B Add 9
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Badd9
B – D♯ – F♯ – C♯
Formula:R-M3-P5-M9
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-M9
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-9
Introduction
The B Add 9 chord is a four-note chord made up of B, D♯, F♯, and C♯. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, and major ninth.
Notes
B Add 9 Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | B – D♯ – F♯ – C♯ |
| 1st Inversion | D♯ – F♯ – B – C♯ |
| 2nd Inversion | F♯ – B – C♯ – D♯ |
| 3rd Inversion | B – D♯ – F♯ – C♯ |
Key Signature
The key of B Add 9 has 5 sharps.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯
Order of sharps
Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯
Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
Chords in the Key of B Major
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the B major scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I — B Major (major)
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-M9
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-M9
The B 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.
B Add 9 — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the B Add 9 chord?
The B Add 9 chord (Badd9) contains four notes: B (root), D# (major third), F# (perfect fifth), and C# (major ninth). No seventh — the ninth adds brightness to the triad.
How does Badd9 differ from B9?
Badd9 has no seventh. B9 includes the minor seventh (A). Badd9 is bright and open; B9 is dominant and bluesy.
How is Badd9 used in music?
Badd9 substitutes for B Major in rock, pop, and acoustic music. B Major is common in contemporary worship and pop-rock.
What songs use add9 chords?
Add9 chords appear in Wonderwall (Oasis), Good Riddance (Green Day), and countless pop songs.
How does Badd9 differ from Bsus2?
Both contain B and C#. Badd9 keeps D# (major third); Bsus2 replaces it. Badd9 is major with colour; Bsus2 is ambiguous.
Can I substitute Badd9 for B Major?
Yes — Badd9 replaces B Major in most pop contexts for added shimmer.
Practice Tips
- Play B Major then add C# above — hear the bright shimmer the ninth brings.
- Badd9 is common in worship and pop-rock music where B Major is a frequent key.
- Compare Badd9 with Bsus2 — the major third (D#) gives add9 its clear major quality.
- Try Eadd9 → Badd9 for a bright, modern IV–I sound in B Major.
- Practice the hand shape — all sharp notes give Badd9 a distinctive physical feel.
- Badd9 works well as an intro chord — more interesting than plain B Major.
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.