G♯add9 — G♯, B♯, D♯, A♯ — is an add9 chord: major triad + 9th (no 7th in between) — a brighter alternative to a plain major chord, popular in pop, indie, and modern songwriting.
Intervals
The G# add 9 chord stacks two thirds on the root. Each interval and its size in semitones:
- G#→B#major 3rd4 semitones
- B#→D#minor 3rd3 semitones
- D#→A#perfect 5th7 semitones
On the keyboard
Each note of the G# add 9 chord highlighted on a piano. Pitch class is what matters — any octave works.
On the guitar
One voicing of the G# add 9 chord on a six-string guitar fretboard.
- 1G#
- 3B#
- 5D#
- 9A#
Common mistakes
The defining note is the 9th (A♯). It sits more than an octave above the root, which is why the chord needs a wide voicing — in tight piano voicings the 9th usually appears in the top register while the root and lower triad tones cluster below.
In context
Functions as a bright tonic alternative in major-key pop, country, and modern songwriting.
Drill it
The G# add 9 chord is one of 48 in the Chord Trainer. Open the full trainer to practice it alongside related chords with timing and best-time tracking.
Open the Chord Trainer →Or try today's Etudle puzzleRelated
Frequently asked
- What notes are in a G♯add9 chord?
- G♯add9 contains four notes: G♯, B♯, D♯, A♯.
- How is G♯add9 different from G♯maj7?
- G♯add9 adds the 9th (A♯) on top of the underlying 7th chord. The 9th extends the chord into the next octave and adds harmonic colour.
- When is G♯add9 used in music?
- Functions as a bright tonic alternative in major-key pop, country, and modern songwriting.