Guitar arpeggio
E Minor Add9 Guitar Arpeggio
E Minor Add9 is a four-note added-tone arpeggio built from E, G, B, and F#. It is also commonly called E Minor Add 9, Emadd9, and E min add9. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- E, G, B, F#
- Formula
- 1 b3 5 9
- Semitones
- 0 3 7 14
- Chord symbols
- Emadd9, Eminadd9
- Also called
- E Minor Add 9Emadd9E min add9
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent E root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the E root notes and connect the remaining minor add9 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called E Minor Add 9 or Emadd9 or E min add9.
Chord construction and defining tones
E minor add9 is defined by b3 (G) and 9 (F#). It keeps the minor triad and adds the ninth without adding a seventh.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio over Emadd9 and minor chords where the natural ninth is part of the voicing or melody.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the E Minor Add9 arpeggio from one E root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Connect b3 (G) and 9 (F#) across two octaves and compare the color of the ninth against the minor third.
- Play over Emadd9, treating the ninth as a color tone that resolves to the root or minor third.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with E Minor Add9 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard