Guitar arpeggio

Bb Minor Add9 Guitar Arpeggio

Bb Minor Add9 is a four-note added-tone arpeggio built from Bb, Db, F, and C. It is also commonly called Bb Minor Add 9, Bbmadd9, and Bb min add9. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.

Chord tones
Bb, Db, F, C
Formula
1 b3 5 9
Semitones
0 3 7 14
Chord symbols
Bbmadd9, Bbminadd9
Also called
Bb Minor Add 9Bbmadd9Bb min add9

How to read this arpeggio

The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent Bb root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.

Use the interactive fretboard to locate the Bb root notes and connect the remaining minor add9 chord tones across standard tuning.

This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called Bb Minor Add 9 or Bbmadd9 or Bb min add9.

Chord construction and defining tones

b3Db
9C

Bb minor add9 is defined by b3 (Db) and 9 (C). It keeps the minor triad and adds the ninth without adding a seventh.

Harmonic use

Use this arpeggio over Bbmadd9 and minor chords where the natural ninth is part of the voicing or melody.

Practice this arpeggio on guitar

  1. Play the Bb Minor Add9 arpeggio from one Bb root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
  2. Connect b3 (Db) and 9 (C) across two octaves and compare the color of the ninth against the minor third.
  3. Play over Bbmadd9, treating the ninth as a color tone that resolves to the root or minor third.

Fretboard diagram

Bb Minor Add9 Guitar Arpeggio fretboard diagram in standard tuning
Bb Minor Add9 Guitar Arpeggio fretboard diagram in standard tuning.

Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool

Start with Bb Minor Add9 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Arpeggio diagrams by tuning