The Gadd9 chord contains G, B, D and A, with formula 1–3–5–9. It keeps the third B and adds A without adding a seventh. Compare two root-bass layouts and try the note and exact-pitch exercises.
Read the Gadd9 chord as a G major triad plus A. The higher example uses G3–B3–D4–A4; the lower example uses G3–A3–B3–D4. These share four pitch classes but differ in spacing. Add9 and add2 labels follow context; the written pitches specify the arrangement.
The examples below are complete four-note references. They do not list every omission a performer might make.
Two explicitly authored root-bass spacing examples; this is not a claim that added-note chords cannot be inverted.
For the Gadd9 chord, Build the chord tones checks G, B, D and A in any octave. Match this example checks the four displayed pitches and their registers. A correct note collection in different octaves receives a spacing hint, rather than being called the wrong chord.
Use G, B, D, A. The formula is 1–3–5–9. Keep the B third: removing it changes the note collection to a suspended shape.
The list above names the chord members. For a specific register, read the octave numbers on the selected example below.
Start with G3 – B3 – D4 – A4. Then switch to G3 – A3 – B3 – D4. The A moves down one octave while the other three notes stay in place.
Both examples keep G as the lowest note. This comparison changes spacing, not the bass. It is a pair of reference examples, not a complete inversion catalogue.
| Example | Notation hint | Notes, low to high | Bass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Added note higher (9th layout), current selection | Gadd9 | G3–B3–D4–A4 | G3 |
| Added note lower (2nd layout) | Gadd2 | G3–A3–B3–D4 | G3 |
Here, the higher layout is labelled Gadd9; the inside-the-triad layout is shown with the Gadd2 notation hint. This follows the textbook illustration, not a claim that every player uses the labels identically.
Musicca also lists add2 as an alternative add9 label. For an exact arrangement, use the written pitches or score. For a note-identification exercise, separate the chord members from their octaves.
This page's complete added-note examples include the third and no seventh. A ninth-chord formula includes a seventh; a sus2 collection omits the third. Compare the note lists, not just the number 9 in a symbol.
| Symbol | Notes or formula | Third | Seventh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gadd9 | G–B–D–A | Included | Not included |
| G9 | 1–3–5–♭7–9 | Included | Included |
| Gsus2 | 1–2–5 | Not included | Not included |
Read G, B, D, A as four chord members. The A is the added member; it is not a finger number or a new key signature.
Octave numbers such as C4 locate a register. They are separate from scale degrees and finger numbers.
First choose the four note names in Gadd9, in any octave. Next select Match this example and reproduce the specific notes displayed. Correct chord tones in different octaves should receive a spacing hint, not a message that the chord itself is wrong.
These browser exercises check your selection on this page, not a performance on an acoustic piano. Fingerings are not supplied; the diagrams are not a prescribed one-hand stretch.
The reference brings together the formula, both keyboard layouts and their octave labels. Use it beside your keyboard when comparing the two examples.
The Gadd9 chord keyboard layouts identify pitches rather than prescribe fingers or a one-hand stretch. Both supplied examples keep G in the bass. Use the octave labels when comparing the higher and lower A, then choose a comfortable way to play the notes.
Read left- and right-hand finger numbersOpen Music Theory / VIVA Open Publishing
Supports: Added-note symbols do not imply a seventh; Cadd9 and Cadd2 illustrate different placements of D.
Scope: Theory and naming reference only. The transposed keyboard layouts on this page are PianoGrid examples; no fingering is assigned.
PianoChord.org
Supports: Major and minor add9/add2 construction and naming.
Scope: Theory and naming reference only. The transposed keyboard layouts on this page are PianoGrid examples; no fingering is assigned.
G, B, D and A. The Gadd9 chord keeps the major third B and adds the ninth A to the G major triad. It contains no seventh in the complete reference shown here.
The Gadd9 chord contains no seventh. G9 includes F, the minor seventh, in its full 1–3–5–♭7–9 formula. Compare the stated chord members before choosing a voicing.
No. The Gadd9 chord includes B as its third. Gsus2 contains G, A and D without B. Removing that third changes the pitch-class collection, rather than simply moving A to another octave.
The Gadd9 chord can use different spacings. This page contrasts A4 above the triad with A3 inside it and gives the lower layout a Gadd2 notation hint. Use exact pitches when an arrangement matters; symbol conventions can vary.
You selected the correct chord tones but used different octaves from the chosen example. Build the chord tones accepts octave differences; Match this example asks for the displayed registers as well as the note names.
No. These are two supplied root-bass spacing examples, with G lowest in both. Other arrangements are possible. This reference does not claim a complete inversion catalogue or prescribe a single hand shape.
First choose the four note names in Gadd9, in any octave. Next select Match this example and reproduce the specific notes displayed. Correct chord tones in different octaves should receive a spacing hint, not a message that the chord itself is wrong.
These browser exercises check your selection on this page, not a performance on an acoustic piano. Fingerings are not supplied; the diagrams are not a prescribed one-hand stretch.
Choose G, B, D, A, in any octave.
Chord tones: G–B–D–A · Formula: 1, 3, 5, 9
Dots mark the notes to play. C4 is middle C. Numbers identify octaves, not fingers.