Fm(add9) — F, A♭, C, G — is a minor add9 chord: minor triad + 9th (no 7th) — a brighter, more open colour than a plain minor triad without the full m9 stack.
Intervals
The F minor add 9 chord stacks two thirds on the root. Each interval and its size in semitones:
- F→Abminor 3rd3 semitones
- Ab→Cmajor 3rd4 semitones
- C→Gperfect 5th7 semitones
On the keyboard
Each note of the F minor add 9 chord highlighted on a piano. Pitch class is what matters — any octave works.
On the guitar
One voicing of the F minor add 9 chord on a six-string guitar fretboard.
- 1F
- ♭3Ab
- 5C
- 9G
Common mistakes
The defining note is the 9th (G). 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 brighter minor-tonic alternative; common in indie rock, ambient music, and modern jazz.
Drill it
The F minor 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 Fm(add9) chord?
- Fm(add9) contains four notes: F, A♭, C, G.
- How is Fm(add9) different from Fm7?
- Fm(add9) adds the 9th (G) on top of the underlying 7th chord. The 9th extends the chord into the next octave and adds harmonic colour.
- When is Fm(add9) used in music?
- Functions as a brighter minor-tonic alternative; common in indie rock, ambient music, and modern jazz.