Fadd9

Q: What notes are in the Fadd9 chord?

The Fadd9 chord (F Add9) contains: F, A, C, G. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Fadd9 on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is Fadd9 found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for Fadd9?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

F Add9

Octaves

Musical context

ChordF majorTriad

ChordFadd9F Add9

ArpeggioF majorBroken triad

ScaleF major7 notes

KeyF majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: F Add9
Symbol: Fadd9
Root: F
Quality: Add9

Chord notes

1Froot

3Amajor 3rd

5Cperfect 5th

2Gmajor 2nd

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: IVSubdominant (IV)C major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: BbBb Major CC Major DmD Minor
Main resolution: Fadd9source
CC Major
Major chord F is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
Other resolutions: Fadd9source
Deceptive resolution
DmD Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Fadd9source
Modal resolution
EbEb Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Fadd9source
Jazz reharmonization
Fmaj7F Major 7
In jazz, a major chord is enriched to maj7, 6/9, or add9 and can smoothly transition into a ii-V of another key (modulation).
Fadd9source
Functional resolution
CC Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character: Major, with an added 9th and no 7th
Characteristic interval: 9th without 7th (add9)
Description: A major 9th is added to a major triad without a 7th. The chord retains a simple triadic core while adding second-based tension between root and 9th.
Application: Added-tone major tonic
Pop and rock
Arpeggiated textures

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1F(F4)Bass

root

v2A(A4)M3from F

v3C(C5)m3from A

v4G(G5)P5from C

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC Yo (Japanese)ScaleF Major pentatonic ScaleD Minor pentatonic ScaleD Blues scale ScaleC Ionian (major)ScaleC Dorian ScaleC Mixolydian ScaleC Melodic minor ScaleC Neapolitan major ScaleF Ionian (major)

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Fadd9 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: DmD minor
Dominant: CC major
Subdominant: BbBb major
Key signature: 1 flat (Bb)

What to learn next

ScaleF Ionian (major)Scale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

F Ionian (major)A scale related to this chord

F LydianA scale related to this chord

F MixolydianA scale related to this chord

F Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

Open Trainer

Test yourself

(Press any key to start)

What notes are in the Fadd9 chord?

How do I build Fadd9 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Fadd9 found in?

What can I substitute for Fadd9?