Badd9 Chord
The Badd9 chord is a added ninth chord built on the root note B. Its notes are B, D♯, F♯ and C♯.
Added ninth chords are open and shimmering. Unlike a ninth chord they leave the seventh out, so the added second degree colours the triad without any of the tension a dominant brings, a favourite of pop and worship guitarists.
Badd9 on piano
To play Badd9 on piano, place your right-hand thumb on B, then index, middle and little finger on D♯, F♯ and C♯. Press all keys at the same time and listen for a clear, balanced sound. Practice switching to and from this chord slowly, then with a metronome at a comfortable tempo.
Badd9 on guitar
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On guitar, Badd9 is commonly played with the voicing shown above. If the chord contains barred notes, keep your index finger flat across the fretboard and curve the other fingers so they don't mute the open strings. Strum only the strings marked as active in the diagram for the cleanest tone.
Play the chord
Badd9 chord notes
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Root | 0 | B |
| 3 | Major third | 4 | D♯(D#) |
| 5 | Perfect fifth | 7 | F♯(F#) |
| 9 | Major ninth | 14 | C♯(C#) |
How to use the Badd9 chord
The Badd9 chord is built from a root, a major third, a perfect fifth and a major ninth. Starting from the root B, stack the intervals to get the complete chord: B, D♯, F♯ and C♯. Learning the formula is the fastest way to transpose the chord to any other key.
Added ninth chords replace plain major chords when a part needs air, especially in fingerpicked guitar and piano pads. They are everywhere in pop ballads, worship music and indie rock.
Common progressions
The Badd9 chord works beautifully in these progressions. Click a chord name to jump to its page.
Related chords to Badd9
Once you are comfortable with Badd9, explore neighbouring chords to unlock new progressions. The chords below share notes, keys or functions with Badd9 and are a natural next step in your practice.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the Badd9 chord?
Is the Badd9 chord major or minor?
How do you play Badd9 on piano?
How do you play Badd9 on guitar?
What chords work well with Badd9?
Keep exploring
Deepen your understanding of the Badd9 chord with our other music theory tools.