Amadd9

General info

Full name

A Minor Add9

Symbol

Amadd9

Root

A

Quality

Minor Add9

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

viRelative tonic (vi)C major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

EE MajorDmD MinorGG Major

Main resolution

Amadd9source

EE Major

Minor chord Am is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).

Other resolutions

Amadd9source

Deceptive resolution

FF Major

A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.

Amadd9source

Modal resolution

GG Major

In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.

Amadd9source

Jazz reharmonization

D7D Dominant 7

In jazz, a minor chord often serves as ii in a ii-V-I progression. Its "resolution" is the dominant a 4th up.

Amadd9source

Functional resolution

DD Major

As the vi degree in major, a minor chord can move to IV or ii, creating subdominant motion.

Features

Character

Minor, with an added 9th and no 7th

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3), 9th without 7th (add9)

Description

The minor third sets the minor character, while the ninth (without seventh) adds openness. Sounds less dense than m9.

Application

• Indie rock, alternative
• Fingerstyle arpeggios
• Minor textures without jazz density

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.