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 (320030)

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

Full Open Ringing (3x0203)

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

Easy High (xx5435)

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

Modern Barre (xx9787)

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

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.