Guitar arpeggio
D Major Add9 Guitar Arpeggio
D Major Add9 is a four-note added-tone arpeggio built from D, F#, A, and E. It is also commonly called D Major Add 9, DAdd9, and DAdd2. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- D, F#, A, E
- Formula
- 1 3 5 9
- Semitones
- 0 4 7 14
- Chord symbols
- Dadd9, Dadd2
- Also called
- D Major Add 9DAdd9DAdd2
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent D root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the D root notes and connect the remaining major add9 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called D Major Add 9 or DAdd9 or DAdd2.
Chord construction and defining tones
D major add9 is defined by 3 (F#) and 9 (E). It keeps the complete major triad and adds the ninth without including a seventh.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio over Dadd9 and major chords where the ninth adds color but no major- or dominant-seventh quality is intended.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the D Major Add9 arpeggio from one D root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Pair 3 (F#) and 9 (E) in different octaves and keep the ninth separated from the root when possible.
- Outline Dadd9 and use the ninth as a melodic upper extension before returning to the triad.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with D Major Add9 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard