Gadd9 Chord Guide

This page dives into the Gadd9 added-ninth chord for guitar - voicings, compatible scales and modes, plus where it sparkles in iconic songs. Gadd9 (G • B • D • A) adds that beautiful, open ninth (A) to the G major triad, creating a lush, shimmering, modern-acoustic sound.

Chord Voicings & Tablature

Common ways to play Gadd9

Classic Open (320203)

Full Open Ringing (30x203)

Easy High (xx5435)

Modern Barre (xx9787)

Scales & Modes That Fit Perfectly

Gadd9 extends the major triad with the ninth (A), so bright major-family scales work beautifully. Here are essentials with easy open-position ascending tabs.

Major Family Modes

• G Ionian (Major): G A B C D E F# G
  

  e|---------------------------2-3-|
  B|-----------------------3-5-----|
  G|-----------------2-4-5---------|
  D|-----------2-4-5---------------|
  A|-----2-3-5---------------------|
  E|-3-5---------------------------|

• C Lydian: C D E F# G A B C
  

  e|--------------------------5-7-8-|
  B|--------------------5-7-8-------|
  G|------------2-4-5-7-------------|
  D|------2-4-5---------------------|
  A|--3-5---------------------------|
  E|--------------------------------|

• D Mixolydian: D E F# G A B C D
  

  e|-----------------------------7-8-10-|
  B|----------------------7-8-10--------|
  G|------------------7-9---------------|
  D|-----------7-9-10-------------------|
  A|----7-9-10--------------------------|
  E|-10---------------------------------|

Pentatonics

• G Major Pentatonic: G A B D E
  

  e|-------------------0-3-|
  B|---------------0-3-----|
  G|-----------0-2---------|
  D|-------0-2-------------|
  A|---2-5-----------------|
  E|-3---------------------|

• Gadd9 Arpeggio: G B D A
  

  e|---------------0-3-|
  B|-----------0-3-----|
  G|---------0---------|
  D|-------0-----------|
  A|---0-2-------------|
  E|-3-----------------|

Gadd9 in Legendary Songs

The airy, modern sparkle of Gadd9 is a favorite in acoustic, pop, and alternative rock:

• "More Than Words" by Extreme – Iconic fingerpicked Gadd9 throughout.
• "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" by Green Day – Opens with ringing Gadd9.
• "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton – Beautiful Gadd9 in the gentle progression.
• "Wonderwall" by Oasis – Uses similar add9 voicings for that Britpop shimmer.
• "Collide" by Howie Day – Heavy reliance on Gadd9 for the acoustic vibe.
• "Hey There Delilah" by Plain White T's – Fingerstyle built around open add9 shapes.