E Add 9
Jump to any chord
Listen plays the chord. Play Along lights up each note in order so you can follow.
Eadd9
E – G♯ – B – F♯
Formula:R-M3-P5-M9
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-M9
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-9
Introduction
The E Add 9 chord is a four-note chord made up of E, G♯, B, and F♯. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, and major ninth.
Notes
E Add 9 Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | E – G♯ – B – F♯ |
| 1st Inversion | G♯ – B – E – F♯ |
| 2nd Inversion | B – E – F♯ – G♯ |
| 3rd Inversion | E – G♯ – B – F♯ |
Key Signature
The key of E Add 9 has 4 sharps.
F♯C♯G♯D♯
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 E Major
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the E major scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I — E Major (major)
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-M9
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-M9
The E 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.
E Add 9 — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the E Add 9 chord?
The E Add 9 chord (Eadd9) contains four notes: E (root), G# (major third), B (perfect fifth), and F# (major ninth). No seventh — the ninth adds brightness to the major triad.
How does Eadd9 differ from E9?
Eadd9 has no seventh. E9 includes the minor seventh (D). Eadd9 is bright and open; E9 is dominant and bluesy.
How is Eadd9 used in music?
Eadd9 substitutes for E Major in rock, pop, and acoustic music. E is one of the most common guitar keys, making Eadd9 a popular voicing in guitar-piano arrangements.
What songs use add9 chords?
Add9 chords appear in Wonderwall (Oasis), Good Riddance (Green Day), Yellow (Coldplay), and many acoustic and rock songs.
How does Eadd9 differ from Esus2?
Both contain E and F#. Eadd9 keeps G# (major third), while Esus2 replaces it. Eadd9 is major with colour; Esus2 is ambiguous.
Can I substitute Eadd9 for E Major?
Yes — Eadd9 replaces E Major in most pop and rock contexts for added shimmer.
Practice Tips
- Play E Major then add F# above — instant brightness.
- Eadd9 is popular in rock and acoustic music — practice it alongside standard E Major.
- Compare Eadd9 with Esus2 — the major third (G#) gives Eadd9 its clear major identity.
- Try Eadd9 in a rock progression: Eadd9 → A → B → Eadd9 for a bright, modern sound.
- The ninth (F#) on top creates maximum shimmer — practise this voicing specifically.
- Eadd9 works beautifully as an opening chord for a song — it sounds more interesting than plain E 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.