Chord chart for A major add 9 / B (3rd inversion) Guitar Chord: Notes, Shapes & Bass Note | Guitar Wiz

Amaj(add9)/B guitar shapes

Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions

Showing 8 of 107 playable shapes

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A major add 9 / B (3rd inversion) guitar chord diagram showing fretboard positions

About the chord

A major add 9 / B (3rd inversion)

Amaj(add9)/B is the A major add 9 / B (3rd inversion) guitar chord with B in the bass. It uses the notes A, C♯, E, and B and the interval formula 1-3-5-9.

The A major add 9 major add 9 chord extends the major triad with an added ninth B, creating a bright, expansive harmony. Unlike the major 9 chord, it lacks the major seventh, offering a fresher, more open sound often used in pop, rock, and jazz for uplifting atmospheres. With B in the bass, this voicing functions as the 3rd inversion of A major add 9.

Also written as Amaj(add9), Aadd9/B, and AMadd9/B.

Root note: A
Bass note: B
Chord tones: 4
Playable shapes: 107

Chord tones

AC♯EB

Common guitar voicings

These are quick-start shapes for players who want the answer first and the deeper theory second.

Shape x22220

x22220

View shape
  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string, 3rd string, 4th string, and 5th string in barre position.
  2. 2 Let the first string ring open.
  3. 3 Strum from the 5th string down.

Shape 707655

707655

View shape
  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 5th fret of the 1st string and 2nd string in barre position.
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string.
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 7th fret of the 6th string.
  4. 4 Place the 4th finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string.
  5. 5 Let the fifth string ring open.
  6. 6 Strum from the 6th string down.

Notes & Intervals

Each note below shows how the chord is built from its root. This is the theory layer underneath the fretboard shapes.

A Unison (Root) 1

The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.

C♯ Major Third 3

This note defines the chord's major quality and brings brightness to the sound.

E Perfect Fifth 5

The fifth reinforces stability and gives the chord its strong harmonic frame.

B Major Ninth 9

The ninth opens the chord up and adds a modern, spacious color.

Shape details

Every shape is shown with its diagram and exact fingering instructions.

Amaj(add9)/B shape x22220

How to play this shape

  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string, 3rd string, 4th string, and 5th string in barre position
  2. 2 Let the first string ring open
  3. 3 Do not play the sixth string
  4. 4 Strum from the fifth string down to the first string

Amaj(add9)/B shape 707655

How to play this shape

  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 5th fret of the 1st string and 2nd string in barre position
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 7th fret of the 6th string
  4. 4 Place the 4th finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string
  5. 5 Let the fifth string ring open
  6. 6 Strum from the sixth string down to the first string

Amaj(add9)/B shape 777655

How to play this shape

  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 5th fret of the 1st string and 2nd string in barre position
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string, 5th string, and 6th string in barre position
  4. 4 Strum from the sixth string down to the first string

Amaj(add9)/B shape 707605

How to play this shape

  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 5th fret of the 1st string
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 7th fret of the 6th string
  4. 4 Place the 4th finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string
  5. 5 Let the fifth and second strings ring open
  6. 6 Strum from the sixth string down to the first string

Amaj(add9)/B shape 777605

How to play this shape

  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 5th fret of the 1st string
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string, 5th string, and 6th string in barre position
  4. 4 Let the second string ring open
  5. 5 Strum from the sixth string down to the first string

Amaj(add9)/B shape 707650

How to play this shape

  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 5th fret of the 2nd string
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 7th fret of the 6th string
  4. 4 Place the 4th finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string
  5. 5 Let the fifth and first strings ring open
  6. 6 Strum from the sixth string down to the first string

Amaj(add9)/B shape 777650

How to play this shape

  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 5th fret of the 2nd string
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string, 5th string, and 6th string in barre position
  4. 4 Let the first string ring open
  5. 5 Strum from the sixth string down to the first string

Amaj(add9)/B shape 707600

How to play this shape

  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 7th fret of the 6th string
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string
  4. 4 Let the fifth, second, and first strings ring open
  5. 5 Strum from the sixth string down to the first string

Quick answers

What notes are in Amaj(add9)/B?

Amaj(add9)/B uses the notes A, C♯, E, and B. Its interval formula is 1-3-5-9.

What is another name for Amaj(add9)/B?

Amaj(add9)/B is also written as Amaj(add9), Aadd9/B, and AMadd9/B.

How do you play Amaj(add9)/B on guitar?

Place the 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string, 3rd string, 4th string, and 5th string in barre position. Let the first string ring open. Strum from the 5th string down.

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