow.
G♯add9
G♯ – B♯ – D♯ – A♯
Formula:R-M3-P5-M9
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-M9
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-9
Introduction
The G♯ Add 9 chord is a four-note chord made up of G♯, B♯, D♯, and A♯. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, and major ninth.
Notes
G♯ Add 9 Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | G♯ – B♯ – D♯ – A♯ |
| 1st Inversion | B♯ – D♯ – A♯ – G♯ |
| 2nd Inversion | D♯ – A♯ – G♯ – B♯ |
| 3rd Inversion | A♯ – G♯ – B♯ – D♯ |
Key Signature
The key of G# Add 9 (enharmonically equivalent to Ab Add 9) has 4 flats.
B♭E♭A♭D♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
Chords in the Key of G♯ Major
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the G♯ major scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I — G♯ Major (major)
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-M9
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-M9
The G♯ Add 9 is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M3-P5-M9 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M3-P5-M9 show the distance between each note in the chord.
G♯ Add 9 — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the G# Add 9 chord?
G# Add 9 is built from the G# root. Check the interactive keyboard above for exact notes and fingering.
How is the G# Add 9 chord used in music?
G# Add 9 appears in jazz, pop, and classical contexts. Its sound depends on the chord quality (Add 9).
What is the fingering for G# Add 9?
See the fingering chart above. Right hand typically uses thumb on root. Left hand uses pinky on root.
What are the inversions of G# Add 9?
Use the inversion buttons above to see each inversion with notes, fingering, and staff notation.
Practice Tips
- Major triad plus the 9th — no 7th.
- Open, modern pop sound.
- Simpler than a full 9th chord.
- Compare with G#9.
- Common in pop and worship music.
- Bright, spacious quality.
Related Tools
Chord FinderLook up any chord — see the notes, hear it, and play along.Chord DrillTimed drills to build speed and recognition across all chord types.Practice RoomPlug in a MIDI keyboard and get real-time feedback on every chord and scale.Circle of FifthsVisualize key relationships, relative minors, and key signatures.MIDI MonitorLive MIDI message stream with note names, velocity, and a scrolling staff.