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.
Construction
E Add 9 = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 2nd = E · G♯ · B · F♯
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| E | Root | 1 |
| G♯ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| B | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| F♯ | Major 2nd | 2 |
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 – F♯ – G♯ – B |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the E Add 9 is the tonic (I) chord of E Major, whose key signature has 4 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯).
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 triads built on each degree of the E major scale:
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes E – G♯ – B – F♯ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
E Add 9 — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the E Add 9 chord on piano?
The E Add 9 chord contains the notes E – G♯ – B – F♯. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
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.