The F Add 9 chord is a four-note chord made up of F, A, C, and G. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, and major ninth.
Construction
F Add 9 = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 2nd = F · A · C · G
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| F | Root | 1 |
| A | Major 3rd | 3 |
| C | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| G | Major 2nd | 2 |
F Add 9 Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | F – A – C – G |
| 1st Inversion | A – C – F – G |
| 2nd Inversion | C – F – G – A |
| 3rd Inversion | F – G – A – C |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the F Add 9 is the tonic (I) chord of F Major, whose key signature has 1 flat (B♭).
B♭
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 F Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the F major scale:
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes F – A – C – G aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
F Add 9 — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the F Add 9 chord on piano?
The F Add 9 chord contains the notes F – A – C – G. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the F Add 9 chord?
The F Add 9 chord (Fadd9) contains four notes: F (root), A (major third), C (perfect fifth), and G (major ninth). No seventh — the ninth adds colour to the major triad.
How does Fadd9 differ from F9?
Fadd9 has no seventh. F9 includes the minor seventh (Eb). Fadd9 is open and bright; F9 is dominant and tense.
How is Fadd9 used in music?
Fadd9 substitutes for F Major anywhere. It is the IV chord add9 in C Major, making it one of the most useful add9 chords in pop music.
What songs use add9 chords?
Add9 chords appear in Wonderwall (Oasis), Good Riddance (Green Day), Yellow (Coldplay), and countless pop songs. Fadd9 as IV in C Major is extremely common.
How does Fadd9 differ from Fsus2?
Both contain F and G. Fadd9 keeps A (major third), while Fsus2 replaces it. Fadd9 is major with colour; Fsus2 is ambiguous.
Can I substitute Fadd9 for F Major?
Yes — Fadd9 replaces F Major beautifully. As IV in C Major, this substitution is ubiquitous in modern pop.